Avalanche Technician

Canada West Ski Areas Association; Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ski safety organization is seeking an Avalanche Technician to support safety operations on mountain trails. Responsibilities include conducting weather observations, avalanche forecasting, and assisting in the training of staff. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in skiing and risk management, with a commitment to safety practices. This role offers competitive pay and various benefits, including discounts and health insurance for eligible positions.

Benefits

Free Seasonal Access Pass

Discounts at resort’s restaurants

Referral Bonus Program

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include first aid certification and avalanche operations training.
• Ability to ski tour in all terrains and conditions.
• Experience in mountaineering, rock climbing, or backcountry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor weather conditions and provide reports to the Avalanche Forecaster.
• Conduct daily weather observations and collect data for avalanche forecasting.
• Assist in training patrol staff on avalanche control and rescue techniques.

Skills

Expert ski touring ability

Strong risk management skills

Physically able to ski tour over 10km

Education

Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1

≥80 hour first aid certification

Job description

Job Title:Avalanche Technician

Location:North Vancouver

Department:Health & Safety – Patrol

Reports to:Manager, Patrol

Role Status: Full Time / Part Time / Seasonal / Hourly

Job Summary

As a Avalanche Technician, you are an integral part of the Mountain Operations team; acting as a safety resource for all staff from all other departments and assisting where required in creating good safety culture at Grouse Mountain. Under direct supervision from the Patrol Supervisor and Patrol Manager, Avalanche Technicians assist in the day to day safety operations of the Snowshoe trails and surrounding areas. Part of your duties include daily weather observations and snowpack readings, data collection and reporting, avalanche forecasting and training, and other risk management initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Completing daily weather observations
• Ensuring all weather data is being forwarded to the correct agencies
• Calibrating and maintaining weather-reading equipment such as Stevenson screens, snow accumulation boards and snow depth poles
• Digging weekly snow pits and recording findings of snowpack tests
• Touring the Snowshoe Park daily to maintain trail markings and signage
• Providing weather observations to the Avalanche Forecaster
• Assisting the Avalanche Forecaster issuing daily weather forecasts
• Assisting in the training of patrol staff in avalanche control and avalanche rescue techniques
• Assisting Patrol crews with morning set and responding to first aid calls
• Avalanche control including ski cutting and the use of explosives
• Closing sweep of the Snowshoe Park
• Organizing Grouse’s role in the CAA’s, ‘Avalanche Awareness Days’
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position reports directly to the Patrol Supervisor and Patrol Manager, with no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

• ≥80 hour first aid certification such as; Occupational First Aid Level 3, Outdoor Emergency Care, Non-Urban Emergency Care, BC Licensed EMR or PCP
• Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
• Expert ski touring (touring set up required) ability in all terrain and conditions
• Mountaineering, rock climbing and/or back country experience and skills
• Physically able to ski tour over 10km a shift
• Strong risk management skills
• Successful candidate must complete a criminal record check once offered the position; the check must be completed prior to start date if you are 19 years and older. Grouse Mountain will assist you with the process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progress toward CAA Operations level 2
• CAA Intro to Weather
• CAA AvSAR
• WorkSafe BC Avalanche Blasting Certificate

Working Conditions

Avalanche Technicians perform most of their duties outdoors and may work in all different kinds of weather conditions. Hours of operation are weather dependant. Due to the nature of the business, this position requires flexibility in terms of your work schedule. A variety of work schedules may include rotation of shifts, day/evening shifts, and weekends and statutory holidays. Shifts require standing for long periods of time, lifting, twisting, shoveling, and other forms of manual tasks.

Compensation and Benefits

$21.74/hour to $25.43/hour

All positions are eligible for the following benefits and perks:

• Free Seasonal Access Pass
• Discounts at the resort’s restaurants, retail, and rental outlets
• Referral Bonus Program
• Public Transit subsidies
• Free or discounted lift tickets at many other resorts (winter/summer)
• Access to free Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Northland Properties friends and family discounts program including hotels, restaurants and recreation

Full-time, year-round positions are also eligible for these:

• Health Insurance, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans
• RRSP matching after 6 months of service
• Free access pass for dependants

Disclaimer

The prior statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.