BC Public Service - Internal Job Opportunities

The Team
The Columbia Avalanche Program is a small, close-knit team of passionate professionals who care deeply about their work, each other, and the communities they serve. They thrive in high-pressure environments and work closely in partnership with others—building strong, respectful relationships to serve the public. The team values inclusion, diverse perspectives, and a supportive workplace where everyone is committed to upholding the highest standards of industry professionalism.

The Role
As a District Avalanche Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services through avalanche-prone areas during the winter season. Working within an inclusive and collaborative team, you will contribute to the planning and delivery of avalanche safety operations in alignment with the District’s Avalanche Safety Plan. This position involves close coordination with ministry staff, maintenance contractors, and partners, and may require flexible hours, including extended shifts or on-call work, to help ensure the safety of all highway users.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
•    A Post-secondary technical diploma, or higher, in the field of forestry, geography, engineering or meteorology with an emphasis on avalanche phenomenon and the properties of snow or other related fields with three winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program which include observations, snow stability analysis, avalanche hazard evaluation, avalanche control and training of staff/contractors and members of the public preferred; OR,
•    Grade 12 with minimum five winter seasons of experience in an operational avalanche program which include observations, snow stability analysis, avalanche hazard evaluation, avalanche control and training of staff/contractors and members of the public.

Training Certificates/Professional Associations:
•    Must be registered, or be eligible to be registered, with the Canadian Avalanche Association as a professional member in good standing.
•    Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) certification (or CAA prior learning equivalency assessment) in:
     o    Level 2 required.
•    WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid Level 3, or equivalent.
•    Incident Command System 100 is preferred.

Blasting Certification and Explosives Experience
•    Avalanche Control Blasting Certification - for Hand Charge and Helicopter Control Missions – acceptable to WorkSafe BC or other equivalent Canadian regulatory agency certification - preferred.
•    Knowledge of various provincial and federal regulations including but not limited to; the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Federal and Provincial explosives and blasting regulations, WorkSafe BC regulations and guidelines, and Workplace Hazard Information Management Systems (WHMIS).

Other Requirements:
•    Operational field experience making and collecting weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity observations for avalanche forecasting and risk management.
•    Experience with helicopter field work preferred.
•    Physically fit to regularly lift in excess of 20kg, to climb towers in excess of 4m high, to travel on foot in the mountains in winter and experience traveling in avalanche terrain in a variety of conditions.
•    Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence. 
•    Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required by the ministry.

Willingness Statements:
•    Willingness to safely work outdoors in adverse winter weather.
•    Willingness to be on call 24/7 during elevated avalanche hazard forecast levels.
•    Willingness to speak in public.
•    Working knowledge of snow and avalanche management techniques including avalanche control measures and search and rescue procedures. Practical knowledge of meteorology, glaciology, and instructional techniques.

Note: May be asked to respond to Provincial Emergency Program callouts for mutual aid, however this is not a job requirement, and participation would be at the discretion of the individual/Supervisor.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Chelsea.Martin@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:

This position is a seasonal “as and when needed”. Hours of work will vary depending on operational requirements.
This is a temporary opportunity until March 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension.
This position has full time on-site requirements. 
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary vacancies.
A Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) and Enhanced Security Screening will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

How to Apply:

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.