Avalanche Technician (Contract)

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience, you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Avalanche Technician, Health & Safety

Reporting directly to the Lead Avalanche Technician and Skeena’s Health and Safety Manager(s), the Avalanche Technician is responsible for the operation of our high-quality avalanche safety program. This includes general risk management as it pertains to work in the mountainous winter environment. The Avalanche Technician will be expected to act as a safety leader to various departments, as well as provide guidance for workers on-site. Through data collection, analysis, forecasting, communication, assessment, response, and training, you’ll play a critical role in the safety of our people, protection of assets, and facilitation of work. Success in this role will depend on a strong blend of certifications, technical knowledge, and demonstrated ability.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Operation of the Avalanche Safety Program and related programs.
• Lead daily avalanche forecasting and control operations.
• Providing leadership and direction for various department team members and model best practices in safety, communication, and emergency preparedness.
• Complete risk assessments as required by the Avalanche Safety Program.
• Develop, implement, and deliver training materials.
• Assisting with the development, integration, and implementation of emergency response plans.
• Participating in incident/accident investigations.
• Maintain program-related supplies, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Assist in the development and implementation of hazard reduction strategies.
• Co-facilitate Emergency Response Team training and remain ready for mountain emergencies.
• Coordinating with site teams to embed the Avalanche Safety Program within other areas of the project.
• Support other groups through the completion of field work and transfer of data.
• Collaborate with supervisors, departments, and external partners to ensure program goals are met.

Education/Qualifications:

• CAA level 2 training certificate.
• WorkSafeBC blasting certification 
• Advanced first aid certification (80hr +).
• Valid driving license with a clean record.

Preferred:

• CAA Avalanche professional 
• WorkSafe BC helicopter & hand charging endorsements.
• Completion of additional CAA ITP curriculum.
• BC mine certifications program blasting certificate.
• Additional safety and emergency response certifications (rope, swiftwater, confined space, etc).
• ICS certification.
• TC drone pilot certificate.

Experience/Skills:

• 6+ seasons working as an avalanche technician.
• Background in avalanche & weather forecasting.
• Familiarity and experience using the CAA Infoex®.
• Experience managing safety around helicopters.
• Computer literacy, including use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint etc).
• Strong communication skills, including technical writing.
• Team player who is willing to contribute when and where needed.
• Strong mountain travel, physical fitness, and skiing ability.
• Experience in delivering training utilizing learning theories/styles appropriate to the workforce.
• Strong interpersonal and reasoning skills, with proven problem-solving abilities

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as with others.

Preferred:

• Experience in non-avalanche program-related industrial roles.
• Experience/qualification related to the operation of over-snow vehicles (snowcat, snowmobile, UTV).
• Adult teaching experience in relevant fields is considered an asset.
• GIS/mapping training or experience.
• Multiple years of experience working in the mining/industrial sector.

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation. Work schedule may involve rotational night shift work, and may vary depending on avalanche risk and operational objectives. Flexibility to extend outside of the daily schedule is required for this role.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons, including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects. This role may see additional exposure to remote/isolated work, mountainous terrain, and extreme weather.

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

Compensation
The expected hourly range for this position is CA$40/h - CA$55/h, in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors, such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.