Job Title: Avalanche Technician

Location: North Vancouver

Department: Safety

Reports to: Manager, Patrol

Role Status: Full/Part Time – Seasonal – Hourly

About Us

As Vancouver’s premier attraction we offer truly rewarding and memorable experiences! Our team members get to work in a challenging and cooperative environment where everyone comes together to create memories of a lifetime. We offer a professional atmosphere, fantastic growth opportunities, unlimited outdoor recreation, an inspiring setting, and many unique employee privileges. We are seeking new team members who embody our core values that focuses on people, connection, growth and challenge. We foster a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, and individual aspirations are fulfilled. Applicants who thrive in a positive atmosphere where service excellence is top priority are encourages to apply.

Job Summary

As aa Avalanche Technician, you are an integral part of the Mountain Operations team; acting as a safety resource for all staff from all other departments and assisting where required in creating good safety culture at Grouse Mountain. Under direct supervision from the Patrol Supervisor and Patrol Manager, Avalanche Technicians assist in the day to day safety operations of the Snowshoe trails and surrounding areas. Part of your duties include daily weather observations and snowpack readings, data collection and reporting, avalanche forecasting and training, and other risk management initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Completing daily weather observations.
• Ensuring all weather data is being forwarded to the correct agencies
• Calibrating and maintaining weather-reading equipment such as Stevenson screens, snow accumulation boards and snow depth poles.
• Digging weekly snow pits and recording findings of snowpack tests.
• Touring the Snowshoe Park daily to maintain trail markings and signage.
• Providing weather observations to the Avalanche Forecaster
• Assisting the Avalanche forecaster issue daily weather forecasts
• Assisting in the training of patrol staff in avalanche control and avalanche rescue techniques.
• Assisting Patrol crews with morning set and responding to first aid calls
• Avalanche control including ski cutting and the use of explosives
• Closing sweep of the Snowshoe Park
• Organizing Grouse’s role in the CAA’s, ‘Avalanche Awareness Days.’
• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position reports directly to the Patrol Supervisor and Patrol Manager, with no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications:

• ≥80 Hour first aid certification such as:
• Occupational First Aid Level 3,
• Outdoor Emergency Care,
• Non-Urban Emergency Care,
• BC Licensed EMR or PCP
• Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
• Expert ski touring (touring set up required) ability in all terrain and conditions.
• Mountaineering, rock climbing and/or back country experience and skills.
• Physically able to ski tour over 10km a shift
• Strong risk management skills
• Successful candidate must complete a criminal record check once offered the position; the check must be completed prior to start date if you are 19 years and older. Grouse Mountain will assist you with the process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Progress towards CAA Operations level 2
• CAA Intro to Weather
• CAA AvSAR
• WorkSafe BC Avalanche Blasting Certificate

Working Conditions

Avalanche Technicians perform most of their duties outdoors and may work in all different kinds of weather conditions. Hours of operation are weather dependent. Due to the nature of the business, this position requires flexibility in terms of your work schedule. A variety of work schedules may include rotation of shifts, day/evening shifts, and weekends and statutory holidays. Shifts require standing for long periods of time, lifting, twisting, shoveling, and other forms of manual tasks.

Compensation and Benefits

$21.21/hour to $24.81/hour

All positions are eligible for the following benefits and perks:

• Free Seasonal Access Pass
• Discounts at the resort’s restaurants, retail, and rental outlets
• Referral Bonus Program
• Public Transit subsidies
• Free or discounted lift tickets at many other resorts (winter/summer)
• Access to free Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Northland Properties friends and family discounts program including hotels, restaurants, and recreation.

Full-time, year-round positions are also eligible for these:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans
• RRSP matching plan after 1 year of service
• Free access passes for dependents

Disclaimer

The prior statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northland Properties is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.