Advisor – Wildfire Mitigation

at  Quanta Technology

Quanta Technology is an independent technology, consulting, and testing company providing business and technical expertise along with advanced methodologies and processes, to utilities and others in the power and energy industries. Our mission is to provide unparalleled value to our clients in every engagement across the value chain by using advanced software and hardware, laboratories, and custom tools for a holistic approach to practical service and the most insightful thought leadership in the industry.
At Quanta Technology, our people define us. We value a company culture based on core values of diversity, teamwork, respect, accountability, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Not only will you get the chance to work alongside industry thought leaders, but the opportunity to become a thought leader yourself. We’re focused on creating an environment committed to employee growth. That is achieved by ensuring a quality workspace, allowing flexible schedules, and through our training & mentoring programs. Quanta Technology is committed to an equal-opportunity workplace.
Quanta Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), a member of the S&P 500 and the largest specialty engineering construction company in North America, serving energy companies and communication utilities around the world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Wildfire Mitigation Advisor role at Quanta Technology is an important technical position designed for individuals with proven expertise in wildfire risk mitigation for electric utility sector and a strong ability to lead and execute complex projects independently. Advisors are expected to possess excellent project management skills, demonstrate the ability to write compelling proposals, and play an active role in identifying new opportunities and managing client relationships. An Advisor is encouraged to build a strong industry presence and aim at becoming one of the top-recognized people in their area in the future. They are responsible for leading a team and providing tactical advice to clients at the department, director, or manager level. These individuals must be able to understand complex industry and technical challenges and develop and lead solutions from different disciplines at the tactical level. A typical scope of work for this position includes developing solutions to complex problems that involve technical and economic perspectives.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Recognized as a top industry expert in at least one area of the utility industry as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, leadership in technical societies, industry awards, and/or patents.
• 8+ years of experience and demonstrated success in technical leadership.
• 6+ years of experience in wildfire mitigation program development and implementation in the utility sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or another relevant technical field such as Environmental Science or Emergency Management.
• Familiarity with the statutory frameworks, regulations and industry practices for wildfire mitigation in electric utilities

SKILLS & SYSTEMS

• Strategic mindset in developing comprehensive wildfire management plans and executing fire prevention programs.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Broad background in power systems planning, power systems economics, and operations.
• High level of interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive workspace.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills and ability to explain complex analytical concepts to stakeholders from other fields.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.)
• Master’s in Electrical Engineering or a relevant technical field
• Experience in climate resilience, disaster risk management, and infrastructure risk analysis
• Practical experience or theoretical knowledge of climate adaptation and vulnerability assessment (CAVA) framework, Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs), and Risk Assessment and Mitigation Phase (RAMP) filing process in California
• Prior experience in vegetation management in power utility sector

SKILLS & SYSTEMS

• Understanding of T&D design standards, material standards, and standard specifications
• High level of business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and soft skills required for client-facing roles.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to understand and review codes in Python, MATLAB, and/or R

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that address complex challenges in wildfire mitigation in the power utilities sector.
• Prepare and deliver data-driven wildfire mitigation assessment, benchmarking, gap assessment, and develop recommendations on mitigation options for senior management and other stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance risk-informed, data-driven preemptive de-energization and recloser disablement programs for power utilities.
• Develop wildfire mitigation strategies including system hardening, situational awareness, vegetation management, asset management, system design, among others.
• Identify investment opportunities and prioritize capital programs for wildfire mitigation at utilities.
• Stay updated on regulations, statutory frameworks, and standards on wildfire mitigation in various jurisdictions in the US and Canada.
• Offer expert guidance, informed analysis, and strategic recommendations for wildfire risk management and mitigation processes.
• Independently write business proposals
• Help identify and pursue business opportunities in areas of expertise.
• Provide and further develop high-quality project management skills.
• Develop contacts to generate projects.
• Leverage Quanta Technology synergies and resources
• Present individual and overall Quanta Technology competencies and offerings to customers
• Gain the utmost confidence and trust of the customer to be perceived as an expert in the area of expertise.
• Be a team player, promoting overall Quanta Technology
• Follow the Quanta Technology processes, strategic directions, and vision.
• Keep abreast of related technical developments in the field.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and analysts in the team, providing technical leadership and promoting a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development (BD) responsibilities include identifying and helping to develop strategic revenue-generating relationships with existing or potential customers. After an initial adjustment period, Advisors typically will perform BD activities assisting others in this area. Achievement of BD activities should result in being able to support oneself in billable work. The ability to support additional staff in billable work will improve one’s assent within this position’s pay range. However, Advisors with strong technical skills who do not perform any level of BD activity may only ascend to the mid-level of this position’s pay range.