Avalanche Forecaster Job Openings

Date
mercredi 18 juillet 2018
Étiqueté sous

Warning Service needs forecasters for 2018-19 season

Avalanche Canada’s Warning Service has Avalanche Forecaster positions available in our Revelstoke office for the 2018-19 winter season. We’re looking for enthusiastic, highly engaged people to join our existing diverse and dedicated team that prepares daily avalanche forecasts; writes blogs; helps develop, test, and implement innovative new products; speaks to the media; and supports public avalanche awareness by promoting and participating in outreach and educational events.

Travel to various parts of Canada for the purposes of carrying out fieldwork and public outreach may be available to candidates with the right qualifications who are willing to commit to seasonal full-time work.

This is a great opportunity to become part of a progressive and influential group of skilled professionals who are passionate about avalanche safety and mountain culture in general.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and qualified applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview. This job posting will remain open until all positions are filled.

You can learn more about Avalanche Canada at: http://www.avalanche.ca/about

You can learn more about Revelstoke at: http://seerevelstoke.com/ and http://revelstoke.ca/

If you have questions or need more information after reviewing the following information please contact:

Position Overview

Avalanche forecasters deliver daily avalanche forecasts and other information as required for several distinct and often large regions. These products provide backcountry recreationists with the information they need to identify avalanche hazards and make informed decisions about managing avalanche risk. Public outreach in person and via broadcast and social media is also part of the job, through which forecasters play an important role in raising avalanche awareness and promoting recreational avalanche education. AvCan forecasters may be required to carry out duties in the field, which might include travel and activities in avalanche terrain. Forecasters stay abreast of new developments and research and, on behalf of AvCan, may carry out research and/or development projects pertaining to topics relevant to the organization’s vision, mission, and values.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Avalanche Forecasting:

  • Obtain and analyze third-party weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity data and evidence
  • Obtain and analyze weather forecast information
  • Assess and forecast avalanche hazard and risk
  • Produce products and provide services such as:
    - Public avalanche forecasts
    - Avalanche conditions reports and blogs
  • Deliver avalanche information to the public by various means

Raising Public Awareness and Promoting Recreational Avalanche Education:

Public outreach by various means including:

  • Web and mobile applications
  • Written papers
  • Public presentations
  • Social media
  • Broadcast media
  • Outreach events
  • Conferences and workshops

Field Work:

  • Mountain travel using vehicles, snowmobiles, skis, and/or other means
  • Make observations and record weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity data
  • Interact with AvCan field technicians, other professionals and the public
  • Report to other users and share information from the field using data exchange systems such as InfoEx™ and AvCan’s  Mountain Information Network

Essential qualifications:

  • Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) ITP Level 2 or equivalent certification
  • CAA professional member or equivalent qualification
  • Forecasting experience in various snow climates
  • High-level written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with using computer hardware, software, and online applications in technical contexts
  • Able to clearly and effectively communicate avalanche hazard and risk in English, in public and professional contexts

For seasonal full-time positions with field work component:

  • Advanced (80 hour) wilderness first aid course (or equivalent)
  • Valid driver’s license

Desirable qualifications

  • Experience in public avalanche forecasting
  • University degree in a technical subject
  • Advanced training in snow science and/or meteorology
  • Teaching and public speaking experience
  • Experience delivering presentations in professional and public contexts
  • Training and experience in technical writing
  • Media experience (radio, TV, print, social media)
  • Ski guiding certification
  • Mountain snowmobiling experience
  • French language skills

To Apply

Prepare cover letter of no more than one page describing why you want to work for Avalanche Canada and why you feel you are the right person for this position.

Prepare a  résumé that lists the following pertinent and relevant information:

  • Full name, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address
  • Relevant post-secondary and technical training, education, and certification: Include copies of diplomas, certificates, etc.
  • Proof of current membership in relevant professional bodies (e.g. Canadian Avalanche Association, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.)
  • A history of professional avalanche work experience
  • A list of recent employers with an emphasis on avalanche industry work: Include names and contact information for supervisors at your most recent jobs in the avalanche industry
  • A minimum of two references, at least one of which is an avalanche professional

 Submit your application by email to: James Floyer, Forecasting Program Supervisor: jfloyer@avalanche.ca

PLEASE NOTE:: If you are qualified, Avalanche Canada will contact prior employers and references prior to offering an interview.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Principal Duties and Responsibilities as well as the Essential Qualifications and Desirable Qualifications before preparing an application. Then submit a cover letter and résumé that focusses only on this position. Submissions that contain non-relevant information hinder the chances of a successful application