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Avalanche Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Avalanche Energy Avalanche Energy is a Washington-based startup building compact, deployable fusion systems through rapid hardware iteration. Rather than pursuing fusion as a single grid-scale ...

Manager: Ski Patrol

Breckenridge, CO ยท On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

The Snow Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily avalanche hazard forecasts and avalanche hazard mitigation for the resort. They are responsible for delegating and carrying out the ...

Patrol Manager

South Salt Lake, UT

$104K - $107K/yr

Avalanche Pro 2 preferred. * Avalanche mitigation experience at a Class "A" resort preferred, including route leader-level responsibilities. * Current Utah EMT, National EMT, or OEC certification ...

Manager: Ski Patrol

Breckenridge, CO ยท On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

The Snow Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily avalanche hazard forecasts and avalanche hazard mitigation for the resort. They are responsible for delegating and carrying out the ...

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Avalanche information

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$9

$36

$61

How much do avalanche jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche in the United States is $36.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Avalanche Forecaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Avalanche Forecaster, you need strong expertise in snow science, meteorology, and terrain analysis, often supported by a degree in earth sciences or a related field and specialized avalanche safety certifications (such as AIARE or AAA). Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, weather modeling systems, and avalanche forecasting software is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and risk assessment skills are crucial for conveying complex information to the public and stakeholders. These competencies are vital to ensuring accurate forecasts and promoting safety in avalanche-prone environments.

What is the difference between Avalanche vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectAvalancheGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires avalanche safety certifications, snow science knowledge, and sometimes engineering degreesRequires a degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentMountainous, snowy terrains, outdoor settings, often seasonalConstruction sites, laboratories, office settings, field investigations
Industry UsageUsed in winter sports, mountain rescue, avalanche forecastingUsed in construction, infrastructure projects, environmental assessments

While avalanche specialists focus on snow stability, safety, and forecasting in mountainous regions, geotechnical engineers analyze soil and rock stability for construction and infrastructure projects. Both roles require technical knowledge but serve different industry needs and environments.

What are avalanche professionals?

Avalanche professionals are individuals trained to assess, manage, and mitigate avalanche risks in mountainous areas. They may work in roles such as avalanche forecasters, ski patrollers, rescue team members, or consultants, often for ski resorts, government agencies, or research organizations. Their duties include evaluating snowpack stability, issuing avalanche forecasts, conducting safety education, and leading rescue operations when avalanches occur. Avalanche professionals play a crucial role in keeping mountain environments safe for recreation and work.

What are some common challenges faced by avalanche forecasters, and how can new professionals prepare for them?

Avalanche forecasters often work in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments, requiring them to make critical decisions based on rapidly changing weather and snowpack conditions. One common challenge is balancing field observations with data analysis while ensuring personal safety and timely communication of risks to the public or relevant organizations. New professionals can prepare by gaining hands-on experience in avalanche terrain, building strong analytical skills, and staying current with the latest forecasting tools and best practices. Collaborating with experienced colleagues and participating in ongoing professional development are also essential for success in this role.
More about Avalanche jobs
What cities are hiring for Avalanche jobs? Cities with the most Avalanche job openings:
What states have the most Avalanche jobs? States with the most job openings for Avalanche jobs include:
Infographic showing various Avalanche job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,821 per year, or $36.9 per hour.
Avalanche Center Director

Avalanche Center Director

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Ketchum, ID โ€ข On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Three positions are being advertised. One position is located in Girdwood or Anchorage, AK on the Chugach NF, one position is located in Missoula, MT on the Lolo NF and one position is in Ketchum, ID on the Sawtooth NF.
The incumbents will direct an avalanche program which involves educating the public on avalanche science and safety, interpreting current and expected snowpack and weather conditions
Please see the Additional Information Section for hiring manager contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.
Basic Requirement:
GS-1301 - Physical Science:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
GS-0401- Biological Science:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major field of study that included 24 semester hours in course work in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Related course work generally refers to courses that may be accepted as part of the program major.
OR Combination of education and experience that included 24 semester hours in course work in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, AND experience sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation that is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field needed to perform the work of the occupation.
GS-0101- Social Science:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position
OR Combination of education and experience -- that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below and selective placement factors.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-09:
You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following:
  • Collected and analyzed data describing snow, weather, and avalanche conditions in order to publish operational or public forecasts of avalanche hazards (e.g. video, social media, and web applications);
  • Worked with partnering agencies, organizations, and non-profits to develop or support avalanche safety programs, messaging, education, outreach, volunteering, funding, etc.
  • Instructed snow science and avalanche education and awareness to professionals, partners, and/or general public;
  • Conducted avalanche mitigation using slope cuts or explosives to reduce avalanche hazards within an operational area (ski area or highway corridor), or worked in a public avalanche forecasting capacity; and/or
  • Operated snowmobiles and used backcountry skis or snowboards to conduct daily safety and risk assessments of mountainous backcountry and avalanche terrain in harsh winter environments.
OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related;
OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one-year specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). Specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following:
  • Observed, collected and analyzed scientific snow properties in order to forecast avalanche conditions and mountain weather;
  • Developed long term partnerships with private businesses and public agencies to acquire funding and support for the program;
  • Prepared operational budgets and participating in grants and agreements management;
  • Served as a local point of contact for all media communications regarding avalanches;
  • Conducted and coordinated avalanche education and awareness to partners and/or the general public;
  • Advanced back-country mountaineering skills, and the ability to operate snowmobiles and ski safely in mountainous avalanche terrain; AND/OR
  • Operated snowmobiles and used backcountry skis or snowboards to conduct daily safety and risk assessments of mountainous backcountry and avalanche terrain in harsh winter environments.
OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D.
OR equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to the position being filled).
OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.)
Selective Factors (Screen out Elements): Demonstrate avalanche field experience that has equipped you with the knowledge to thoroughly comprehend, analyze, and apply factors affecting snow stability and avalanche potential to reduce public risk and increase employee safety. AND Expert level experience to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous, backcountry, avalanche terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See Qualifications section for educational requirements.Employment Type: OTHER