Avalanche Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sun Valley Resort is seeking an experienced and strategic Snow Safety Director to lead all aspects of the Resort's avalanche mitigation and snow safety programs. Reporting to the Ski Patrol Director, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive snow safety operations that focus on the safety of guests and employees at Sun Valley Ski Resort. The Snow Safety Director leads the Snow Safety Team, oversees avalanche forecasting and mitigation, manages the explosives program, and collaborates closely with Ski Patrol, Mountain Operations, and other departments to ensure safe and efficient mountain operations. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with extensive avalanche safety expertise, strong operational and decision-making skills, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Resort's snow safety and avalanche mitigation program, including hazard assessment, forecasting, mitigation strategies, and emergency response procedures.
• Lead, supervise, train, and develop the Snow Safety Team, ensuring team members maintain the knowledge, certifications, and skills necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively.
• Oversee the avalanche dog program, ensuring professional validation, ongoing training, and operational readiness.
• Serve as the Responsible Person for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) explosives program, including the safe storage, ordering, inventory, documentation, and regulatory compliance of explosives.
• Conduct and oversee daily snowpack, terrain, and weather assessments to identify avalanche hazards and implement appropriate mitigation measures, including explosive control work.
• Collaborate with the Ski Patrol Director, Mountain Operations, Grooming, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, and other departments to coordinate terrain openings and closures, operational planning, and emergency response activities.
• Maintain accurate records of weather observations, avalanche forecasting, mitigation activities, training, incidents, and regulatory documentation.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, equipment, supplies, and capital planning to support safe and efficient operations.
• Develop and deliver snow safety education and training programs for employees and guests, including avalanche awareness and the Skier Responsibility Code.
• Lead or assist with avalanche rescue operations, search and rescue incidents, medical response, and coordination with outside emergency agencies when required.
• Promote a positive safety culture by leading through example and supporting continuous improvement in snow safety practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Avalanche Science, Snow Science, Outdoor Recreation, Emergency Management, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive snow safety or avalanche operations experience, including previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Previous experience with avalanche forecasting, snowpack evaluation, and avalanche mitigation techniques.
• Professional Avalanche Level 2 (Pro 2) certification or higher preferred.
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), EMT, or higher medical certification required.
• Current Explosives Handlers License, explosives handling experience, and the ability to meet all federal and state requirements for explosives management.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and team development skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Ability to ski advanced terrain in all snow and weather conditions while performing operational duties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn department-specific software and reporting systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Engage in physical activities including skiing, standing for extended periods, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and utilizing hands for tasks involving gripping, handling, and reaching.
• Ability to safely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in all mountain weather conditions, including extreme cold, high winds, heavy snowfall, low visibility, and variable terrain.
• Have strong vision capabilities, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.