Avalanche Field Technician

US Lawns; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Electric Light & Power Company seeks an Avalanche Forecaster Assistant to support the operations department during the winter season. You will assist with avalanche control, field data collection, and helicopter coordination to protect transmission lines and personnel.

The role emphasizes safety, data recording to SWAG standards, and successful field operations in challenging mountain terrain. The position runs typically November 1 through April 30, with possible extension into May or

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• AAA Pro 1 certification or equivalent.
• ProAvSAR or equivalent avalanche rescue experience with high angle rope rescue.
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT certification.

Responsibilities

• AvalancheControl – assist with active avalanche control.
• Site Safety/Risk Assessment – collect field data on snowpack stability.
• Records – maintain weather and avalanche data per SWAG standards.
• Coordinate helicopter operations for fieldwork and avalanche control.
• Assist with in-house avalanche awareness and rescue training.
• Fieldwork supporting avalanche studies including tree coring and mapping.

Skills

Avalanche field experience

Driver's license

High school diploma

ProAvSAR experience

Wilderness First Responder

Wilderness EMT

AAA Pro 1 certification

Education

High school diploma

AAA Pro 1 certification

ProAvSAR or equivalent avalanche rescue experience (must have high angle rope rescue component)

Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT

Job description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists the Avalanche Forecaster in runningtheavalancheprogramfortheOperationsdepartment. The position provides field support for risk assessment and mitigation.The standard date range for this position is November 1st — April 30th occasionally extending into May or June as weather dictates.

KEYorESSENTIALFUNCTIONS:

• AvalancheControl–Assistwithactiveavalanchecontrolinpathsthataffect transmission lines. In addition to active control for structures, this position may need to conduct avalanche control for site safety where AELP crews need to access infrastructure for repairs.
• Site Safety/Risk Assessment – Assist with collecting field data on snowpack stability.
• Records – Maintain weather and avalanche occurrence records and data to a minimum of SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Guidelines) standards using GIS systems and other databases.
• Coordinatehelicopteroperations,includingefficientuseofhelicoptersfor fieldwork and avalanche control.

SECONDARYFUNCTIONS:

• Assist with in-house avalanche awareness and rescue training.
• Fieldwork supporting avalanche studies, includes tree coring, field mapping and documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma.
• Valid Alaska driver's license.
• Minimum of 2 years working in the avalanche field.
• AAA Pro 1 certification or equivalent.
• ProAvSAR or equivalent avalanche rescue experience (must have high angle rope rescue component).
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT.
• Competent skier or snowboarder, able to travel in mountainous terrain safely.

EQUIPMENTUTILIZED:

• This position will require regular use of a desktop computer, smartphone and digital SLR camera.
• Back country skis or split board and avalanche rescue equipment.
• Snowpack assessment tools.
• Hand tools and low voltage DC equipment.
• Fall suppression/safety equipment.
• Motor vehicle.

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift 50 poundswithoutassistance.
• Ability to carry40-poundpackwhileskiing/snowboarding.
• Ability to climb and work from weather station towers up to 40'.
• Ability to travel on snow in adverse winter weather conditions.

MENTALREQUIREMENTS:

• Thispositionmustregularlyworkinstressful,fast-changingenvironments.
• Long hours may be required when conducting field missions or during storm events.
• Employee must be able to fly in helicopters.

WORKENVIRONMENT:

At Alaska Electric Light and Power Company, we maintain a drug-free workplace withacommitmenttosafetyandjobsatisfaction.Allemployeesmustcomplywith AELP company policies, including the Drug and Alcohol Policy.

AELP is an EEO employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithoutregardtorace,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Company Description

Since 1893, Alaska Electric Light & Power Company has provided clean, renewable, low-cost hydropower to the community of Juneau. Serving over 18,000 customers, AEL&P prides itself on a history of innovation such as being the first in the world to connect cruise ships to shore power, the first in the US to utilize the Daisy Bell for avalanche mitigation, and the first in Alaska to implement an Electric Vehicle charging rate, among many other innovations.

AEL&P is a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp.