Temporary Avalanche Maintenance Technician 2026

State of Wyoming; Jackson (WY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) seeks two Temporary Avalanche Technicians in Jackson, WY. You will forecast conditions using snowpack data, assess avalanche hazards, and reduce avalanche risk on key corridors.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, and enjoy outdoor winter work. Responsibilities include operating, maintaining weather stations and control devices, and teaching safety to staff.

Qualifications

• Avalanche control and forecasting experience preferred.
• Experience maintaining remote weather stations preferred.
• Knowledge of purchasing procedures and long-range planning.
• Able to operate heavy equipment in winter conditions.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain weather stations and avalanche control devices.
• Make daily weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations.
• Evaluate weather observations to forecast avalanche hazards for Wyoming highways.
• Conduct avalanche control missions in coordination with forecasters.
• Document weather and avalanche events for records and forecasting.

Skills

Avalanche control

Weather observations

Remote weather stations

Winter backcountry travel

Instrumentation maintenance

Education

National Avalanche School

CAA Level II Pro

Avalanche mitigation coursework

Tools

Gazex

Obellx

Avalanche Guard

105mm Howitzer

Infrasonic detection systems

RACS systems

Job description

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is committed to providing a safe, high-quality, and efficient transportation system for the State of Wyoming.

We are seeking two (2) Temporary Avalanche Technicians for the Avalanche/Maintenance Program in Jackson, Wyoming.

In this role, you will use meteorological and snowpack data to forecast weather conditions and assess avalanche hazards. Your work will directly reduce the danger of avalanches impacting Teton Pass, Snake River Canyon, Hoback River Canyon, the Town of Jackson, and surrounding travel corridors.

The ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, safety-focused individuals who enjoy working outdoors in the beautiful winter conditions of northwest Wyoming.

Human Resource Contact: Terra Poling / [e-mail] / 307-352-3048

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Assist in Installing and maintaining weather stations, snow-supporting structures, automated road closure gates, and avalanche control devices like Gazex, O'bellx, Avalanche Guard, 105mm Howitzer, and Infrasonic detection systems.
• Make daily weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations.
• Evaluate current weather and snowpack observations to help produce an avalanche hazard forecast for highways in the Jackson area.
• Work with the forecasters to determine the optimal timing and conduct avalanche control missions using the infrastructure listed above.
• Gather and document weather, snowpack, and avalanche events according to industry standards for historical and forecasting purposes.
• High level of fitness and excellent winter backcountry travel skills.
• Teach avalanche safety and rescue to maintenance personnel.
• Assist with budgeting, resource management, and scheduling.
• Assisting maintenance and construction with snow removal and contract administration.
• Secondary duties include operating front-end loaders and other heavy equipment to assist in snow removal.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/ AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

**Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Avalanche Control and Operational Avalanche Forecasting experience.
• National Avalanche School
• Level I - III, and CAA Level II Pro level 1 courses
• Several years of avalanche mitigation experience.
• Experience in maintaining remote weather stations.
• Utilizing and maintaining Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) such as Gazex or Obellx.
• AAUNAC training is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of purchasing procedures.
• Knowledge of long-range planning.
• Knowledge of as-constructed plans.
• Knowledge of monetary limitations and proper procedures to initiate payments.
• Knowledge of handling, storage, and safe use of high explosives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

See "Preferences"

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Individuals in this classification must be available for emergency work calls anytime, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Acceptance of an appointment to this classification signifies that the individual is aware of this requirement and will comply with it. Failure to be available for emergency work, without an acceptable excuse, will be grounds for immediate disciplinary action and possible dismissal.
• Must have the ability to sit/stand and operate equipment for long periods of time.
• Working with explosives and hazardous work in winter storms, natural avalanches are common conditions for this work.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Individuals in this classification will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• The Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.
• E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Supplemental Information

045-Department of Transportation- WYDOT- Chief Engineer- District Maintenance

www.dot.state.wy.us/home.html

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.