Avalanche Forecast & Control Technician (Intern)

State of Washington; Leavenworth (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks an Avalanche Forecast & Control Technician for the Stevens Pass Area. You will join a highly skilled avalanche team, performing field observations, risk assessments, and controlled releases to keep mountain routes open and safe for travelers.

This non-permanent, 6-month position requires travel in heavy snow, skiing in challenging terrain, and readiness for callouts.

Qualifications

• Snow science & avalanche education through enrollment/completion of a bachelor’s degree or AA3 certificate.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic systems to access and communicate information.
• Active commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented mindset and willingness to meet others’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily and interval observations of weather, snow, and avalanche conditions.
• Integrate field observations for risk assessment and communication.
• Conduct evaluations requiring climbing and skiing to remote sites for test methods.
• Record weather data from remote stations and enter data into databases.
• Assist with controlled avalanche releases using explosives and related equipment.

Skills

Snow science & avalanche education

Technology & electronic systems

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Snow Science or related field

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an Avalanche Forecast & Control Technician in the Stevens Pass Area. This is a rare opportunity to launch your career in one of the most unique and challenging environments in transportation. As part of our avalanche control team, you’ll gain specialized, hands‑on experience helping manage snow and avalanche hazards and keeping one of Washington’s vital mountain routes open and safe for the traveling public and communities that depend on it.

Working alongside experienced avalanche professionals, you’ll be part of a highly skilled team where safety, teamwork, and sound decision‑making come first. If you’re ready to trade the ordinary office for the mountains, build specialized skills, and make a direct impact on keeping Washington moving through winter, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What to Expect

This position requires routinely traveling through mountainous terrain and deep snow while carrying a backpack weighing up to 30 pounds. Employees must be able to ski advanced and complex avalanche terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather conditions, including using ski‑cutting techniques to assess snow stability and initiate controlled avalanche releases. The work may also require working at heights. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within three hours when required and work safely in cold, wet, humid, and windy conditions.

• Assist in performing daily and interval observations regarding weather, snow, snow structure, and avalanche conditions.
• Assist with combining pertinent information from field observations for risk assessment, communication, treatment and review.
• Conduct evaluations that may involve climbing and skiing to remote sites to assist with performing prescribed test methods.
• Assist with recording weather observations from remote stations. Assist with entering and maintaining weather and snow data into a database.
• Assist with the use of explosives in hand-placed and remote delivery applications for intentional release of avalanches to reduce overall avalanche hazard. Involves working via snow cat, skis (ski cutting), howitzer, avalauncher, and RACS.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Snow Science & Avalanche Education: Demonstrated foundational knowledge of snow science, avalanche phenomena, and avalanche safety through one or more of the following: current enrollment in or recent completion of a bachelor’s degree program in Snow Science or a related field at an accredited college or university; completion of at least two semesters, or equivalent coursework, toward a bachelor’s degree in Snow Science or a related field; or current enrollment and active pursuit of an American Avalanche Association (A3) Avalanche Education certificate. Ability to apply foundational knowledge to support avalanche forecasting, snow stability assessment, and avalanche hazard management.
• Technology & Electronic Systems: Basic proficiency using electronic systems, including Microsoft Office applications, to access, enter, organize, and communicate information.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to safely travel through mountainous terrain on foot and navigate challenging winter conditions while carrying necessary equipment.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand‑by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 3 hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Mountaineering & Avalanche Terrain: Demonstrated experience traveling safely in mountainous environments, including the ability to navigate and travel through complex avalanche terrain using appropriate mountaineering, skiing, or other technical travel skills.
• Explosives Safety & Operations: Knowledge of explosives safety and handling practices applicable to avalanche control operations, including the ability to safely use explosives in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements. Possession of a valid Washington State Explosives User License.
• Weather Station Operations & Maintenance: Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, or repairing automated weather stations or similar environmental monitoring equipment. Ability to identify equipment issues and take appropriate action to restore or maintain reliable data collection.
• Wilderness Emergency Response: Demonstrated knowledge and skills in wilderness first aid, emergency response, and patient care in remote or challenging environments. Possession of a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or equivalent.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• This is a non‑permanent opportunity, expected to last 6 months.
• This position requires routinely traveling through mountainous terrain and deep snow while carrying a backpack weighing up to 30 pounds. Employees must be able to ski advanced and complex avalanche terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather conditions, including using ski‑cutting techniques to assess snow stability and initiate controlled avalanche releases. The work may also require working at heights. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within three hours when required and work safely in cold, wet, humid, and windy conditions. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union‑represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non‑represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference Avalanche Forecast and Control Technician #24765 in the subject line.