Employment

CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2023.

Job Title: Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor

Location: Whitewater Ski Resort

Department: Snow Safety

Reports to: Outdoor Operations Manager

Employment Status/Type: Seasonal Full-time, Nov - Apr (weather dependent)

Compensation: DOE

JOB SYNOPSIS:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Outdoor Operations Manager, the Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor is responsible for leading, implementing, and administering Whitewaters Avalanche Risk Mitigation program resort wide.  Their primary role is to ensure the Avalanche Forecasting Department is performing to a high standard and operating effectively to achieve daily objectives in a safe manner. 

The key areas of responsibility include the delivery of the operational program for managing the avalanche risk present in the operation, oversee the collection of avalanche information, snowpack data, and weather from various locations in the area, ensure adequate training is provided to staff and public, and provide a program for the safe and secure storage, transportation, and handling of explosives in full compliance with all regulatory and ministry requirements.  

IMMEDIATE REPORTS:

Avalanche Forecasting Team

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and ensure the proper supervision and direction for all workers and guests in and around avalanche terrain.
• Ensure a daily avalanche hazard assessment and forecast is completed by the team to the highest standard.
• Oversee and lead the avalanche control program resort wide. This includes managing the resort's explosive program.
• Ensure that the avalanche forecasting team is operating within the established operational thresholds (the operational risk band) and that terrain with elevated risk is closed to the public for their safety and mitigated with appropriate measures.
• Oversee the avalanche related training and mentorship to employees, and ensure its success.
• Ensure proper communication of information is being relaid to the public and staff with respect to avalanche risk management and current/predicted avalanche hazard to ensure the safety of those traveling in avalanche terrain. 
• Ensure all avalanche procedures, manuals, and terrain atlas are reviewed annually and kept up to date.
• Oversee avalanche terrain inventory and hazard mapping.
• Oversee that all safe working procedures are being followed.
• Oversee all resort weather observations and ensure they are being done in accordance with the CAA OGARS
• Oversee all snowpack observations and ensure they are being done in accordance with the CAA OGARS
• Ensure that accurate data is being recorded locally and reported on the InfoEx.
• Ensure that accurate weather data is conveyed to other departments.
• Investigate any near misses or incidents involving guests or staff in avalanche terrain and implement corrective measures. 
• Ensure that information regarding closures and terrain restrictions are communicated to all relevant staff and/or the public.
• Recognizes causes of risk, sets up and maintains signage, fencing and boundary markers to minimize skiing hazards.
• Takes a lead role in avalanche education at the resort and works closely with the Avalanche Education Coordinator to ensure operational objectives are met.
• Leads Avalanche Skills Training Level 1, Companion Rescue, and Managing Avalanche Terrain courses for adults and youth, as well as other staff.
• Oversees the resort Avalanche Search and Rescue Program and ensures adequate training and competencies are maintained. 
• Assume various roles in the incident command structure during avalanche or backcountry search and rescue operations, including but not limited to, Incident Commander, Task Force Leader, Avalanche Safety Officer, or Operations Section Chief.
• Provides consultation on proposed and/or existing terrain developments to management.
• Oversees, develops, and implements new avalanche control measures in expanding terrain to ensure the safe opening of these areas and keeps management informed.
• Administers first aid to injured guests and staff.
• Transports injured skiers from the mountain to the First Aid room.
• Investigates and records accident details according to established procedures including taking statements from witnesses and performing in-depth accident investigations.
• Manage department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assist in achieving organizational goals.
• Manage the department's budget and ensure it meets the department's Key Performance Indicators.
• Promote Whitewater’s safety culture by reviewing and amending where necessary but not limited to:  Department Manuals, CDPP, Employee Handbook.
• Embrace and promote Whitewater’s mission statement and values.
• Maintains current knowledge of legal standards pertaining to equipment, safety regulations, and OHS practices.
• Other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• NUEC Level 3 First Aid with advanced protocols or equivalent.
• Avalanche Operations Level 2 From Canadian Avalanche Association. Level 3 an asset.
• Work Safe BC Blasting Certificate for Avalanche Control. Helicopter Endorsement an asset. 
• Minimum three years working as an avalanche forecaster in an area with an active avalanche program.
• Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Member.
• Additional CAA courses completed are considered an asset. 
• Previous experience supervising an active avalanche program considered an asset. 
• Class 5 British Columbia Drivers License
• High School Graduate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand Worksafe procedures and ensure their implementation. 
• Ability to oversee a department and ensure its success. 
• Ability to remain organized and level headed in a variety of emergency situations.
• Ability to prioritize projects to ensure their completion.
• Recognizes the cause of risk and is familiar with current industry risk control measures.
• Advanced Skiing Ability.  
• Able to ski with considerable loads and patient toboggans.
• Able to perform search and rescue activities
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Able to work in early morning hours and for extended periods

CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2023.

