Wildfire Command Center Deputy Manager

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

HSA (if enrolled)

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Denver seeks a WCC Management Specialist to oversee the Wildfire Command Center, set work schedules, train staff, and coordinate with PSPS and cross‑functional teams. You will monitor wildfire activity, manage data presentation, and ensure SOPs are up to date for effective decision making.

The role requires extensive experience in emergency management, strong communication, and the ability to operate under pressure while collaborating across the organization.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in emergency or disaster management, fire science, homeland security or related field or equivalent education and experience.
• 8+ years of experience in incident, or emergency management.
• Strong verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong ability to work across organization boundaries and influence others.
• Strong investigative, analysis, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• A valid state driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge and experience with NIMS, ICS, EOC, and IMT operations.
• Self-directed and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Ability to work well across teams in high stress environments.
• Ability to build relationships and manage multiple opinions.
• Ability to understand complex technical and/or business information.
• Ability to define and manage internal projects and milestones.
• Bachelor's or Advanced degree in Emergency or Disaster Management is desirable.
• Dispatch Center, Emergency Management, Wildfire, and Energy Sector related professional certifications are desirable.
• Experience in Wildfire Response is desirable.
• Experience in Energy Sector at a large Western utility provider desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop partnerships, build and maintain external relationships with emergency management and wildfire partners.
• Train and develop company personnel on WCC operations and emergency management concepts.
• Monitor wildfire information and identify and fill knowledge gaps for wildfire situational awareness.
• Provide oversight of training for staff and personnel assigned to the incident management team positions that coordinate with the WCC.
• Plan and coordinate Wildfire Mitigation and Response program activities.
• Maintain familiarity with specialized software, tools and processes.
• Develop and maintain Wildfire and WCC response plans, playbooks, SOPs and job aids.
• Serve as a key stakeholder for Leadership and business areas on WCC operations, PSPS and Wildfire events.
• Participation in the Planning Section of EOC or IMT during exercises and incidents.
• Routinely communicate with external partners about Wildfire Mitigation strategy and WCC functionality.
• Design and facilitate training and exercises per HSEEP for WCC operations.
• Engage in state/county/federal meetings and external exercises; monitor performance and improvements.
• Ensure operational alignment with NIMS/ICS and ICS fundamentals.
• Maintain interpersonal and liaison skills.
• Document Wildfire and PSPS event data, incident action plans, and dashboards.

Skills

Strong verbal/written communication

Cross-organizational collaboration

Decision support

Ambiguity management

Education

Associate’s degree in emergency/disaster management or related field

Bachelors/Advanced degree desirable

Tools

GIS

Wildfire detection systems

Mapping tools

Weather intelligence

Dashboards

Job description

Xcel Energy in Denver seeks a WCC Management Specialist to oversee the Wildfire Command Center, set work schedules, train staff, and coordinate with PSPS and cross‑functional teams. You will monitor wildfire activity, manage data presentation, and ensure SOPs are up to date for effective decision making.

The role requires extensive experience in emergency management, strong communication, and the ability to operate under pressure while collaborating across the organization.