Fire Behavior Analyst - Oahu

We recognize our competitive advantage — our people. We believe in our employees, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company. Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

About the role

The PDI Ignition Management Office in the Emergency Preparedness & Response Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has one management vacancy for a professional role. This position leverages advanced data science methodologies to assess and predict fire risk across Hawaiian Electric’s service territories. It involves developing models integrating weather, fuel load, and environmental data to assess wildfire risks and develop mitigation strategies. The role provides actionable insights for infrastructure protection, emergency response planning, and long-term grid resilience while supporting operational decision-making through predictive analytics and geospatial intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Fire Behavior Modeling and Planning
  • Designs and implements computational models for fire risk prediction using weather, climate, and environmental data.
  • Utilizes and manages wildfire modeling tools to produce wildfire spread predictions and scenario analyses.
  • Collaborates with meteorologists, field operations, and other teams to assess wildfire risk based on conditions and environmental factors.
  • Advises on infrastructure protection measures, including underground lines, fire-resistant materials, and vegetation management.
  • Develops rapid response strategies and reduction projects, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in high-risk areas.
  • Monitors and analyzes GIS data for wildfire tracking and risk assessment.
  • Supports wildfire mitigation planning and coordination with operational teams.
  • Prepares reports on fuel conditions, risk assessments, and mitigation activities.
  • Presents findings to stakeholders and management.
• Fire Data Analysis
  • Analyzes large datasets related to fire risk, grid infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
  • Conducts fieldwork to collect samples from forests, grasslands, and urban interfaces.
  • Analyzes collected samples to determine moisture content, fuel load, and other critical parameters influencing wildfire behavior.
  • Maintains accurate records of sample data and analysis results.
  • Utilizes GIS and other data management tools to map and track fuel conditions.
  • Supports fire investigations with data-driven insights.
  • Develops dashboards, tools, and visualizations to inform leadership and guide strategic decisions.
  • Prepares and delivers presentations to senior management.
  • Provides internal training and support to stakeholders on fire data analytics.
• Emergency Response Support
  • Provides analytical support during wildfire events and other emergencies.
  • Participates in company emergency response activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge
  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, fire science, engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with wildfire behavior modeling.
  • Proficiency in GIS and data management tools and data libraries.
  • Knowledge of Python and SQL preferred.
  • Familiarity with data governance and industry best practices.
  • Successful completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (“NWCG”) training courses preferred: S-390 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations), S-482 (Strategic Operational Planning), S-495 (Geospatial Fire Analysis, Interpretation and Application), S-490 (Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations), S-491 (Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System), or S-590 (Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation).
  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Behavior Analyst (“FBAN”) qualification preferred.
• Skills
  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Skilled in translating complex data into actionable insights and visualizations.
  • Strong analytical, conceptual, and administrative capabilities.
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • High emotional intelligence and discretion in handling sensitive issues.
  • Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license.
  • Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy.
• Experience
  • Several (3-5) years of experience in wildfire mitigation, wildfire behavior modeling, wildfire planning, or wildfire mitigation program management.

About Hawaiian Electric Companies

Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs. The demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands has been met by Hawaiian Electric Companies for well over a century. The company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses to come.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $89,100.00 to $113,700.00. The selected candidate will be placed according to skills and qualifications.

Location: Honolulu – Oahu