Job Title: Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor

Location: Whitewater Ski Resort

Department: Snow Safety

Reports to: Outdoor Operations Manager

Employment Status/Type: Seasonal Full-time, Nov - Apr (weather dependent)

Compensation: DOE

JOB SYNOPSIS:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Outdoor Operations Manager, the Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor is responsible for leading, implementing, and administering Whitewaters Avalanche Risk Mitigation program resort wide.  Their primary role is to ensure the Avalanche Forecasting Department is performing to a high standard and operating effectively to achieve daily objectives in a safe manner. 

The key areas of responsibility include the delivery of the operational program for managing the avalanche risk present in the operation, oversee the collection of avalanche information, snowpack data, and weather from various locations in the area, ensure adequate training is provided to staff and public, and provide a program for the safe and secure storage, transportation, and handling of explosives in full compliance with all regulatory and ministry requirements.  

IMMEDIATE REPORTS:

Avalanche Forecasting Team

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and ensure the proper supervision and direction for all workers and guests in and around avalanche terrain.
• Ensure a daily avalanche hazard assessment and forecast is completed by the team to the highest standard.
• Oversee and lead the avalanche control program resort wide. This includes managing the resort's explosive program.
• Ensure that the avalanche forecasting team is operating within the established operational thresholds (the operational risk band) and that terrain with elevated risk is closed to the public for their safety and mitigated with appropriate measures.
• Oversee the avalanche related training and mentorship to employees, and ensure its success.
• Ensure proper communication of information is being relaid to the public and staff with respect to avalanche risk management and current/predicted avalanche hazard to ensure the safety of those traveling in avalanche terrain. 
• Ensure all avalanche procedures, manuals, and terrain atlas are reviewed annually and kept up to date.
• Oversee avalanche terrain inventory and hazard mapping.
• Oversee that all safe working procedures are being followed.
• Oversee all resort weather observations and ensure they are being done in accordance with the CAA OGARS
• Oversee all snowpack observations and ensure they are being done in accordance with the CAA OGARS
• Ensure that accurate data is being recorded locally and reported on the InfoEx.
• Ensure that accurate weather data is conveyed to other departments.
• Investigate any near misses or incidents involving guests or staff in avalanche terrain and implement corrective measures. 
• Ensure that information regarding closures and terrain restrictions are communicated to all relevant staff and/or the public.
• Recognizes causes of risk, sets up and maintains signage, fencing and boundary markers to minimize skiing hazards.
• Takes a lead role in avalanche education at the resort and works closely with the Avalanche Education Coordinator to ensure operational objectives are met.
• Leads Avalanche Skills Training Level 1, Companion Rescue, and Managing Avalanche Terrain courses for adults and youth, as well as other staff.
• Oversees the resort Avalanche Search and Rescue Program and ensures adequate training and competencies are maintained. 
• Assume various roles in the incident command structure during avalanche or backcountry search and rescue operations, including but not limited to, Incident Commander, Task Force Leader, Avalanche Safety Officer, or Operations Section Chief.
• Provides consultation on proposed and/or existing terrain developments to management.
• Oversees, develops, and implements new avalanche control measures in expanding terrain to ensure the safe opening of these areas and keeps management informed.
• Administers first aid to injured guests and staff.
• Transports injured skiers from the mountain to the First Aid room.
• Investigates and records accident details according to established procedures including taking statements from witnesses and performing in-depth accident investigations.
• Manage department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assist in achieving organizational goals.
• Manage the department's budget and ensure it meets the department's Key Performance Indicators.
• Promote Whitewater’s safety culture by reviewing and amending where necessary but not limited to:  Department Manuals, CDPP, Employee Handbook.
• Embrace and promote Whitewater’s mission statement and values.
• Maintains current knowledge of legal standards pertaining to equipment, safety regulations, and OHS practices.
• Other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• NUEC Level 3 First Aid with advanced protocols or equivalent.
• Avalanche Operations Level 2 From Canadian Avalanche Association. Level 3 an asset.
• Work Safe BC Blasting Certificate for Avalanche Control. Helicopter Endorsement an asset. 
• Minimum three years working as an avalanche forecaster in an area with an active avalanche program.
• Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Member.
• Additional CAA courses completed are considered an asset. 
• Previous experience supervising an active avalanche program considered an asset. 
• Class 5 British Columbia Drivers License
• High School Graduate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand Worksafe procedures and ensure their implementation. 
• Ability to oversee a department and ensure its success. 
• Ability to remain organized and level headed in a variety of emergency situations.
• Ability to prioritize projects to ensure their completion.
• Recognizes the cause of risk and is familiar with current industry risk control measures.
• Advanced Skiing Ability.  
• Able to ski with considerable loads and patient toboggans.
• Able to perform search and rescue activities
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Able to work in early morning hours and for extended periods

CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2023

Job Title:        Avalanche Forecaster

Location:        Whitewater Ski Resort

Department: Snow Safety

Reports to:    Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor

Employment Status/Type: Seasonal Full-Time/Part-Time, Nov - Apr (weather dependent)

Compensation: DOE

JOB SYNOPSIS:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Avalanche Forecasting Supervisor, the Avalanche Forecaster is responsible for the daily monitoring of weather and snowpack conditions to create a hazard assessment and implement appropriate avalanche risk management decisions resort wide. This position is responsible for ensuring terrain that is affected by avalanches and extreme weather is safe for staff and the public.

The key areas of responsibility include planning, overseeing, and implementing avalanche control measures and training resort wide. The Avalanche Forecaster needs to be able to communicate avalanche hazards to staff members and guests effectively through social media updates, public bulletins, and other forms of public outreach. This role also requires proficiency in all aspects of avalanche search and rescue.

IMMEDIATE REPORTS:

None

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing supervision and direction for all workers and guests in and around avalanche terrain.
• Provide a daily avalanche hazard assessment and forecast.
• Oversee avalanche control program resort wide.
• Ensure that avalanche risk within all open terrain is within operational thresholds (the operational risk band) and that terrain with elevated risk is closed to the public.
• Provide training and mentorship to employees.
• Provide information to guests and the public with respect to avalanche risk management.
• Ensure accurate and timely weather observations are being recorded.
• Ensure that adequate snowpack observations are being recorded.
• Administers first aid to injured guests and staff.
• Transports injured skiers from the mountain to the First Aid room.
• Investigates and records accident details according to established procedures including taking statements from witnesses and performing in-depth accident investigations.
• Investigate any near misses or incidents involving guests or staff and report to the program manager.
• Ensure that information regarding closures and terrain restrictions are communicated to all relevant staff and/or the public.
• Ensure that accurate data is being recorded locally and reported on the InfoEx.
• Ensure that accurate weather data is conveyed to other departments.
• Recognizes causes of risk, sets up and maintains signage, fencing and boundary markers to minimize skiing hazards.
• Follows established working procedures and ensures safe working conditions for himself/herself and the mountain staff.
• Lead Avalanche Skills Training Level 1, Companion Rescue, and Managing Avalanche Terrain courses for adults and youth, as well as other staff.
• Assume various roles in the incident command structure during avalanche or backcountry search and rescue operations, including but not limited to, Task Force Leader, Avalanche Safety Officer, or Operations Section Chief.
• Work to achieve department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assist in achieving organizational goals.
• Promote Whitewater’s safety culture by reviewing and amending where necessary but not limited to:  Department Manuals, CDPP, Employee Handbook.
• Embrace and promote Whitewater’s mission statement and values.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal standards pertaining to equipment, safety regulations, and OHS practices.
• Other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• NUEC Level 3 First Aid with advanced proto cols or equivalent
• Avalanche Operations Level 2 from Canadian Avalanche Association or Equivalent is an asset.
• WorkSafeBC Blasting Certificate for Avalanche Control, or ability to obtain one.
• Working toward Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Membership
• Minimum three years working in a patrol or forecasting role in an area with an active avalanche program.
• Class 5 British Columbia Drivers License
• High School Graduate

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain organized and levelheaded in a variety of emergency situations.
• Recognizes cause of risk and is familiar with current industry risk control measures.
• Advanced Skiing Ability. 
• Able to ski with considerable loads and patient toboggans.
• Able to perform search and rescue activities.
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Able to work in early morning hours and for extended periods

The volunteer program is a mentorship plan for new patrollers.  Volunteers will be given the opportunity to shadow an experienced patroller for 4 days in order to maximize orientation and learn the different patroller tasks and responsibilities. Responsible for providing first aid to injured guests and staff. As part of the team you will assist in risk management and general mountain safety in order to reduce or eliminate hazards, participate in avalanche control procedures, lift evacuations and search and rescue operations. 

