PAY: $70,000-90,000/year, DOE

SCHEDULE: Intended as a year-round position, though actual terms and salary will be set by employment agreement

CLOSING DATE: September 8, 2026

START DATE: October 2026

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Position supervises seasonal Lead Forecaster and Avalanche Forecasters

LOCATION: Eastern Sierra, California. The ESAC forecast area extends from the Virginia Lakes area to Bishop Creek and is adjacent to the communities of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bishop, California.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inform and educate the public on avalanche conditions in the backcountry of the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California. The primary purpose of the Director of Operations position is to lead the ESAC forecasting operations, including direct supervision of all forecasting staff, oversee all aspects of field and office work, and to assist with forecasting duties by collecting and analyzing snow, weather and field data to provide public avalanche advisories for backcountry winter users in the ESAC forecast area.   

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position has the overall responsibility of directing the ESAC’s forecasting, field, and educational activities to fulfill ESAC’s mission and goals. The position will work under the direction of the ESAC Board of Directors. Duties will be performed from a home office and in the field within the ESAC forecast area. The Director of Operations job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Leadership: Act in a leadership and management capacity overseeing the ESAC forecast team. Exercise sound, independent judgment in leading the team and carrying out the duties of the position. Act as the primary liaison between Board and forecast staff. Foster a professional and productive work environment. Maintain effective communication with the Board and staff.  Identify and resolve issues in a timely manner. Collaborate and coordinate with the Lead Forecaster to ensure adequate coverage and supervision for forecast staff.
  • Supervise Forecasting and Field Operations: Position will organize, coordinate, direct, and oversee all forecasting and field operations, including the daily work tasks of Avalanche Forecasters and the implementation of ESAC’s risk management framework. Work with ESAC Board of Directors to develop and implement work priorities. Create a work schedule for the forecasting team, in coordination with the Lead Forecaster to ensure adequate coverage. Facilitate and lead communication of the forecasting group. Delegate tasks to the Lead Forecaster to assist with oversight and direction of staff operations and duties. Track total work efforts and set priorities for individual team members. Responsible for developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures. Lead forecaster hiring, onboarding, training, and continuing education, approve staff hours for all pay periods, and perform performance evaluations of forecasters. 
  • Field Work and Data Collection:  Participate in collecting field data on snow, weather, and avalanche conditions and ensure appropriate data is collected to inform avalanche forecasts. Work with the Lead forecaster to ensure staff follow established mountain and avalanche safety practices while collecting field data. 
  • Data Analysis, Avalanche Forecasting, and Technical Writing: Analyze and interpret data obtained through multiple sources to determine current and future avalanche potential. Communicate regularly with other forecasters to analyze observations and determine current and future avalanche danger trends. Prepare written avalanche advisories and/or snowpack summaries for backcountry winter users in the ESAC forecast area. Publish and distribute advisories or summaries in accordance with assigned deadlines. Lead preparation of content for the Season Report and written summaries of each season, specific events or incidents, and other content as assigned.
  • Education and Outreach: Lead development and implementation of public avalanche awareness events, including interagency collaboration efforts and the education component of the ESAC’s Annual Event. In collaboration with Lead Forecaster, maintain or improve the education content development for the ESAC’s website and social media including photo and video documentation of backcountry conditions and observations.
  • Administrative and Financial Tasks: Maintain clear records and organization of work products. Work closely with administrative staff and Board on fulfilling grant obligations. Assist with ESAC financial tasks including development of budget for forecasting operations and staff.  Complete required reporting including the annual report. Based on availability, additional tasks may be assigned including but not limited to assisting with fundraising, financial, administrative, and human resources tasks.
  • Interagency Liaison: Primary contact for interagency cooperation and coordination. Work to maintain and strengthen agency partnerships while maintaining ESAC’s scope of work. 
  • Press Liaison: Act as the primary contact for press inquiries regarding accidents, fatalities, or promotional efforts.
  • Additional duties may be required. 

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Operational avalanche forecasting experience 
  • Leadership abilities including supervisory and management experience
  • Ability to collect field data on snow and weather observations and conduct snow stability analysis using snow pits and other standard techniques 
  • Ability to interpret and analyze snowpack, avalanche, and meteorological data from various sources
  • Expert skills in winter non-motorized backcountry travel skills and avalanche safety protocol
  • Strong written and spoken communication skills
  • Technical writing experience
  • Experience with MS Windows, Google Apps, and web-based software
  • Excellent fitness 
  • Professional avalanche training such as: National Avalanche School, Level III, AVPRO, AAA Pro2, CAA Level II, or equivalent training course and/or advanced training in snow science meteorology
  • Avalanche education experience 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must be willing and able to follow ESAC’s Employee Policies and Standard Operating Procedures when performing all duties 
  • Must be willing and able to work varying schedules, including part-time or full-time hours depending on seasonal needs.
  • Must be willing and able to work early mornings for forecasting as necessary
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
  • Must be willing and able to use own vehicle for winter travel throughout ESAC forecast area
  • Ability to travel safely in winter conditions in mountainous terrain for required field work
  • Must possess equipment suitable for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain (Personal Protective Equipment Allowance is provided)