Found this: CO Avalanche Forecaster

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Job Title: Avalanche Forecaster
Class Title: PHY SCI RES/SCIENTIST I
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Closing Date/Time: Mon. 08/08/11 5:00 PM Mountain Time
Primary Physical Work Address: Ouray, Colorado

Salary: $4,280.00 - $6,140.00 Monthly
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Job Type: Part Time
Location: Ouray County, Colorado
How To Apply: Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed above.
If not applying on-line, submit application to: Mary Vigil 1313 Sherman St. Room 415 Denver, CO 80203 Fax: 303.866.6499
Department Contact Information: Mary Vigil mary.vigil@state.co.us
Methods of Appointment: Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created or the transfer, non-disciplinary (voluntary) demotion or reinstatement applicants. However, there is the possibility that appointment(s), for valid, articulated business reasons may be made by transfer, reinstatement, disciplinary or non-disciplinary demotion, trial service reversion, placement due to return from military service or another method of appointment not stated.
Transcripts Required: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement.

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Department Information Benefits Supplemental Questions

NOTE: This is a PART-TIME position that will work a limited number of hours June through September and may work FULL-TIME October through May depending on snow conditions.

Information About The Job:

This work unit exists to promote avalanche safety by reducing the impact of avalanches on recreation, industry and transportation in the State through a program of forecasting and education. The person in this position is self motivated and able to work in occasional non structured work environment with the ability to prioritize schedule and methods to complete the work. The person in this position will be exposed to the hot and cold weather elements and typically work a 40 hour week, however occasional extended work days and/or weeks may occur dependent on those elements and workload.

Description of Job:

DUTIES

This position will produce and write avalanche forecasts, create and deliver education programs, collect field data, interact with professional and volunteer avalanche and rescue groups and demonstrate an understanding of atmospheric physics and dynamics and snow physics and avalanche dynamics. The four main functions of this position is to: 1) Provide avalanche hazard forecasts and consult with CDOT on weather and avalanche programs 2) Train CDOT staff, contractors, and general public in snow, weather and avalanche safety, 3) Collect field data to support the highway and backcountry and 4) Install and maintain remote weather instrumentation avalanche conditions along specific sections of state and federal highways,

Avalanche forecaster – collect and analyze weather and snow data, describe specific events or patterns in snow properties and avalanche activity in an avalanche forecast. Also interpret weather forecast products for local effects on snow and avalanche conditions. Develop new methods and techniques for utilizing the CAIC’s dataset.

Educator – Train CDOT personnel and contractors on avalanche potential within their highway corridor. Develop new methods and tools to teach avalanche safety to CDOT personnel. Teach snow, weather and avalanche science to CDOT personnel and backcountry users.

Field Data Collection – Collect data on the current physical, mechanical and thermal state of the snowpack. Analyze and interpret these data to determine the structural and mechanical stability of the snowpack. Use the assessment of snowpack properties and weather forecasts to determine current and future avalanche potential. Collect and use avalanche occurrence data to determine the current and future character of avalanche activity. Collect weather data. All of these data must be recorded in a central computer database and used for the avalanche forecasting portion of the position.

Automated Weather Stations – Install and maintain automated weather stations. This includes understanding CSI measurement acquisition computer language and writing and editing programs using the LoggerNet software package. Compile and install these programs so that they run the data logger computers and remote weather instruments. Wire data logger instrument panels and establishing phone, RF, and Ethernet communications between weather and base station units. Also diagnose and maintain communication between a central computer server and the base stations.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions and Conditions of Employment:
REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience –Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a physical science such as Physics, Engineering, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Hydrology, or a closely related field to the degrees listed and one year of operational avalanche forecasting experience as described the duty statements. Transcripts must be attached.

Substitutions – 4 years of operational avalanche forecasting experience in mechanized skiing, transportation, public safety or guiding may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. There is no substitution for the required one year of operational avalanche forecasting experience.

Supplemental Information:

PLEASE INCLUDE A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS, THAT YOU WILL CHECK FREQUENTLY, as communication and information regarding this position will be sent through e-mail. Please be sure your e-mail account is set-up to receive messages from @state.co.us and/or check your 'junk mail/spam' account to be sure messages from the Department of Natural Resources have not been filtered out of your 'inbox.'

Conditions of Employment. Click on the "Supplemental Questions" tab to answer the following:

Willing and able to travel on very steep exposed portions of mountainous terrain.

Willing and able to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue.

Willing and able to observe and evaluate avalanche conditions.

Willing and able to work outside of a typical 40 hour work week

Willing and able to utilize your own winter backcountry equipment. [e.g., skis, snowshoes, climbing skins, snowmobile etc.]

Willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with modern avalanche and weather forecasting techniques.

Experience with MSWindows and/or LINUX computer systems.

Preferred Competencies:

Experience in Technical Writing.

Experience in training and public speaking.

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources must have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
Willing and able to travel in the backcountry during the winter.