2024 Mountain Operations Avalanche Technician - (Expression of Interest)

at  Newcrest Mining

The successful candidate will perform the following duties, with safety being the number one priority:

• Provide support to the implementation of the Brucejack project snow avalanche hazard protection and forecasting program. Follow policies, standards and techniques related to the application and safety of avalanche, weather, and road clearing programs.
• Assist in data collection and input for the weather and avalanche input for the real-time exchange of information, and the production and dissemination of weather, road conditions and avalanche forecast information.
• Ensure the site Avalanche Safety Plan and all procedural documents and associated training are current and understood.
• Follow avalanche safety measures for road and mine site protocols, training requirements, search and rescue plans and ensure avalanche incident response protocols are understood.
• Ensure the safe and effective use of explosives and remote avalanche control devices.
• Work closely with the Brucejack ERT Coordinators to establish common response methodologies and rescue practices and cross train in disciplines like rope rescue, first aid, avalanche rescue.
• Collaborate with and provides expert guidance to staff and contractors to ensure the safety of staff and contractors on all areas impacted by avalanche and weather hazards.
• Provide maintenance and repair of all relevant equipment related to the avalanche program.
• Maintains safe working conditions. Ensure that workers are using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and inspect work areas to identify/correct possible safety hazards. Identify and implement related awareness training.
• Pass on any concerns to Supervisor regarding competency deficiencies of end users working in avalanche zones or glacier.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and performance standards
• Identify avalanche warning signs and closure gates appropriate to specific worksites
• Ensure all daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities are completed in a timely fashion
• Ensure that terrain assessments are completed for all at risk work sites or as required
• Carry out patrols. Identify, delineate, and mitigate hazards

The successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Level 2 certification
• Professional member with the CAA
• Minimum five years experience as an avalanche technician. Preferable Industrial avalanche experience.
• Current Level 3 Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.
• Valid BC Blasting Certification ticket for avalanche control
• Criminal background check and Letter of Approval from NRCAN
• Association of Mountain Guides (ACMG) certification an asset.
• Rope access (IRATA) and/or rope rescue background an asset.
• Strong mountain skills, including safe travel through glaciated and complex mountain terrain. Resume showing multiple days in complex glaciated and /or avalanche terrain in a leadership or co-leadership role
• Winter survival skills. Resume showing multiple nights winter camping
• Advanced skiing skills. Able to negotiate steep complex terrain in all snow condition with poor visibility while carrying a loaded pack.
• High level of physical fitness with ability to carry/pack Rescue Gear and explosives to 25kg. Be able maintain high levels of performance over 12-hour shifts
• Experience working around helicopters
• Mountain Weather forecasting
• Avalanche Search and Rescue Advanced Skills (AvSAR)
• Introduction to Avalanche mapping an asset
• HETS training an asset
• Snowmobile operating skills an asset
• Snowcat operating skills an asset
• Strong Interpersonal and organizational skills
• Computer software skills (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, data base management etc.)
• Thorough working knowledge of the CAA Observation Guidelines & Recording Standards
• 100 days minimum of work experience over at least two operating seasons in weather, snowpack, and avalanche occurrence observations & analysis.
• Including a minimum of 50 recorded weather observations.
• 30 recorded snow profiles and
• 30 avalanche occurrence observations.
• Ability to work at remote location (camp)
• Ability to work a 2 week rotation, working 13 x 12-hour days, 13 days off, 2 travel days
• This position is required to work both day and night shifts, based on operational needs
• Must provide personal winter apparel for extended work in extreme weather conditions
• SAFETY must be your priority, Always