Avalanche Forecaster at Downer Group

Te Anau, Southland Region, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

30 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Avalanche Forecasting, Technical Support, Safety Culture, Avalanche Awareness, Training Delivery, System Management, Alpine Asset Maintenance, Snow Science, Avalanche Innovation, Rescue Techniques, Explosives Handling, Helicopter Access, Driving Endorsement D, First Aid Certification

Industry

Civil Engineering

Description

Do you thrive in the mountains, live for the snow season, and want to build your career in one of the most spectacular alpine environments in Aotearoa? We’re looking for an experienced Avalanche Forecaster to join our tight-knit Milford Road Alliance team based in Te Anau. This isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. You’ll be part of a small, highly skilled crew who work together like family, supporting each other through the challenges and rewards of operating in one of New Zealand’s most dynamic alpine environments. Imagine finishing a day’s work surrounded by Fiordland’s towering peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. If you value meaningful work, strong team culture, and small-town living in an extraordinary location - this could be your next chapter. Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity This role is a critical part of the Milford Road Alliance — a unique partnership between New Zealand Transport Agency and Downer NZ, based in Te Anau with a sole focus on the iconic Milford Road. The Alliance is responsible for: * Avalanche control and forecasting * Road maintenance * Homer Tunnel management * Incident response As Avalanche Forecaster, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of the Milford Road Avalanche Control Programme. You will lead forecasting activities, uphold contract compliance, and maintain Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards. This is a full time role working within a small specialist forecasting team, you will: * Provide expert technical support to the Alliance Manager * Champion a strong safety culture and avalanche awareness * Deliver training and system management aligned with industry standards Outside the avalanche season, you’ll: * Maintain and improve alpine assets, facilities, and equipment * Contribute to snow science and avalanche innovation projects * Strengthen working relationships with road maintenance crews This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same — combining technical expertise, leadership, and practical alpine fieldwork. Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills To be successful in this role, you'll need the following skills and experience: * Have an MSc in Avalanche Safety Management (Stage II) / NZ Cert in Avalanche risk management Level 6 * A minimum of 5 years avalanche forecasting experience, ideally holding a lead role * Experience in rescue techniques providing training for assistants & volunteers * Certified Handler / Controlled substance license – explosives, flammables - use and varied experience * Helicopter experience – able to safely access mountains and variable terrain * Drivers Licence – D endorsement * First Aid Certification Further training may be required or offered in the following areas: * CIMs Management * Advanced avalanche qualifications * Pre-Hospital Emergency Care * Working at Heights * Traffic Management STMS * Machinery Operation Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer: * Package including rewarding salary and Alliance benefits scheme * Access to our new and improved Downer Perks program * Z Energy fuel discount and monthly freebies * Whanau Scholarships * Free Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes * Progression and development programmes to support personal and professional growth Have a look at our other great benefits https://people.downergroup.co.nz/downer-benefits/ [https://people.downergroup.co.nz/downer-benefits/]. Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here! [https://people.downergroup.co.nz/join-our-transport-team/] Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 729609. We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical, and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team. At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities. Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.

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Responsibilities

The Avalanche Forecaster will lead forecasting activities critical to the Milford Road Avalanche Control Programme, ensuring road safety while upholding contract compliance and quality standards. Outside the season, responsibilities include maintaining alpine assets, contributing to snow science projects, and strengthening relationships with road maintenance crews.