Avalanche Specialist

Idaho Transportation Department; Lowman (ID); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing included

Paid utilities

Generous equipment allowance

Job summary

A state transportation agency is seeking a passionate Avalanche Specialist to ensure safety on Idaho's highways. This full-time position requires expertise in avalanche forecasting and excellent skiing skills. Candidates must have at least five years of highway maintenance experience and relevant certifications. The role includes responsibilities such as avalanche education for maintenance staff and offers housing and utilities. Join us in making a significant impact in the state's safety efforts.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Five years’ experience in highway maintenance with avalanche forecasting.
• WFR or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Avalanche forecasting and mitigation for Idaho Highways.
• Maintain weather instrumentation and explosive systems.
• Provide avalanche education for highway maintenance workers.
• Summer duties vary with need.

Skills

Expert alpine skier

Expert ski mountaineering skills

Excellent communication skills

Adaptability

Work under pressure

Adaptability

Job description

Are you ready to make an impact and be part of an award-winning agency that’s committed to improving the quality and safety of life in Idaho? Join the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), where every team member plays a vital role in our mission! We foster an innovative, collaborative environment where you can grow, thrive, and do your best work.

ITD is on the hunt for a passionate and highly skilled expert skier to take on the exciting and challenging role of Avalanche Specialist. This is your chance to work in one of the most thrilling and demanding avalanche environments, all while being part of a dynamic, cutting-edge agency.

Located in the breathtaking Lowman, Idaho, this position offers an opportunity to embrace both the outdoors and a rewarding career. Statewide travel will be part of the adventure, depending on the ever-changing weather and avalanche conditions. This position includes housing, paid utilities and a generous equipment allowance.

Ready to take on the challenge? Join us and help keep Idaho’s roads safe in a truly unique and impactful role!

Note: This position requires a criminal background check.

Responsibilities for Avalanche Specialist

• Avalanche forecasting and mitigation for Idaho Highways
• Maintain weather instrumentation and explosive systems
• Provide avalanche education for highway maintenance workers
• Summer duties vary with need

*This is a full time, year-round position. The months of November through May are the busy season for this position, expect periods of long hours and limited flexibility. Shift flexibility and extended time off is possible between mid-May through November

Minimum Qualifications

**You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to qualify for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position.**

Valid driver's license.

• Good knowledge of computer systems and applications used in engineering/construction and maintenance.

MQ Specialties some positions require

Avalanche Forecast Crew:

• Some positions require that you possess current certification from the American Avalanche Association standards compliant Level I, II & III certifications or Canadian equivalent, and at least five (5) years’ experience of highway maintenance activities where avalanche forecasting control duties were a primary responsibility.

Experience:

• Using engineering plans, specifications, maps, charts and/or GIS data.
• Providing direction and training on highway maintenance or construction inspection to others.
• Identifying and organizing appropriate materials and equipment for maintenance or construction projects.

Desired Qualifications

• 5 years operational avalanche experience
• Completion of a level 2 avalanche course

Excellent physical condition

• Expert alpine skier
• Expert ski mountaineering skills
• WFR or equivalent certification
• Excellent communication skills with diverse audiences
• Comfortable in high stress situations
• Adaptable to changing conditions and work needs

Contact

To learn more about the department, please visit the ITD website. Make a difference in your community and in the lives of the citizens of Idaho! Contact an ITD Recruiter at: [e-mail] or call 208-334-8664. The Idaho Transportation Department does not sponsor work visas.

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact [phone] (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [e-mail].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.