This position is located in Girdwood, AK on the Chugach National Forest.. The incumbent serves as an avalanche specialist providing support and overseeing the development of an avalanche program. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Chris Stewart at christopher.s.stewart@usda.gov or 360-746-4251.

Duties

Evaluate National Weather Service products and observations to create a daily mountain weather forecast, which is included in the avalanche advisory.
Works with supervisor to develop program budgets for the continuance and maintenance of the Avalanche Center.
Fosters ongoing relationships with partners in the community to maintain support for the Center.
Oversees and directs the maintenance and operation of avalanche weather stations within the forecast area.
Inspects and performs routine user level maintenance and services on various weather station equipment and instruments.
Assists the director of the avalanche center with work planning and organization of workloads for field going avalanche program staff. Directs and conducts field work as required.
Conducts snow stability tests and records snowpack observations in the field, and exercises professional knowledge of avalanche hazard mitigation procedures.
Gathers and maintains data about snow conditions, weather, and condition trends using current technology.
Provides assessments of the proceedings of the International Snow Science Workshop and keeps current on “state-of-the-art” techniques for issuing avalanche advisories.
Delivers information used to develop media communications regarding avalanches as directed by supervisor.
Works with supervisor to coordinate avalanche education efforts including the development of avalanche education materials and avalanche awareness programs for a diverse user group using a variety of commutation mechanisms and approaches.
Conducts and coordinates avalanche education with ski area permittees.

Pay grade: GS-9

Who may apply: Open to the public, Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Position type: Full-time, Permanent

How to apply

Apply through USAJOBS, announcement 887800300, before October 13, 2026.

Forest Service

Lead Avalanche Forecaster