The posting
Description: The Snow Safety Supervisor - Lead Avalanche Forecaster directs and maintains the avalanche control operation, minimizing operational interruptions, with the primary emphasis being the forecasting of avalanches within the operational boundary of the Ski Area. Overseeing the operation of the control program, the Lead Avalanche Forecaster is responsible for the health and safety of ski area staff required to enter avalanche terrain, and the safety of all guests who come to enjoy the skiing experience at Sunshine Village. This role will set performance goals and develop training plans for Avalanche Technicians, Ski Patrol Supervisors and senior patrollers. The Lead Avalanche Forecaster reports to the Senior Supervisor of Public Safety and the Mountain Operations Manager, and works closely with all operational departments and third-party providers. In their role as the Snow Safety Supervisor, they are responsible for the administration of the Snow Safety department including payroll, performance reviews and training of staff. The Snow Safety Supervisor – Lead Avalanche Forecaster collaborates with the Ski Patrol Supervisors to direct mentoring and identify training needs to help develop route leaders within each shift. Essential Functions:
The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee, manage and delegate the daily duties pertaining to avalanche safety, including: performing avalanche control when required; overseeing the timely opening of terrain and ski lifts; providing first aid and managing lift evacuations, where required; and communicating changing weather, closures, and any atypical operating conditions. Creating and overseeing public information generated for avalanche forecasting, reviewing for content, accuracy, and readability. Implementing avalanche control strategies – maintaining a safe and enjoyable skiing environment. Implementing terrain closures in association with other functional operations managers when avalanche hazard cannot be mitigated. Collecting pertinent data including weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations. Providing prompt, efficient and courteous assessment, treatment and transport to those who require it. Extremely knowledgeable about the ski area, its operational boundaries, and nearby backcountry. Enforcing ski area policies within the limits of authority. Participating in public and staff education on safe skiing and riding at the ski area and elsewhere. Communicating changing weather, closures, and atypical operating conditions. Professional radio usage, language, and protocols. Maintaining signage, equipment, and monitoring the conditions of slopes. Implementing the Sunshine Village Emergency Response Plan and all Emergency Response Assistance Plans, including, but not limited to Medical and/or Trauma, Avalanche rescue, Lift and Gondola evacuation, High Angle rescue, Search & Rescue and Security emergencies. Can undertake Scene Commander, Base Commander and/or Incident Commander functions on all types of emergency response.
Training trainer in lift, gondola, and self-evacuation procedures and rope rescue techniques. Reviews and develops training programs on an ongoing and annual basis. Leading and coordinating avalanche rescue and control operations.
Documenting all training, explosives use, avalanche control work performed, and completing tasks as part of the Snow Safety competency tracker along with continuing education programs. Effectively handling a toboggan, along with operating a snowmobile and other oversnow vehicles within abilities, after initial or recurrent training is completed in accordance with the Snowmobile Training Program.
Acting as a leader and mentor to Public Safety team members along with other Mountain Operations staff.
Function within a team environment adhering to all aspects of the Avalanche Safety Plan. Creating and maintaining a positive team environment offering support and encouragement to leaders and individual contributors; imparting knowledge, assisting with training, striving to maintain effective communication. Maintaining an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed, heard, and responded to.
Direct and supervise daily operation of the Snow Safety department. Direct the daily operation of Ski Patrol in the absence of Ski Patrol Supervisors or Assistant Supervisors.
Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities:
Timely completion of documentation of avalanche data - weather and avalanche observations and explosives use. Maintain an inventory and maintenance record of all equipment that pertains to the avalanche control program; submit work plans and detailed budgets for preventative maintenance of all equipment. Timely and accurate reporting of documentation, and all incidents and deficiencies to appropriate departments/personnel. Timely and accurate incident and deficiencies reporting to appropriate departments/personnel. Trainer for incident report forms and the digital documentation system. Facilitating completion of individual Snow Safety training checklists and continuing education. Ensuring that people development processes are universally and equitably applied across the team e.g. regular performance management, training plans. Assisting with health and safety training of employees, confirm they understand safety protocols and procedures and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations among the team. Act as the subject matter expert in Emergency Procedures - Avalanche, and ensure it is up to date and functional. Trained and able to work alongside Dispatcher in the event relief dispatch duties are required or requested. Other duties may be requested and assigned from time to time.
Experience and Qualifications:
CAA Operations Level 2 certificate. CAA Advanced Weather, Avalanche Control Blasting and Introduction to Avalanche Mapping preferred. CAA Professional Membership. Valid AB Non-Mining Avalanche Control Blaster’s permit. 80-hour Advanced First Aid Certificate or equivalent first aid training. Valid BLS CPR certificate. Valid Alberta driver’s licence required for any oversnow vehicle operation. Experience as an Info Ex Administrator. Must have worked in Ski Patrol or Snow Safety for six full winter seasons at Sunshine Village, or eight full winter seasons as a Ski Patroller at a similar resort (minimum 5 months per season). Previous leadership roles or experience. Expert skiing ability in all types of snow on challenging alpine terrain. Skiing for work requires completion of a competency test, skiing and riding professionally, and may be restricted to designated areas. Must be confident travelling in all terrain at Sunshine Village and leading all control routes. Control Route trainer on all routes for Ski Patrol and Snow Safety staff. Able to work effectively under pressure during emergency situations. Comfortable working at height or in exposed areas of a mountain environment with mountaineering experience. Positive, friendly, and professional attitude. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally. Demonstration standard radio communication skills and etiquette. Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel) InfoEx and HRIS. Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Prepared to work flexible schedules (weekends, holidays). Must be neat, alert, punctual and dependable.
Maintain professional conduct when knowingly acting as a company representative, on or off-duty. Able to work in a confidential capacity.
Effectively provide mentorship, support and assistance to coworkers.
Additional Considerations:
Employees must always be of sound mind, exhibit good judgment, and report to work fit for duty. This position is very physical and requires the ability to ski for long periods of time, constant trunk rotation, and lifting equipment and individuals, when and where required. There will be exposure to extreme environments (temperature and wind) and remote work. Requires working at heights, occasionally climbing ladders, travelling on steep slopes and extreme terrain. This position requires the ability to work around and travel in helicopters to perform certain tasks. This role operates machinery (snowmobiles) and may work around moving equipment and helicopters. Patrollers deal with sensitive, confidential information and are expected to adhere to high standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Required uniform pieces (jacket, pants) are provided. Certain equipment must be provided and maintained by the employee in advance, and during employment:
Alpine or Telemark downhill skis with releasable bindings Ski poles, ski boots, ski helmet (ASTM F2040; CEN 1077; Snell RS-98; Z263.1 certified) Digital Avalanche Transceiver (less than 5 years old) Avalanche Rescue Shovel Avalanche Rescue Collapsible Probe Insulated winter boots with rubber sole Headlamp
Ski equipment used for work must be in good operating condition, meet Sunshine Village equipment requirements, and may be tested throughout the season.
This role is subject to all terms and conditions of the Sunshine Village Employee Handbook, Policy Manual, and the Alberta Employment Standards Code.
