Internship Avalanche Forecaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.14 - $32.43 Hourly
Location : Chelan County - Other, WA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 26DOT-NCR-24765i
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: North Central Region
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an Avalanche Forecast & Control Technician in the Stevens Pass Area. This is a rare opportunity to launch your career in one of the most unique and challenging environments in transportation. As part of our avalanche control team, you'll gain specialized, hands-on experience helping manage snow and avalanche hazards and keeping one of Washington's vital mountain routes open and safe for the traveling public and communities that depend on it.
Working alongside experienced avalanche professionals, you'll be part of a highly skilled team where safety, teamwork, and sound decision-making come first. If you're ready to trade the ordinary office for the mountains, build specialized skills, and make a direct impact on keeping Washington moving through winter, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
What to Expect
This position requires routinely traveling through mountainous terrain and deep snow while carrying a backpack weighing up to 30 pounds. Employees must be able to ski advanced and complex avalanche terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather conditions, including using ski-cutting techniques to assess snow stability and initiate controlled avalanche releases. The work may also require working at heights. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within three hours when required and work safely in cold, wet, humid, and windy conditions.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Avalanche Forecast and Control Technician will:

• Assist in performing daily and interval observations regarding weather, snow, snow structure, and avalanche conditions.
• Assist with combining pertinent information from field observations for risk assessment, communication, treatment and review.
• Conduct evaluations that may involve climbing and skiing to remote sites to assist with performing prescribed test methods.
• Assist with recording weather observations from remote stations. Assist with entering and maintaining weather and snow data into a database.
• Assist with the use of explosives in hand-placed and remote delivery applications for intentional release of avalanches to reduce overall avalanche hazard. Involves working via snow cat, skis (ski cutting), howitzer, avalauncher, and RACS.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Snow Science & Avalanche Education: Demonstrated foundational knowledge of snow science, avalanche phenomena, and avalanche safety through one or more of the following: current enrollment in or recent completion of a bachelor's degree program in Snow Science or a related field at an accredited college or university; completion of at least two semesters, or equivalent coursework, toward a bachelor's degree in Snow Science or a related field; or current enrollment and active pursuit of an American Avalanche Association (A3) Avalanche Education certificate. Ability to apply foundational knowledge to support avalanche forecasting, snow stability assessment, and avalanche hazard management.
• Technology & Electronic Systems: Basic proficiency using electronic systems, including Microsoft Office applications, to access, enter, organize, and communicate information.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to safely travel through mountainous terrain on foot and navigate challenging winter conditions while carrying necessary equipment.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 3 hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Mountaineering & Avalanche Terrain: Demonstrated experience traveling safely in mountainous environments, including the ability to navigate and travel through complex avalanche terrain using appropriate mountaineering, skiing, or other technical travel skills.
• Explosives Safety & Operations: Knowledge of explosives safety and handling practices applicable to avalanche control operations, including the ability to safely use explosives in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements. Possession of a valid Washington State Explosives User License.
• Weather Station Operations & Maintenance: Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, or repairing automated weather stations or similar environmental monitoring equipment. Ability to identify equipment issues and take appropriate action to restore or maintain reliable data collection.
• Wilderness Emergency Response: Demonstrated knowledge and skills in wilderness first aid, emergency response, and patient care in remote or challenging environments. Possession of a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or equivalent.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last 6 months.
• This position requires routinely traveling through mountainous terrain and deep snow while carrying a backpack weighing up to 30 pounds. Employees must be able to ski advanced and complex avalanche terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather conditions, including using ski-cutting techniques to assess snow stability and initiate controlled avalanche releases. The work may also require working at heights. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within three hours when required and work safely in cold, wet, humid, and windy conditions. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference Avalanche Forecast and Control Technician #24765 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensatio