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Avalanche Technician Job Opening – Winter 25/26

COASTAL ALASKA AVALANCHE CENTER 

AVALANCHE TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:  Avalanche Technician, Seasonal Part-time

PAY:  $24.00-$31.00 DOE

START DATE: As soon as possible upon hire.  We anticipate about 12 hours of work per week to support avalanche forecasting.  We anticipate the need for forecasts to extend roughly through March, and there may be potential to continue employment in future winter seasons.

LOCATION: Juneau, Alaska. The CAAC forecast area focuses primarily on Douglas Island, as well as parts of the mainland near Juneau, Alaska. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the Avalanche Technician position is to collect and analyze field, snow, and weather data in order to support public avalanche advisories for backcountry winter users in the CAAC forecast area.   

Coastal Alaska Avalanche Center (CAAC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote avalanche education and awareness through observations, advisories, and public outreach.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Avalanche Technician will assist CAAC’s existing Avalanche Forecasters to provide Juneau’s backcountry avalanche forecast.  Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following. Additional duties may be required. Duties will be performed from a home office and in the field within the CAAC forecast area.

  • Field Work and Data Collection: Working with existing forecasters, collect field data on snow, weather, and avalanche conditions and ensure appropriate data is collected to inform avalanche forecasts. Practice established mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting field data. Communicate with CAAC observers as needed and assist with maintaining the Center’s Observation database.
    • Data Analysis, Avalanche Forecasting, and Technical Writing: Work with forecasters to analyze snow, weather, and avalanche observations and determine current and future trends in avalanche hazard. Assist with the preparation of content for the End of Season Report. Prepare written summaries of specific events, avalanche incidents, and other content as assigned.
    • Community Education and Outreach: Assist or lead in the content development for online media. Participate and assist with outreach, interagency collaboration efforts, and events as directed. Attend the CAAC public event(s) and assist with fundraising or marketing efforts as directed. Assist with the education content development for the Center’s website and social media, including photo and video documentation of backcountry conditions and observations.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of snow science and avalanche forecasting methods and principles
  • Professional avalanche training such as National Avalanche School, AAA Pro Level I, AVPRO, AAA Pro2, CAA Level II, or equivalent training course
  • Ability to collect field snow and weather observations and conduct snow stability analysis using snow pits and other standard techniques
  • Ability to interpret and analyze snowpack, avalanche, and meteorological data from various sources
  • Expert skills in winter non-motorized backcountry travel and avalanche safety protocol
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Technical writing experience
  • Experience with Google Apps, common social media platforms, and web-based software
  • Excellent fitness

Desired Qualifications:

  • Operational avalanche forecasting experience
  • Ski industry or backcountry guiding experience
  • Experience with instructing avalanche education courses
  • Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
  • Skills with digital media, including the taking, editing, and publishing of photographs and videos
  • Familiarity with terrain in CAAC’s forecast zone
  • American Avalanche Association Pro membership

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Employee must act professionally, be willing to follow organizational policies, and represent CAAC positively to the public and partner organizations.
  • Employees must be located in Juneau, AK for the winter season.
  • Ability to work irregular hours as required, including weekends and holidays, early mornings, and evening hours.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • This position will require winter driving. Employees must provide their own transportation in an appropriate and insured vehicle for winter travel throughout the CAAC forecast area. 
  • Ability to travel safely in winter conditions in mountainous environments for required fieldwork.
  • Must possess equipment suitable for backcountry winter travel in avalanche terrain (Personal Protective Equipment Allowance may be provided).

TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and cover letter to hr@coastalakavalanche.org by Friday, January 23rd.