Want to Forecast Avalanches for a Living? The Utah Avalanche Center Is Hiring
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If your idea of a dream job includes ski touring through deep snow, tapping into weather patterns, and helping keep your community safe—this gig might be for you. The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) is now hiring one or two seasonal Meteorological Technicians/Avalanche Forecasters for the 2025–26 season.
Check out the full description here.
Applications are open now through July 14, 2025, and interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Paige Pagnucco, UAC Director with the U.S. Forest Service, at paige@utahavalanchecenter.org for more information. Expected start dates are between October 19 and December 28, 2025.
This is a highly technical, field-based role designed for people with a strong background in snow science, backcountry travel, and public communication. It’s also a chance to contribute directly to avalanche safety in one of North America’s most iconic backcountry zones.
The position combines snow science, fieldwork, weather interpretation, and public outreach. Along with analyzing conditions, you’ll be running an important avalanche safety communication line for thousands of Utah skiers and riders each season.
Job duties (Meteorological Technician):
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- Forecasting & Public Safety Communication: Analyze atmospheric conditions, evaluate raw weather and snow data, and issue written and verbal avalanche forecasts. You’ll also issue and terminate emergency avalanche warnings based on standardized protocols.
- Snowpack & Weather Observations: Conduct regular field assessments of snow stability, including recording data on temperature, wind, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, UV conditions, and more. Fieldwork often occurs in high-elevation, avalanche-prone terrain—so mountain safety skills are a must.
- Weather Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, service, and maintain weather monitoring equipment. You’ll also help manage historical weather datasets using specialized computer systems.
- Education & Outreach: Occasionally provide avalanche education to schools, professional groups, and the general public. You may also support avalanche safety training for colleagues or partners.
The UAC emphasizes that this is a judgment-heavy role: you’ll need to synthesize real-time snow and weather data, make independent assessments, and communicate your conclusions to the public with clarity and confidence.
Ideal candidates have strong backcountry travel experience, familiarity with avalanche forecasting and snow science, and should be comfortable working in mountain environments. Strong written and verbal communication skills are key.
Whether you’re looking to break into the avalanche forecasting world or you’re an experienced pro ready for something fresh, this is a great opportunity to merge passion and purpose, all while skiing some of the best terrain and champagne powder in the West.
