The Utah Department of Transportation is looking to fill its *Avalanche Forecaster *

　　position in Big Cottonwood Canyon as an Avalanche Forecaster,you will work in major canyon areas during the avalanche season to oversee the forecasting and mitigation of avalanche hazards. Additionally,you will be asked to support the UDOT avalanche program outside of your primary forecasting location if necessary. You will monitor snow pack and weather conditions to predict when avalanche hazards have become a threat to travel,requiring road closures. 

　　Avalanche Forecasters are frequently exposed to hazards and discomforts not limited to extended traffic delays and environmental hazards due to the nature of the work assignment. In this position you will be required to provide 24 hour availability. This position may require on-call availability based on emergency needs and road conditions.

　　Principal Duties

　　Travel through avalanche terrain under all types of weather and snow conditions.Travel through steep,mountainous terrain in all seasons.Provide up to date avalanche hazard information to UDOT maintenance crews.Analyze surface and sub-surface snowpack conditions that contribute to the development of an avalanche hazard forecast.Access and analyze snow and weather data obtained from Study Plots and from remote weather stations.Accurately record snowpack,weather,and avalanche information.Contribute to the installation,maintenance,trouble-shooting,repair,and removal of weather monitoring,Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) and other technical equipment used in the Highway Avalanche Safety Program.Ride in and work underneath helicopters during longline activities.Attend annual Military Artillery refresher courses,as well as Military Weapons Training (every three years).Operate Military Weapons at all times of day and in all weather conditions.Accurately record data related to military weapons program (inventories,rounds fired,location of unexploded ordnance [Duds],etc.).Safely transport,store,assemble,and deploy explosive charges used for avalanche hazard mitigation,and keep accurate records of explosive inventories.Contribute to decisions pertaining to the safety of vehicles traveling on canyon roads,and of occupants of buildings located in snow avalanche areas.Advise local law enforcement agencies and stakeholders when conditions become a threat to the public.Directing avalanche reduction procedures using military artillery,remote Avalanche Control Systems,hand delivered explosive charges,and other methods.Participating in pre/post season equipment placement and maintenance.Completing other duties in support of the avalanche program as assigned.The Ideal Candidate:

　　Must have a certification for completing the Professional Level I Avalanche course (or equivalent).Must be certified as an Outdoor Emergency Care technician (or equivalent).Must be an expert skier,capable of uphill and downhill travel through rugged mountainous terrain under all weather and snow conditions,safely and efficiently.Must be a member in good standing of the American Avalanche Artillery Users of North America Committee (AAUNAC).Must have the ability to recognize hazardous avalanche conditions.Must have strong communication and leadership experience.Preference may be given to those who have:

　　Working knowledge of the use of personal safety equipment (i.e.,transceivers,air-bag backpack,rope access equipment).Ability to effectively use avalanche rescue equipment and techniques for group,as well as organized rescue efforts.A strong understanding of the cause and effect relationship between weather,snow,and avalanche con itions.A strong understanding of remote weather station operations and maintenance.A strong understanding of snowpack analysis.Capable of carrying heavy loads uphill and downhill (summer and winter).Capable of learning and participating in avalanche hazard mitigation procedures including the use of military artillery and explosive charges.Ability to work well with others in stressful situations.Why Should You Join Our Team?

　　The work we do matters. If you want to make a positive difference doing meaningful work,this is the right place for you. Our mission statement is,Enhance quality of life through transportation. We define quality of life through a framework of Good Health,Connected Communities,Better Mobility,and Strong Economy. We help the State of Utah and its traveling public to get to where they want,when they want,in the way they want -- and we make sure they can do it safely. 

　　You will become part of a team with an internal culture of Trust,Teamwork,and Flexibility. Our organization lives by the values of Respect,Integrity,and Caring. If these are your values,too,you'll be a great fit. 

　　Aside from working for a cause-driven,cutting edge agency that is leading all other transportation departments in the nation,you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Working for the State of Utah provides a positive work-life balance. Click here

　　to view a summary of the benefits we offer.

　　The Agency

　　UDOT is a strengths-based organization,which means its approach is based on identifying and developing individual and organizational strengths. Our philosophy is to address challenges by bringing our strengths to each situation and create the best solutions. Candidates are encouraged to be familiar with their strengths and consider how they may potentially be of benefit to the roles for which they are applying. UDOT uses the CliftonStrengths Assessment,but there are multiple strengths assessment tools available online,and no formal assessment is required.

　　For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation please click here{target="_blank"}.