Avalanche & Snow Safety Manager — Backcountry Ops Lead

Eleven HR; Crested Butte (CO); On-site; USD 683,000 - 924,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin Backcountry Guides in Crested Butte, CO seeks an experienced Snow Safety Manager to lead avalanche mitigation and snow safety operations. You will develop and execute safety programs, monitor conditions, and manage hazard mitigation to protect guests and staff in mountain environments.

The role is full-time, seasonally based from mid-November to mid-April, with a monthly salary of $6,000. Strong leadership, judgment, and communication are essential for success in dynamic winter conditions.

Qualifications

• Pro 2 Avalanche Certification or equivalent.
• Minimum Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification.
• Colorado Type 1 Explosives Permit or the ability to obtain one
• Minimum of 5 years ski industry supervisory experience
• Minimum of 10 years professional snow safety experience
• High level operational weather and avalanche forecasting skills
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Strong work ethic, teamwork, and dynamic decision making skills.
• High level self and social awareness
• Experience with professional mentoring and training

Responsibilities

• Lead avalanche forecasting, assessment, and hazard mitigation efforts.
• Manage the snow safety portion of AM & PM guide meetings.
• Manage all run openings and closings.
• Work as a certified Blaster-in-Charge during avalanche mitigation.
• Perform operations manager and/or guiding duties as required.
• Oversee weather, snowpack, and avalanche database entry.
• Oversee daily observations submission.
• Collaborate on snow safety scheduling.
• Purchase, store, and document explosive usage per Colorado and ATF requirements.
• Maintain current State and Federal explosives permits and licenses.
• Serve as an ATF Responsible Person.
• Develop and manage the explosives training program.
• Develop and manage snow safety mentorship and training programs.
• Manage the boot packing program.
• Create the snow safety portion of the End of Season Report.
• Oversee revisions of Avalanche Rescue and Snow Safety Operating Plans.

Skills

Avalanche certification

Wilderness First Responder

CPR certification

Explosives permit

Supervisory experience

Snow safety experience

Weather forecasting

Organization skills

Communication skills

Mentoring and training

Teamwork

Decision making

Job description

Irwin Backcountry Guides in Crested Butte, CO seeks an experienced Snow Safety Manager to lead avalanche mitigation and snow safety operations. You will develop and execute safety programs, monitor conditions, and manage hazard mitigation to protect guests and staff in mountain environments.

The role is full-time, seasonally based from mid-November to mid-April, with a monthly salary of $6,000. Strong leadership, judgment, and communication are essential for success in dynamic winter conditions.