Avalanche Education Program Director

Grouse Mountain Resort; Washington; On-site; USD 36,900 - 78,412; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage, food, and travel stipends

Discounts through Ascent Outdoors

Pro-Deals with outdoor brands

Job summary

A well-respected outdoor guiding company seeks an experienced AIARE Course Leader to develop an avalanche education program. Responsibilities include overseeing course logistics, providing mentorship to instructors, and assisting with program development. Candidates should have AIARE certification, a wilderness first responder qualification, and at least 5 years of experience in avalanche education. This position offers competitive compensation based on teaching and program development roles. Applications should be sent to the owner.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years working in avalanche education.
• Familiarity with backcountry skiing or split boarding in Washington State preferred.
• Experience in program and management roles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee avalanche education course logistics and structure.
• Mentor and provide direction to avalanche educators on staff.
• Assist with the application for commercial use authorizations on public lands.

Skills

Avalanche education expertise

Mentoring

Program development

Communication

Cultural awareness

Education

AIARE Course Leader Certification

Wilderness First Responder or WEMT

Completion of AMGA ski/splitboard guide track programs

Job description

Company Description

Miyar Adventures (pronounced “Mee yaar”) is a small guiding company based in Ballard, Washington near Seattle. The name comes from a valley in the Indian Himalaya where the company owner did several first ascents. The company’s focus is summer backpacking, rock climbing, and alpine climbing in the Cascades. Miyar also runs snowshoeing and winter backpacking trips. The company has a family-like working culture and a loyal following of return clients. The company has been growing rapidly over the past seven years. Miyar Adventures is known for its work to make guiding and outdoor instruction more financially sustainable and emotionally fulfilling career choices, while also creating a space that is welcoming to people from all backgrounds.

Miyar is developing a more robust winter schedule of program offerings, which will include avalanche education, winter navigation, backcountry skiing/split boarding, and ski mountaineering.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced AIARE Course Leader who is excited about the opportunity to develop a new avalanche education program for a reputable guide service. The candidate should enjoy working with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, as our management team and clientele are diverse. The candidate should also be a skilled teacher who enjoys teaching those who are new to winter recreation.

Avalanche Education Program Director responsibilities

• Oversee the logistics and structure of avalanche education courses, within the AIARE framework
• Oversee the recruitment and hiring of AIARE Course Instructors and Course Leaders as needed for the winter season
• Provide mentorship and direction to avalanche educators on staff
• Provide mentorship to guide staff who work in avalanche terrain
• Assist office staff with the application process for commercial use authorizations (CUAs) on public lands for winter trips
• Assist with the scheduling of avalanche education courses
• Develop a database of backcountry course areas to be used by avalanche educators
• Develop risk management policies and guidelines for winter programs, or amend current risk management policies and guidelines to reflect the complexity of mountain terrain in winter conditions.
• Communicate with students and clients about upcoming winter courses or programs
• Gather feedback about winter courses and trips to further develop and improve winter program offerings
• Assist with the development of other winter programs, such as backcountry skiing, split boarding, and ski mountaineering
• Provide input on marketing efforts for winter programs
• Lead AIARE courses between December and April
• Complete needed prep work for the winter season. When practical this may be done remotely.
• This list of duties is not comprehensive. Other duties may be assigned. Miyar management will work with the Avalanche Education Program Director to match job responsibilities with the Director’s schedule, passion, and skill set.

Minimum qualifications and job requirements

Required Training

• AIARE Course Leader Certification
• Wilderness First Responder or WEMT
• Completion of AMGA ski/splitboard guide track programs preferred

Required Experience

• 5 years working within the space of avalanche education
• Program development experience preferred
• Management experience preferred
• Familiarity with backcountry skiing or split boarding areas in Washington State, or the ability to gain this familiarity on personal time prior to the first AIARE program

Compensation

• $400/day while teaching AIARE avalanche courses.
• $425/day while teaching AIARE courses, after completing 6 full-days of AIARE course instruction (two ½ days equals one full day)
• $200/day if doing ½ day instruction in AIARE courses. $215/day for half-days after completing 6 full-days of AIARE instruction.
• Pay for courses or guide work that are not AIARE avalanche courses will be assessed separately, and is dependent on level of relevant AMGA training and leadership experience in specific terrain types.
• $30/hr for program development, staff recruitment, and other office work
• Mileage, food, and travel stipends available when working more than 20 miles from home
• Discounts through our outdoor gear shop, Ascent Outdoors
• Pro-Deals with well known outdoor brands

Job Type

Seasonal Part Time (negotiable)

How to Apply

Send the following to Sandeep Nain, owner of Miyar Adventures: [e-mail]

• Cover letter outlining your previous experience as an avalanche educator and leader in a winter context, and indicating why you are a good fit for this position.
• Professional resume relating avalanche education experience, winter guiding experience, management experience, or other leadership positions in the outdoor industry
• Two professional references