Avalanche Forecast & Control Technician (Intern)

State of Washington•Chelan County – Other, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (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.

Requirements

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.
Basic proficiency using electronic systems, including Microsoft Office applications, to access, enter, organize, and communicate information.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.