Temporary Avalanche Maintenance Technician 2026-02195

State of Wyoming; Jackson (WY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wyoming Department of Transportation seeks two Temporary Avalanche Technicians for its Avalanche/Maintenance Program in Jackson, Wyoming. You will forecast weather, assess avalanche hazards, and support highway safety along key corridors.

The role emphasizes field observations, safety, and collaboration with forecasters in challenging winter conditions. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, and physically capable of backcountry winter work, with experience in avalanche

Qualifications

• Emergency work calls may be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to sit/stand and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Experience with explosives handling is relevant and safety-critical.

Responsibilities

• Assist in installing and maintaining weather stations and avalanche control devices.
• Make daily weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations.
• Evaluate weather and snowpack observations to forecast highway hazards.
• Conduct avalanche control missions using installed infrastructure.
• Operate heavy equipment for snow removal and related tasks.
• Teach avalanche safety and rescue to maintenance personnel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety-focused

Backcountry travel skills

High level of fitness

Equipment operation

Tools

Gazex

Obellx

105mm Howitzer

Infrasonic detection

Job description

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

• 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.

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"

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. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

To learn more about the Wyoming Department of Transportation please visit us at www.dot.state.wy.us/home.html

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

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.