Wildfire Ignition Investigator

About the Role

The Fire Investigation Specialist is responsible for conducting investigations related to wildfire and ignition events involving company infrastructure. This role includes thorough on‑site investigations, evidence collection and analysis, and preparation of detailed reports to support fire prevention and mitigation through root‑cause analysis. The position requires coordination with firefighters, law enforcement, and fire agencies, obtaining witness statements, and maintaining investigative files. It also involves providing specialized training to business units, ensuring chain‑of‑custody for evidence, and staying current with advances in wildfire science, remote sensing, and GIS technology. • Conduct on‑site investigations to determine wildfire origin and cause • Collect, preserve, and document physical and electronic evidence while maintaining chain of custody • Analyze fire patterns, burn indicators, and GIS data to produce detailed root‑cause reports • Coordinate with firefighters, law enforcement, and fire agencies, and obtain witness statements • Provide specialized training to business units on internal investigation processes • Stay current with wildfire science, remote sensing, and GIS advancements

Key Responsibilities

• ▸site investigation
• ▸evidence collection
• ▸gis analysis
• ▸root‑cause report
• ▸agency coordination
• ▸training

What You Bring

Candidates must have 1–3 years of combined utility and fire investigation experience and hold or be able to obtain a fire investigation certification such as FIT within 24 months. Required knowledge includes utility infrastructure, GIS, SharePoint, Microsoft applications, fire behavior, and the ability to obtain an FAA Part 107 drone license if needed. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills are essential, and the role demands travel, exposure to harsh conditions, and on‑call availability. • 1–3 years of utility and/or fire investigation experience • Hold or obtain fire investigation certification (e.g., FIT) within 24 months • Knowledge of utility infrastructure, GIS, SharePoint, Microsoft applications, and fire behavior • Ability to obtain FAA Part 107 drone license if required • Strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills • Willingness to travel, work in adverse conditions, and be on‑call

Requirements

• ▸1-3 yrs
• ▸fit
• ▸gis
• ▸sharepoint
• ▸faa part‑107
• ▸problem solving

Benefits

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. Xcel Energy offers a competitive salary ranging from $71,900 to $94,600, an annual incentive program, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and various employee assistance programs. The company is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to equity, inclusion, and protecting the environment, and it encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. • Base salary $71,900–$94,600 per year • Annual incentive program, 401(k) with pension, and paid time off • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage • Tuition reimbursement, fitness and transportation reimbursements, and volunteer paid time off • Access to employee assistance program and recognition initiatives

Work Environment

Field