Avalanche Technician / Forecaster

Avalanche Technician / Forecaster

The Avalanche Technician / Forecaster is a member of the Snow Safety team responsible for snow stability evaluations, reducing risk in avalanche terrain for employees and guests.  The Avalanche Technician / Forecaster works under direct supervision of the Snow Safety Director. Tasks are assigned according to specific procedures, and work is checked frequently. Instruction, advice, and feedback are readily provided.

This position is also responsible for performing the essential functions of a Ski Patrol I to maintain an efficient, well organized, and enjoyable environment for our skiing guests and employees while consistently greeting and engaging our guests on all parts of the mountain.

Position Responsibilities:

• Assess and reduce avalanche risk on a daily basis to ensure the opening of terrain when appropriate.
• Monitor weather, snowpack, and hazard mitigation and maintain historical records.
• Communicate avalanche and weather observations and trends with the Director of Snow Safety, Snow Safety and Patrol team.
• Participate in and assist in managing boot packing program at applicable areas.
• Assist with the use and storage of explosives caches and inventory records in accordance with all Federal and State regulations.
• Assist in keeping all Howitzers ready for use.
• Help coordinate out of area rescues as directed by the Patrol Director.
• Assist in training patrollers in avalanche rescue, hazard mitigation and avalanche route documentation for Pro Patrol staff.
• Assist in preparing morning weather and avalanche hazard briefing as directed by Snow Safety Director.
• Assist in managing closures inbounds and the ski area boundary in accordance with the Alaska Ski Safety Act.
• Perform general patrol duties as necessary including care and transport of injured skiers, lift evacuation, ski trail maintenance and accident investigation as needed.
• Maintain positive working relationships with all departments.
• Seek opportunities to enhance guest experiences, and initiate guest contact.
• Ability to follow SOPs and monitor others while engaged in avalanche mitigation work.
• Must be available to work holidays, weekends, nights and on call when avalanche hazard exists.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• High School education or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Required to pass an ATF Background Check
• Meet the AAUNAC Training Standards & adhere to the Military Weapons Operating Plan.
• Expert skier able to ski all terrain in all weather conditions for extended periods required.
• Must have three years of ski patrol experience.
• Minimum of Outdoor Emergency Care or EMT with current American Heart Association CPR and AED certification required.
• Formal Professional Level 1 avalanche education certification preferred.

Why Alyeska?

Alyeska Resort is a 300+ room resort which includes a Nordic Spa and Ski Area, nestled in the mountains of Girdwood, Alaska located 45 minutes south of Anchorage. Alyeska Resort is an incredible place and Girdwood is a friendly, lively town where residents value both outdoor adventure and community spirit. Alyeska Resort offers the type of atmosphere where our employees are able to work hard and play hard and are encouraged to share their enthusiasm with our guests.

Offering year-round and seasonal opportunities, working at Alyeska Resort is both rewarding and exhilarating. Alyeska Resort offers many exciting career opportunities, beautiful surroundings and exciting employee benefits including:

• Vision, Dental, and Medical Insurance for regular full-time employees
• Paid holiday and paid time off (Vacation and Personal)
• Free Season Pass for employees and qualified dependents
• Roth 401(k) and 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Discounts for rooms at The Hotel Alyeska and affiliate hotels
• Discounts in Resort restaurants, shops, and Nordic Spa

Family, Quality, Winning, Industry and Honesty: Our people realize that relationships rooted in trust, honesty, respect and gratitude are essential to all. We never get a chance to make a second first impression. Success is planning the details. We are focused and committed to doing what we say and accepting feedback as a gift.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, stand or be on your feet, kneel and bend for extended periods of time in all types of weather conditions. Must be able to lift, push or pull 60 pounds individually or with assistance.
• Work Environment: Regularly work in adverse avalanche conditions and required to use protective equipment to prevent exposure to explosives, hazardous materials and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces.

Alyeska Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All resort employees must possess current documentation showing they are eligible for employment in the United States. Alyeska Resort accepts applications for currently available positions only, and does not accept applications for “general employment.” Preference may be given to local candidates, as relocation may not be available.