This is a volunteer position which includes a season pass along with other benefits and requires a minimum commitment of 19 shifts over the season.

Minimum Qualifications: Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 & Occupational First Aid Level III or 80 hour Advanced First Aid.

For individuals with a multitude of talents and the ability to multitask, this may be for you!  Your day will not be boring and will bring your talents of guest relations, cash handling, menu planning, prep work and cooking to the forefront with the ultimate goal of providing an exceptional guest experience.

In case you didn’t know, Glory Lodge is a little satellite lodge to our main Day Lodge, located on the backside of Whitewater and near the bottom of the Glory Chair.  Glory Lodge is known for our great menu and relaxed cozy atmosphere.

Minimum Qualifications: Cooking experience is an asset; however, not a requirement as training and support will be provided!

Eggs, bacon, hashbrowns… sound delicious, doesn’t it? Whitewater breakfasts power some of the world’s best skiers, snowboarders, patrollers, and even the odd groomer shredder. Food and snow are what we’re known for and being part of our kitchen team is something you’ll be proud of. Come work with some of the best in the business as a ‘breakfast cook”.  Responsibilities include being able to crack an egg and cook it in a variety of styles while also working in a fast-paced, team-based environment. This position also helps the cafe service to lunch service once breakfast is over. Focusing on the origins of the successful Whitewater Cooks series, and utilizing locally produced products as much as possible, it’s unlike any other resort kitchen in the world! Click HERE for more details on the Whitewater dining experience that you will be helping create.

Minimum Qualifications: 2 years previous line cook experience including breakfast experience and Food Safe Level 1.

Gain experience in a world-class kitchen while working under the direction of the Head Chef to maintain the highest quality of cleanliness in all food service areas and service equipment. You are a key member of the culinary team as your talents will ensure our guests consistently receive impeccable meals without delay, while assisting the resort's sustainability initiatives by ensuring limited use of disposable serving products.  Responsible for ensuring dishes and kitchen wares get washed and sanitized in a timely fashion, and in good working condition, reporting any deficiencies. This position is perfect for those looking to grow or for those who just want to clean dishes and crush pow laps on their days off. 

Minimum Qualifications: Must be an organized and efficient worker who has experience working in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience is considered an asset.

Whitewater does not offer staff accommodation, however, Whitewater does offer a FREE staff shuttle from Nelson to the mountain, multiple times every day. We also have a staff Facebook page where staff can connect with one another and find suitable accommodations together.  If you're currently looking for housing, the Nelson Public Library has put together this great list of online resources to help you in your search CLICK HERE 

In order to work at Whitewater, you must be a Canadian citizen or have a valid Canadian Visa and Work Permit. All foreign workers must show their Visa, Work Permit, Canadian Social Insurance Number and/or proof that they have applied for the Social Insurance Number. Please note that Whitewater Ski Resort does not give out letters of offer for foreign workers. All international staff must have travel insurance, and medical coverage is highly recommended. For further information please contact the Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your host country.

APPEARANCE POLICY:
Whitewater Ski Resort’s Appearance Policy is designed to support everyone in providing a consistent professional appearance to our customers and colleagues.  Management may choose to more strictly enforce components of this Policy but they cannot allow a relaxation of this Policy.

Appearance Mission Statement: Whitewater Ski Resort Ltd. (“Whitewater”) is a family resort where our employees provide the first impression to our guests. It is a place where our guests recognize and value the presentation of our employees and the pride it instills throughout the resort. Whitewater aspires to a high standard of presentation and rely on your commitment to maintain a professional, well-groomed appearance while at work. Each employee is required to practice good habits of grooming, personal hygiene, and abide by all points noted below.  
 

Appearance Standards:
●    Employees must always present a clean, professional appearance. Everyone is expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing, free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear.  Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or stamps are not allowed.
●    If you already have established facial hair such as a moustache, beard, and/or sideburns they are to be clean and neatly trimmed at all times otherwise the goal is to be clean shaven every day.
●    Hair must be clean and neatly groomed.  Hair left down should be behind the ears and if longer than collar length in the back, hair should be neatly tied back.
●    All staff must respect our Scent Free policy, which means no excessive perfumes and ensuring your personal hygiene is well maintained at all times. 
●    Jewellery must be worn in moderation, appear professional and must not interfere with job function or safety.  Tongue piercings are limited to one small stud which must not impede speech and is not easily apparent to guests.  Facial piercings are limited to one small nose stud or a small hoop. All other facial jewellery or exposed body piercings must be removed or covered while on the job.  Spacers in the ears are acceptable to a maximum of 0.5cms (5mm) in width. For outdoor staff, the nose hoop must be tight for safety purposes and there may also be amendments based on your position for safety reasons.
●    Any tattoos that could reasonably offend a guest or fellow employee must be covered at all times while at work.
●    Clothing and grooming styles dictated by religion or ethnicity are exempt.

