Lead Aviation & Avalanche Technician

Skeena Gold + Silver•Area D (Iskut/Big Raven), BC

8h•CA$110,000 - CA$130,000•Onsite

About The Position

Skeena Gold + Silver is a Canadian mining company focused on revitalizing the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine in northwest British Columbia. As an employee, you will join a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment, contributing to safe operations, environmental protection, community engagement, and the development of a state-of-the-art mine. This is a year-round, permanent opportunity. The Lead Aviation and Avalanche Technician reports directly to Skeena’s Health and Safety Manager. This role is responsible for the management, operation, and development of the avalanche safety program, mountain safety, and aviation operations (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and RPAS) across all Skeena work sites. The lead technician will supervise team members, guide program direction, and ensure compliance with Flight Safety Foundation Basic Aviation Risk Standards (BARS). Key activities include data collection, analysis, forecasting, communication, assessment, response, and training, all crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel, protection of assets, and facilitation of work.

Requirements

Must be a CAA Avalanche professional with Level 2 certification.
WorkSafeBC blasting certification with helicopter & hand charging endorsements.
BC mine certifications program blasting certificate.
OFA Level 3 or 80-hour Advanced first aid certification.
Valid driving license with a clean record.
ICS certification.
Strong mountain travel, physical fitness, and skiing ability.
8+ seasons working as an avalanche technician, including experience in a mining or industrial setting.
5 years’ experience in working closely with helicopters.
Background in avalanche & weather forecasting.
Familiarity and experience using the CAA InfoEx.
Computer literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint etc).
Strong communication skills, including technical writing.
Team player who is willing to contribute when and where needed.
Experience in delivering training utilizing learning theories/styles appropriate to the workforce.
Strong interpersonal and reasoning skills, with proven problem-solving abilities.
Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as with others.
Sound understanding of aviation risks, specifically with helicopters.

Nice To Haves

CAA Level 3 and completion of additional ITP curriculum.
Additional safety and emergency response certifications (rope, swiftwater, confined space, etc).
TC drone pilot certificate.

Responsibilities

Management and operation of the Avalanche Safety Program.
Lead daily avalanche forecasting and control operations.
Providing supervision and direction for Avalanche Technicians and Assistants.
Mentor team members and model best practices in safety, communication, and emergency preparedness.
Coordinating with site teams to embed the Avalanche Safety Program within other areas of the project.
Lead and manage the avalanche explosives program, including procurement, inventory control, and ensuring explosive magazine safety & security requirements are met.
Take command and direct any avalanche rescue, fieldwork rescue or search operations being conducted.
Lead the development and review of avalanche emergency response plans.
Coordinate and lead collaboration with other teams on site to ensure Avalanche Safety & Emergency Response readiness is embedded within all avalanche and aviation programs.
Oversee and participate in incident/accident investigations and risk assessments, identifying potential avalanche emergency scenarios.
Develop, implement, and promote new avalanche and aviation training programs and practices while ensuring a strong foundation of core safety practices.
Oversee installation and use of monitoring systems and equipment to ensure accurate forecasting of avalanche conditions and ensure consistent maintenance of avalanche safety equipment.
Design, implement, and oversee effective strategies to reduce avalanche hazards, including snowpack stabilization, controlled detonations, and other mitigation measures.
Maintain program-related supplies, equipment, and infrastructure.
Developing and implementing hazard reduction strategies.
Support other groups with the completion of field work and transfer of data.
Collaborate with supervisors, departments, and external partners, to ensure program goals are met.
Lead and coordinate aircraft missions, ensuring alignment with operations needs and BARS safety protocols.
Run daily coordination meetings and ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow, and work with relevant authorities to establish or modify Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and generate NOTAMs as required.
Ensure and lead oversight of aerodrome and landing areas, including associated equipment (APU, filters, Bambi buckets, etc.), verifying they are maintained, available, and compliant with Transport Canada regulations and legislation.
Ensure capability and equipment is available and maintained to determine wind speed and direction, precipitation, rain, snow, and ice can and visibility, temperature and thunderstorms and lightning.
Direct and manage risk assessments, identifying and mitigating aviation-related risks using the Skeena Risk Management framework, templates, and evaluation tables, ensuring compliance with BARS standards and applicable safety regulations.
Develop and implement a Skeena journey management plan.
Act as the lead communication point, ensuring continuous, clear, and effective communication between ground personnel, air crews, and other stakeholders.
Ensures all helicopter operations adhere to BARS standards and other applicable regulations, including those related to weather, flight planning, and aircraft maintenance.
May be involved in collecting and analyzing data related to helicopter operations, contributing to safety performance improvements and risk assessments.
Complete the BARS MCAR training and other related courses and programs to ensure qualification for the position of AC and be involved in training other personnel on helicopter safety as well as BARS requirements and procedures.
Additional duties as reasonably assigned.