The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has an exciting opportunity for a Highway Avalanche Forecast and Control Specialist 2 on Stevens Pass. As a member of the Stevens Pass Avalanche Control Team, this individual will play a critical role in ensuring people and commerce travel safely on our state highways through effective and efficient management of snow and avalanche related risks.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced skier with a strong background in avalanche forecasting and mitigation, and weather instrumentation. The selected individual will also have a desire to apply a variety of skills including triggering avalanches with explosives and ski cutting techniques, data management and instrumentation experience, and alpine ski touring.

This is a seasonal position expected to last from September to April.

At WSDOT, we honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust. If you would like to join our team-oriented environment and enjoy continuously changing environment, and yet with a great deal of career stability and growth, definitely consider a career opportunity with WSDOT.

This position will perform the following work:

• Perform daily and interval observations regarding weather, snow structure, and avalanche conditions.
• Consider personal, co-worker and public safety as the first and foremost objective during the planning and performance of all activities.
• Record weather observations from remote stations.
• Relay snow pack and weather information to Avalanche Center.
• Communicate weather, avalanche forecast, avalanche safety issues and control plans with WSODT maintenance staff.
• Assist with seasonal opening, maintenance and closing of North Cascades Highway (SR20).
• Use explosives in hand-placed and remote delivery applications for avalanche control.
• Perform work via snow cat, skis, hiking, climbing, and snowmobiles.
• Maintain, construct, and install field observation equipment and explosive delivery systems.
• Use and maintain surplus military weaponry for avalanche control per AAUNAC standards.
• Train new personnel on avalanche control duties and safety.
• Remain current on new and emerging technology and assist with implementation of new technology when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

An ideal candidate for this position will also have:

• Minimum of five (5) seasons performing avalanche control.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CDL Class A without air brake restriction with hazardous materials endorsement, or the ability to obtain with 6 months of employment.
• National Avalanche School certification or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe handling and use of explosives and artillery.
• Knowledge of modern avalanche and weather forecasting techniques.
• Ability to travel mountainous terrain in deep snow while carrying a backpack weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform duties on uneven terrain, in extreme weather conditions and hazardous road conditions.
• Ability to climb and rappel steep slopes and work at heights.
• Ability to travel and ski advanced and complex avalanche terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather conditions.
• Flagging Card, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Valid WA State Explosives Users License or the ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to respond to emergency call outs within 45 minutes, work different and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights and weekends), and travel throughout the state, including overnight stays.

Note: This position is covered by a union shop provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, you are required to become a member of the PTE, Local 17, or arrange to pay that union a representational fee. The union shop requirement shall be effective on the first day of the month following the employee’s initial 30 days in this classification.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. You may need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions, as part of the supplemental questions you will need to provide a letter of interest. Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Brionna Hughes at 509-577-1604 or email to hughebr@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 17DOT-NCR-2S045

The Washington State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Office of Human Resources, at 360.705.7042 or email at jobinfo@wsdot.wa.gov.