Avalanche Forecaster

Description

Summary: Join a tight-knit team ensuring safe operation of the Milford Road Avalanche Control Programme, leading forecasting activities and championing safety. Highlights: 1. Opportunity to work in a dynamic alpine environment 2. Varied, hands-on role combining expertise, leadership, and fieldwork 3. Be part of a small, highly skilled crew working like family Excellent opportunity for an experienced Avalanche Forecaster to join our Milford Road Alliance team At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities. Do you thrive in the mountains, live for the snow season, and want to build your career in one of the most spectacular alpine environments in Aotearoa? We're looking for an experienced Avalanche Forecaster to join our tight-knit Milford Road Alliance team based in Te Anau. This isn't just a job - it's a lifestyle. You'll be part of a small, highly skilled crew who work together like family, supporting each other through the challenges and rewards of operating in one of New Zealand's most dynamic alpine environments. Imagine finishing a day's work surrounded by Fiordland's towering peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. If you value meaningful work, strong team culture, and small-town living in an extraordinary location - this could be your next chapter. **Te** **kōwhiringa | The Opportunity** This role is a critical part of the Milford Road Alliance - a unique partnership between New Zealand Transport Agency and Downer NZ, based in Te Anau with a sole focus on the iconic Milford Road. The Alliance is responsible for: * Avalanche control and forecasting * Road maintenance * Homer Tunnel management * Incident response As Avalanche Forecaster, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of the Milford Road Avalanche Control Programme. You will lead forecasting activities, uphold contract compliance, and maintain Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards. This is a full time role working within a small specialist forecasting team, you will: * Provide expert technical support to the Alliance Manager * Champion a strong safety culture and avalanche awareness * Deliver training and system management aligned with industry standards Outside the avalanche season, you'll: * Maintain and improve alpine assets, facilities, and equipment * Contribute to snow science and avalanche innovation projects * Strengthen working relationships with road maintenance crews This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same - combining technical expertise, leadership, and practical alpine fieldwork. **Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills** To be successful in this role, you'll need the following skills and experience: * Have an MSc in Avalanche Safety Management (Stage II) / NZ Cert in Avalanche risk management Level 6 * A minimum of 5 years avalanche forecasting experience, ideally holding a lead role * Experience in rescue techniques providing training for assistants & volunteers * Certified Handler / Controlled substance license - explosives, flammables - use and varied experience * Helicopter experience - able to safely access mountains and variable terrain * Drivers Licence - D endorsement * First Aid Certification Further training may be required or offered in the following areas: * CIMs Management * Advanced avalanche qualifications * Pre-Hospital Emergency Care * Working at Heights * Traffic Management STMS * Machinery Operation **Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here** Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer: * Package including rewarding salary and Alliance benefits scheme * Access to our new and improved Downer Perks program * Z Energy fuel discount and monthly freebies * Free Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes * Progression and development programmes to support personal and professional growth Have a look at our other great benefits https://people.downergroup.co.nz/downer-benefits/. **Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation** Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here! **Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply** *If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is **729609***