Avalanche Field Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists the Avalanche Forecaster in running the avalanche program for the Operations department. The position provides field support for risk assessment and mitigation. The standard date range for this position is November 1st — April 30th occasionally extending into May or June as weather dictates.

KEY or ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Avalanche Control – Assist with active avalanche control in paths that affect transmission lines. In addition to active control for structures, this position may need to conduct avalanche control for site safety where AELP crews need to access infrastructure for repairs.
• Site Safety/Risk Assessment – Assist with collecting field data on snowpack stability.
• Records – Maintain weather and avalanche occurrence records and data to a minimum of SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Guidelines) standards using GIS systems and other databases.
• Coordinate helicopter operations, including efficient use of helicopters for fieldwork and avalanche control.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with in-house avalanche awareness and rescue training.
• Fieldwork supporting avalanche studies, includes tree coring, field mapping and documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license.
• Minimum of 2 years working in the avalanche field.
• AAA Pro 1 certification or equivalent.
• ProAvSAR or equivalent avalanche rescue experience (must have high angle rope rescue component).
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT.
• Competent skier or snowboarder, able to travel in mountainous terrain safely.

EQUIPMENT UTILIZED:

• This position will require regular use of a desktop computer, smartphone and digital SLR camera.
• Back country skis or split board and avalanche rescue equipment.
• Snowpack assessment tools.
• Hand tools and low voltage DC equipment.
• Fall suppression/safety equipment.
• Motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to carry 40-pound pack while skiing/snowboarding.
• Ability to climb and work from weather station towers up to 40’.
• Ability to travel on snow in adverse winter weather conditions.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position must regularly work in stressful, fast-changing environments.
• Long hours may be required when conducting field missions or during storm events.
• Employee must be able to fly in helicopters.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

At Alaska Electric Light and Power Company, we maintain a drug-free workplace with a commitment to safety and job satisfaction. All employees must comply with AELP company policies, including the Drug and Alcohol Policy.

AELP is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Company Description

Since 1893, Alaska Electric Light & Power Company has provided clean, renewable, low-cost hydropower to the community of Juneau. Serving over 18,000 customers, AEL&P prides itself on a history of innovation such as being the first in the world to connect cruise ships to shore power, the first in the US to utilize the Daisy Bell for avalanche mitigation, and the first in Alaska to implement an Electric Vehicle charging rate, among many other innovations.

AEL&P is a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp.