STO 21R - District Avalanche Technician

The Team

The District is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services across the region by overseeing road, bridge, and related transportation infrastructure. Acting as a key liaison between the Ministry, contractors, and stakeholders, the team manages complex operations, contracts, and emergency responses that support public safety and the provincial economy

The Role

The District Avalanche Technician is a specialized operational role within the Avalanche, Weather and Radio Programs, providing frontline technical expertise in avalanche risk assessment and mitigation. The position contributes directly to public safety by conducting independent snowpack and weather observations, evaluating avalanche hazards, and supporting operational decision-making that affects highway safety and reliability. The role operates within a high-risk, time-sensitive environment where conditions can change rapidly, requiring sound judgment and adherence to established safe work practices. The position operates in a dynamic, high-risk environment and is in regular contact with maintenance contractors, emergency responders, other ministry staff, helicopter service providers, and members of the public

The District Avalanche Technician is expected to interpret rapidly changing conditions, apply established standards and safe work practices, and contribute to time-critical operational decisions.

A primary focus of this position is the delivery of the structured avalanche forecasting and avalanche risk mitigation program. The position contributes technical expertise to the development, refinement, and evaluation of avalanche hazard assessments and mitigation strategies, while operating within approved plans, regulatory requirements, and district priorities.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

Education and Experience

• A post-secondary diploma in forestry, geography, engineering or meteorology with emphasis on avalanche phenomenon and snow science research along with three (3) winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program; OR
• Secondary school graduation (or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program.

Note: Operational avalanche program experience must include at least three (3) winter seasons in an avalanche risk management program with at least one (1) of those seasons in a resource and transportation program managing avalanche risk, directing and participating in assessments of avalanche risk, and communicating information regarding avalanche risks. Experience within a transportation and/or resource avalanche risk management program is strongly preferred.

Training Certificates/Professional Associations

• Must be registered or be eligible to be registered with the Canadian Avalanche Association, as a professional member in good standing.
• Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) certification (or CAA prior learning equivalency assessment) in:
  • Avalanche Operations Level 2, (Level 3 is preferred).
  • Introduction to Weather (preferred).
  • Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1 (preferred).
  • Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping (preferred).
• Advanced First Aid, or equivalent, as accredited by WorkSafeBC.
• Incident Command System 200 (preferred).

Blasting Certification and Explosives Experience

• Must have a valid Avalanche Control Blasting Certificate - for Hand Charge and Helicopter Control Missions - acceptable to WorkSafeBC or equivalent.
• Demonstrated workplace experience of three (3) or more winter seasons storing, transporting, handling, fixing and firing explosives for avalanche control operations. Experience including responsibility for ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and safe work systems.
• Sound knowledge of relevant provincial and federal regulations and standards, including the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Federal and Provincial explosives and blasting regulations, WorkSafeBC regulations and guidelines, and Workplace Hazard Information Management Systems (WHMIS).

  Note: If certifications have expired and the applicant can demonstrate they have registered for recertification, this would be considered acceptable.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated operational field experience making and collecting weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity observations for avalanche forecasting and risk management.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
• Physically fit to regularly lift in excess of 20kg, to climb towers in excess of 4m high, to travel on foot in the mountains in winter conditions, demonstrated experience travelling and working in avalanche terrain under varying conditions.
• Experience planning, managing and directing helicopter-supported field operations (preferred).

Note: May be asked to respond to Provincial Emergency Program callouts for mutual aid, however this is not a job requirement, and participation would be at the discretion of the individual/Supervisor

For questions regarding this position, please contact jeff.vandriel@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:
This position has full time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

How to Apply:
Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a standard questionnaire (current employment status, eligibility to apply, etc.).

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.