STO 15R - Snow Avalanche Assistant

British Columbia Public Service Careers; Golden; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Columbia Public Service is seeking a Snow Avalanche Assistant to support the District Avalanche Safety Program. This on-site role requires observation and analysis of avalanche conditions, snowpack and weather to help protect travelers on critical transportation corridors.

You will work under the District Avalanche Supervisor, coordinating with contractors, responders, and staff. The position demands field experience, relevant certifications, and willingness to operate in rugged

Qualifications

• Post-secondary technical diploma or higher in forestry, geography, engineering or meteorology with two winter seasons in an operational avalanche program.
• Alternative: Grade 12 with four winter seasons in an operational avalanche program.
• Experience in avalanche risk management and training of staff/contractors/public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and improve the District Avalanche Safety Program under the District Avalanche Supervisor.
• Observe, analyze, and assess avalanche activity, terrain, snowpack and weather conditions.
• Work with maintenance contractors, emergency responders, ministry staff, helicopter services and the public.
• Willingness to respond to emergency callouts and operate in high‑risk environments.

Skills

Avalanche observation

Snow stability analysis

Avalanche hazard evaluation

Staff training

Teamwork

Public safety

Weather assessment

Education

Diploma in forestry/geography/engineering/meteorology

Grade 12 + 4 winter seasons in avalanche program

Job description

STO 15R - Snow Avalanche Assistant - (125742)

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Posting Title

STO 15R - Snow Avalanche Assistant

Position Classification

Scientific/Technical Off R15

Union

GEU

Work Options

On-Site

Location

Salary Range

$34.28 to $38.78 hourly

Close Date

10/1/2026

Job Type

Temporary (Auxiliary)

Temporary End Date

3/31/2027

Ministry/Organization

BC Public Service -> Min Transportation and Transit

Ministry Branch / Division

RMD

Job Summary

The Team Our team works to identify, assess, and mitigate avalanche hazards along critical transportation corridors. Operating in challenging mountain environments and changing winter conditions, we use specialized knowledge, experience, and avalanche control techniques to protect the travelling public and keep highways safe and accessible. Teamwork, communication, and safety are at the core of everything we do. The Role This position is responsible for supporting the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the District Avalanche Safety Program under the general direction of the District Avalanche Supervisor. The role independently observes, analyzes, and assesses avalanche activity, terrain, snowpack, and weather conditions. The position operates in a dynamic, high-risk environment and is in regular contact with maintenance contractors, emergency responders, other ministry staff, helicopter service providers, and members of the public.

Qualifications: Education and Experience Requirements Note: If the following requirements are not fully met, the position may be under-implemented at the STO 12 level. The full qualifications must be achieved within three (3) winter seasons to be fully implemented at the STO 15 level.

• To be implemented at a STO15 level, you must have:
  • Post-secondary technical diploma, or higher, in the field of forestry, geography, engineering or meteorology with an emphasis on avalanche phenomenon and the properties of snow or other related fields with two (2) winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program which include observations, snow stability analysis, avalanche hazard evaluation, avalanche control and training of staff/contractors and members of the public; OR
  • Grade 12 with four (4) winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program which include observations, snow stability analysis, avalanche hazard evaluation, avalanche control and training of staff/contractors and members of the public;
• To be under-implemented at a STO12 level, you must have:
  • Grade 12 with two (2) winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program which include observations, snow stability analysis, avalanche hazard evaluation, avalanche control and training of staff/contractors and members of the public;

Note: Operational avalanche program experience must include at least (2) winter seasons in an avalanche risk management program. Experience within a transportation and/or resource avalanche risk management program is strongly preferred.

Training Certificates/Professional Associations

• Must be registered or be eligible to be registered with the Canadian Avalanche Association, as a practitioner or professional member in good standing.
• Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) certification (or CAA prior learning equivalency assessment) in:
  • Avalanche Operations Level 2 (Level 1 minimum for under-implementation at STO 12)
  • Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1 (preferred).
  • Advanced First Aid, or equivalent, as accredited by WorkSafeBC.
  • Incident Command System 100 (preferred).

Blasting Certification and Explosives use Experience

• Valid Avalanche Control Blasting Certification acceptable to WorkSafe BC or equivalent (preferred).
• Demonstrated workplace experience of one (1) or more winter seasons storing, transporting, handling, fixing and firing explosives for avalanche control operations. Experience including responsibility for ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and safe work systems (preferred).
• Sound knowledge of relevant provincial and federal regulations and standards, including the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Federal and Provincial explosives and blasting regulations, WorkSafeBC regulations and guidelines, and Workplace Hazard Information Management Systems (WHMIS).

Note: If certifications have expired and the applicant can demonstrate they have registered for recertification, this would be considered acceptable.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated operational field experience making and collecting weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity observations for avalanche forecasting and risk management.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
• Physically fit to regularly lift in excess of 20kg, to climb towers in excess of 4m high, to travel on foot in the mountains in winter conditions, demonstrated experience travelling and working in avalanche terrain under varying conditions.

Willingness statements

• Willingness to safely work outdoors in adverse winter weather.
• Willingness to be on call and provide operational decision-making support 24/7 during elevated avalanche hazard forecast levels.
• Willingness to speak in public.

Note: May be asked to respond to Provincial Emergency Program callouts for mutual aid, however this is not a job requirement, and participation would be at the discretion of the individual/Supervisor.

For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position: This is a temporary/auxiliary opportunity until March 31, 2027. An eligibility list may be established to fill future auxiliary vacancies. This position requires full-time, in-person work at the physical location listed. A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service: The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace. We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process. The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Job Category

Administrative Services, Scientific and Technical