We are Hiring Field Technicians

CAIC is hiring four field technicians, focusing on the following areas and potentially based in the following locations: 

  • Focusing on Routt and Jackson Counties - based in Steamboat Springs, Granby, or Walden
  • Focusing on the Sangre de Cristo range and Pikes Peak - based in Salida or Westcliffe
  • Focusing on Grand Mesa and Flat Tops - based Glenwood, Carbondale, Paonia, or Basalt
  • Focusing on Rocky Mountain National Park, Never Summer range, and Medicine Bow range - based in the northern Front Range (Boulder to Fort Collins)

Class: Temporary Aid 
Work Schedule: Fall training Oct 25 and 26 in Leadville, 10 to 20 hours/week December 1, 2023 through April 15, 2024
Compensation: $20/hour plus travel expenses based on Department of Natural Resources policy

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a program of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Our mission is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state’s economy.

The CAIC has eight offices throughout the state and 33 employees. The group provides daily mountain weather and avalanche forecasts for backcountry regions and transportation corridors, and works in a close partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation. The CAIC also provides snow and avalanche education to groups ranging from elementary school to university students, and work-place safety training for a variety of industries. 

These field technician positions will work both independently and with other CAIC forecasting staff to provide backcountry avalanche information for specific areas.

Essential Job Functions

  • Participate in CAIC field operations including risk management and fieldwork coordination
  • Collect field data on snow, weather and avalanche conditions
  • Work with forecasters in other offices to analyze snow, weather and avalanche observations and determine current and future trends in avalanche danger
  • Write accessible and technically accurate field reports and gather supporting photo and video media content

Qualifications (minimum)

  • Certificate of completion - Recreational Level 1 avalanche course
  • Certificate of completion - Avalanche Rescue course
  • Current CPR and First-Aid certification (Wilderness First-Aid or higher preferred)
  • Experience observing and recording snow, weather, and avalanches using Snow Weather and Avalanche Guidelines (SWAG)
  • Ability to safely travel in snow-covered mountainous terrain. Experience riding snowmobiles on and off trail preferred.
  • Ability to safely travel on snow-cover mountainous highways
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Strong photo and video collection skills 
  • Ability to pass background check 

Qualifications (desired)

  • Professional avalanche training: Pro 1 avalanche certification or higher
  • American Avalanche Association pro membership
  • Experience with photo and video editing

To apply, send a resume, three professional references, and cover letter to: Julie.pomerantz@state.co.us 
Letters of reference are not required, but can be sent to the same address.
Applications will be accepted through September 27, 2023. We will conduct interviews the week of October 2, 2023. 

Notes:

  • This position will require backcountry winter travel in all types of terrain. The employee will supply appropriate clothing and travel equipment.
  • This position will require winter driving. When state vehicles are not available, the employee will supply an appropriate vehicle for winter travel. Employees are eligible for state travel reimbursement.
  • Workload is 10-20 hours/week, and may include weekends, early morning and evening hours.
  • Compensation is an hourly wage and does not include any benefit package. 
We are hiring