This is the entry level of the series. In a training capacity, performs a variety of basic weather observation and avalanche control tasks.

Under supervision, records routine weather instrument readings including total interval, storm and 24-hour snow depths, wind speed and direction, air and snow temperature, dew point and humidity, snow crystal classification, and current weather conditions; assists in conducting snow pit investigations;

Assists with maintenance and utilization of remote weather monitoring equipment; may involve tower climbing, working at heights, and alternating current or low voltage wiring;

Utilizing weather observations from instruments and other study plots, calculates and draws water equivalence, snow density, precipitation intensity, and snow strength diagrams;

Installs, services, and disassembles for maintenance wind and temperature sensing equipment;

Assists with hand placement of high explosives and blasting caps; assists with artillery missions;

Skis and climbs on mountain slopes to avalanche areas, carrying high explosives and detonators; may perform ski cutting techniques;

Operates snow vehicles and heavy equipment required to transport personnel and equipment;

Assists with training activities in avalanche awareness and rescue.

Knowledge of techniques of traveling and surviving in mountainous terrain under adverse weather conditions.

Ability to operate snow vehicles; ski or travel in difficult terrain with loaded back pack; work effectively under difficult physical and environmental conditions; work as a member of a team accepting supervision and discipline; work long hours in inclement weather.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certifications. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High school graduation or GED certificate and one year of experience involving ski patrol, snow safety, avalanche control, U.S. Army Gunnery School courses, or explosive demolition work. Must be able to ski and climb advanced terrain in heavy snow and adverse weather, making parallel turns while carrying a loaded back pack weighing not less than 25 pounds; able to work at heights and when suspended by ropes.

A Washington State Explosive Users License with certification for Avalanche Control.

New class, replaces 69000 Avalanche Control Trainee effective January 1, 2006.
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revise class August 2016.
Revised title (formerly Avalanche Forecast and Control Specialist 1), typical work, knowledge and abilities, legal requirements and desirable qualifications; adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.