Utility & Risk Management Analyst

Job Description and Duties
Under the supervision of the Director of Risk, Fire & Life Safety and/or Manager Program and Project Management of the Risk, Fire & Life Safety Division, the applicant will perform analysis of utility proposals, Wildfire Mitigation Plans, examining utility accounting practices and recorded costs, rate setting, service quality, rulemaking, legislation, and safety associated with the Public Interest. The incumbent applies his/her analysis and standard economic, statistical, program management, and financial theories to make appropriate recommendations on public utility regulatory issues. Applicants will be involved in all projects associated with utility work for analyzing, reviewing, and making appropriate recommendations affecting public utilities and other job-related work as required. Presentation will be required orally and in writing on ideas, research, analysis, findings, and recommendations. The applicant will also support BVNA, Commissions and Utilities in proceedings, conferences, workshops, and public meetings associated with wildfire mitigation rulemaking, catastrophic events, and general rate cases.

Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your application. A SOQ is a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position and should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. The SOQ must be 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages and will be evaluated on content and writing ability. No Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used.

Job Overview:
The Utility and Risk Management Analyst is responsible for safeguarding the organization's assets and ensuring operational resilience by systematically identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks across various utility operations. This includes significant focus on analyzing and managing wildfire risks associated with utility infrastructure and operations. This role involves analyzing complex data, developing risk models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to inform strategic decision-making and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Risk Assessment and Analysis:

Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential financial, operational, market, and regulatory risks, with a specific focus on those leading to potential wildfire ignitions. Analyze market trends, financial statements, operational data, and geospatial information to predict consequences of business decisions and natural hazard risks.

Wildfire Risk Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement effective risk management strategies and frameworks to mitigate wildfire threats. This includes evaluating and prioritizing mitigation activities such as vegetation management programs, equipment upgrades, grid hardening, and operational changes (e.g., Public Safety Power Shutoffs/pre-emptive de-energization plans).

Modeling and Forecasting: Create and use analytical and predictive models to quantify risk associated with operations and capital projects, specifically developing and maintaining wildfire risk models to inform management decisions and prioritize investments.

Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor the organization's risk exposure and the effectiveness of existing risk management strategies through continuous data analysis. Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, communicating complex information clearly and concisely.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing utility operations, risk management, and especially wildfire safety regulations. Stay informed about changes in the regulatory landscape and implement necessary adjustments to internal policies and procedures, including preparing regulatory reports and documentation.

Collaboration and Training: Work closely with departments such as finance, operations, IT, legal, and vegetation management teams to ensure integrated risk management practices. Assist in developing and delivering risk awareness training programs for employees and engaging with community groups and government agencies regarding wildfire safety plans.

Claims Management: Assist with liability claims evaluation, including field investigations, particularly those potentially related to utility asset-caused wildfires, and support the organization's self-insurance programs where applicable.

Experience:
Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional work experience in risk analysis, financial analysis, or utility operations.
Prior experience within the energy/electric power sector, water, or natural gas utilities is highly desirable.
Specific experience in wildfire risk mitigation programs, vegetation management practices, or related field operations is a strong advantage.
Familiarity with utility business operations, energy settlements, and compliance is a significant advantage.
Experience with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) methodologies and tools in the utility sector is preferred.

Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modeling tools.
Advanced ability in using Microsoft Excel (including VBA), Access, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS) for spatial data analysis related to fire risk is a plus.
Familiarity with risk management software and enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.

Soft Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical and scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including regulators and community groups.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and project management skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Proactive mindset and adaptability to a dynamic industry environment.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data.
• Demonstrated ability to create forecasting models using Excel or other computer-based quantitative tools.
• Demonstrated ability to design financial research, collect accounting data, conduct analysis, and make practical recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to write and present reports that include findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to defend analysis and recommendations under courtroom cross-examination.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative and positive working relationships with others (internally and externally).