Staff Uniforms:
●    Employees are expected to dress in Whitewater Uniform attire unless the day’s tasks require otherwise.
●    Employees may wear their uniforms to and from work, but uniforms must not be worn during non-working hours (free skiing, days off, etc.).
●    Uniforms may not be worn in licensed establishments, including Coal Oil Johnny’s. 
●    When personal clothing is allowed to be worn in conjunction with the company uniform, it must be neat and clean. It cannot not be torn, faded or patched. Solid color leggings are allowed only with a shirt or skirt long enough to reach the mid thighs.
●    For indoor staff, button up uniform shirts must be worn as such and not open with an under shirt. This is to ensure the most professional and consistent presentation of our staff.
●    During the warmer spring days, if it is getting too warm for an employee to wear their provided outerwear, Whitewater will require staff to wear a black shirt with their name tag on to ensure guests can still        identify you as personnel. Shirt graphic should be kept minimal and must not contain any profane, political or inappropriate imagery or text.  Whitewater branded headwear is also required as per the regular uniform.
●    Appropriate footwear must be worn as per your department work environment as outlined within the Department Occupational Health & Safety Checklist. 
●    All headwear worn indoors must be Whitewater branded. 
●    For outdoor staff that are wearing helmets we ask that the material underneath is of a solid print and that the helmets are free of offensive stickers such as those that include profanity. When not required to wear a helmet, the hat should be your Whitewater branded headwear.
●    All outdoor gear, such as skis and snowboards, should remain free of any offensive messaging such as that which includes profanity. 
●    Uniforms are provided for work use only. When you come skiing on your days off, we expect you to be wearing your personal outerwear and not the provided uniform as it causes additional wear and tear.  
●    All outdoor uniforms, and kitchen uniforms, are required to be returned at the end of your employment.

Staff Uniform Name Tags:
●    Name tags are part of your uniform and must be worn at all times while on duty.
●    Name tags or uniforms may not be worn in licensed establishments, including Coal Oil Johnny’s pub. 
 

Whitewater receives a high volume of applications and unfortunately, because of that, we are unable to let all applicants know about the status of their application. Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted.

Occupational First Aid Level III or 80 hour Advanced First Aid, current CPR, advanced skiing ability & CAA Avalanche Operations Level I.

YES, if you are a successful applicant, Whitewater will refund your pass according to our policy and the number of days you work.

Yes, this is strongly encouraged. We receive several applications for Volly Patrol and start hiring after the early bird season pass deadline. If you successfully get through the interview process you will receive a pass at 50%. Once you have completed your required volunteer shifts, the remaining amount will be refunded. This is a huge commitment and a huge help to the Pro Patrol. Plus, a great way to gain experience for next season!

Whitewater has two 14 seat staff shuttles which run twice every morning (before the public shuttle bus). Scheduled employees are able to utilize this service at a discounted rate. As seats are limited, we also encourage you to carpool with your fellow coworkers.

We operate from early December to early April.

Advice on finding accommodation in Nelson Nelson has a diverse population of close to 10,000 people, a hidden gem in the Kootenays, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. It has a vibrant and carefully restored downtown shopping area, incredible dining options and a busy social scene with live performances, arts and music nearly every night of the week. When it comes to the outdoors the only limit to what you can do is your imagination - Nelson and the surrounding area are stunning year round with 4 seasons worth of adventure. Whitewater does not offer any accommodation at the resort so most employees live in Nelson. The resort is located about a 15 minute drive outside the city of Nelson. We do offer a daily shuttle at a minimal cost to employees which stops at three different locations in town.

Below are a few links to local rental/accommodation websites.

Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce http://www.discovernelson.com/classifieds/category.php?id=28

Nelson Community Websites: I love Nelson Rentals, Pennywise Rentals

Nelson BC – Homes & rooms for rent (Facebook group)

Other sites: Kijiji – Nelson rentals