Forestry and Fire Planner I/II

Forestry and Fire Planner I/IIThe Forestry and Fire Planner I supports APS's vegetation management program by helping ensure the safe and reliable operation of the electric system while protecting communities, customers, and natural resources. This role focuses on implementing vegetation management activities, maintaining compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements, monitoring work quality, and supporting defensible space programs around utility infrastructure, including Defensible Space Around Poles (DSAP) activities. The Forestry and Fire Planner II leads the strategic execution of vegetation management programs across APS service territories, supporting system reliability, wildfire risk reduction, and environmental stewardship. As a subject matter expert in arboriculture, utility vegetation management, and industry best practices, this role helps establish operational priorities, influence program strategy, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The position provides technical leadership and guidance to field teams and contractors while shaping long-term vegetation management and defensible space strategies, including DSAP program execution, that support APS's operational goals, regulatory commitments, and dedication to the communities it serves.

Coordinate vegetation management activities that help maintain system reliability and reduce wildfire risk. Conduct field inspections and audits to ensure vegetation work meets safety, environmental, regulatory, and arboricultural standards. Support the implementation and monitoring of defensible space programs, including vegetation management around utility poles and infrastructure through DSAP activities. Partner with contractors, field personnel, customers, and landowners to address vegetation-related concerns and support program objectives. Prioritize and manage scheduled work plans as well as emergent activities such as vegetation outages and maintenance-related issues. Lead the planning and execution of vegetation management and wildfire mitigation programs across APS service territories (Planner II). Serve as a technical resource for arboriculture, environmental stewardship, utility vegetation management practices, and defensible space strategies. (Planner II). Provide guidance and mentorship to field teams and contractors to promote safe, efficient, and high-quality work execution. (Planner II). Evaluate program performance, identify opportunities for innovation and improvement, and contribute to planning and budgeting activities. (Planner II).Knowledge of forestry, arboriculture, vegetation management, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Understanding of applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, and industry standards. Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and effectively manage both planned and emergent work activities. Advanced knowledge of utility vegetation management, arboriculture, wildfire mitigation, environmental stewardship, or related disciplines. (Planner II). Ability to provide technical leadership, influence operational priorities, and support strategic decision-making. (Planner II). Experience guiding contractors or field personnel and fostering strong working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. (Planner II). Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance operational and long-term program priorities. (Planner II).Planner I Minimum four-year bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, biology related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years related arboriculture experience. In lieu of bachelor's degree, ISA Certified Arborist plus five (5) years of arboriculture field experience. Possess and maintain ISA Arborist certification within one year of employment Possess and maintain AZ PMD within six months of employment Possess and maintain Utility Specialist certifications within two years of employment Possess S-130/ S-190 within one year of employment Possess IS-100within one Planner II Minimum four-year bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, biology related field from an accredited college or university and six (6) years related arboriculture experience. In lieu of bachelor's degree, ISA Certified Arborist plus Seven (7) years arboriculture field experience. Possess and maintain ISA Arborist certification Possess and maintain AZ PMD Possess and maintain Utility Specialist certifications Possess and maintain Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) within one year of employment Possess S-130 / S-190 Possess IS-100 Planner I/II Driving throughout statewide division territories to various work sites. Working hours outside of the normal work schedule including evening / weekend on call, and overnight travel (approximately 25%). Working outdoors during inclement weather or extreme heat or cold situations. Exposure to dangers inherent to work sites including sharp, high-speed rotating equipment, electrical facilities and infrastructure, falling and flying debris, difficult terrain, pesticides, insects and wildlife. This position requires work to be performed in the field and/or at the work site and is approximately 80% field work, 20% office. Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications: Arizona Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division, Right-of-Way Certified Applicator license and/or obtain such certification within one year of employment and maintain certification. Working knowledge of APS policies and procedures, environmental regulations, applicable ANSI and OSHA standards, and DOT regulations. Computer experience including Microsoft Office 365 suite. Experience communicating effectively across multiple layers of an organization and with geographically distributed field personnel. Interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and coordinates diverse responsibility, and attention to detail. A strong commitment to environmental stewardship.