| Location | Durango, CO |
| Salary | $69,720–$83,664 Per Year |
CAIC Avalanche Forecaster - SW Backcountry (PSRS I)
Salary
$69,720.00 - $83,664.00 Annually
Location
Durango, CO
Job Type
Part Time
Job Number
PAA CAIC 00648 09/2026
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Executive Directors Office
Opening Date
09/14/2026
Closing Date
9/25/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Hiring Pay Rate
All employees new to the State Personnel System will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Patrick Gerity patrick.gerity@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Type of Announcement
The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Primary Physical Work Address
Hybrid - This position's primary responsibly is backcountry avalanche safety in the SW Colorado mountains south of highway US50 (greater San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges). Work is primarily performed from a home office, one of CAIC's offices, and in the field. This position will need to travel for monthly staff meetings, typically in Leadville, and other locations for meetings, training, and project work as directed by the supervisor.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. 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.
Department Information
Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the rest of the year.
Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?
Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It's our mission to manage and conserve Colorado's natural resources for the benefit of people today - and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.
We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado's natural resources for today - and tomorrow.
In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Medical, Vision and Dental plans
Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Employee Wellness programs
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
For more detailed information, please visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits
Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
This position is part of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), which 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.
Description of Job
Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the rest of the year.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is a statewide agency helping people in Colorado with avalanches and avalanche safety. This position's primary responsibly is backcountry avalanche safety in the SW Colorado mountains south of highway US50 (greater San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges). Work is primarily performed from a home office, one of CAIC's offices, and in the field. This position will need to travel for monthly staff meetings, typically in Leadville, and other locations for meetings, training, and project work as directed by the supervisor.
This position performs four main functions:
Forecaster-
Analyze snow, weather, and avalanche data to determine current and future conditions.
Use CAIC tools, systems, and procedures to document work process and predictions.
Use CAIC tools, systems, and procedures to create and communicate public safety products.
Participate in daily forecast meetings to facilitate the number, type, and quality of daily products.
Development of daily avalanche hazard assessment and daily forecast meeting.
Work in a team to decide current avalanche hazard levels and avalanche characteristics.
Present summary and reasoning in daily forecast meeting and help others check their assessment of avalanche hazard for assigned areas.
Create avalanche forecasts for staff of the Colorado Department of Transportation that meet or exceed CAIC's goals for type, quantity, and quality.
Field Operations -
Author and Educator-
Agency Functions-
Other duties assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the rest of the year.
This position's primary responsibly is backcountry avalanche safety in the SW Colorado mountains south of highway US50 (greater San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges). Work is primarily performed from a home office, one of CAIC's offices, and in the field. This position will need to travel for monthly staff meetings, typically in Leadville, and other locations for meetings, training, and project work as directed by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years experience in an occupational field related to avalanche forecasting for backcountry recreation (motorized or non-motorized guiding in avalanche terrain), winter recreation (ski area), or a transportation application (highway, railroad, etc.) or another workplace environment such as the USFS or workplace with winter field operations in avalanche terrain, or similar work experience.
OR
Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment such as meteorology, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, communications, or English (writing).
AND
One (1) year relevant experience related to avalanche forecasting for backcountry recreation (motorized or non-motorized guiding in avalanche terrain), winter recreation (ski area), or a transportation application (highway, railroad, etc.) or another workplace environment such as the USFS or workplace with winter field operations in avalanche terrain, or similar work experience.
Substitutions
Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
Conditions of Employment
Must be able to pass the background check by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Oil and Public Safety to obtain a Type I Explosives Permit as well as a Federal background check to access the work location in the NOAA Labs in Boulder.
Must be willing and able to travel within the state and occasional out-of-state travel.
This position has access to a State fleet vehicle during the winter months but must be willing and able to use own vehicle for winter travel throughout Colorado when one is not available.
Ability to travel on mountain roads and backcountry areas during the winter.
Ability to travel on high very steep exposed portions of mountainous terrain.
Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
Must possess and maintain (or be willing and able to obtain and maintain) a current Wilderness First Responder or higher and to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue.
Must be willing and able to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue.
Must be willing and able to work full-time as required.
Must be willing and able to exert up to 100 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently to move objects.
Must be willing and able to obtain a Type I Explosive Permit with an avalanche endorsement, which will require a background check.
Must possess or be willing to possess a certificate of completion ofPRO2 or similar professional avalanche training course.
Must be willing and able to work with explosives.
Must be willing and able to tolerate noise and vibration related to explosives.
Must be willing and able to pass a background check for access to the National Weather Service - Weather Forecast Office
Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado drivers license.
Must be able to drive a state vehicle and their driving record will be examined annually starting January 1st of each year.
Must be willing and able to tolerate hot and cold weather and wet, humid and windy conditions.
Must be willing and able to tolerate exposure to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, dusts, gases.
Must be willing and able to tolerate exposure to radiant energy.
Although Personal Protective Equipment is supplied, must possess equipment suitable for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain.
Work Full Time hours during winter months and part time during summer months.
Preferred qualifications
APPEAL RIGHTS:
It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
Applicant Checklist
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
The Assessment Process
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us
ADAAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request accommodation, please contact our Benefits Specialist at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
E-Verify
DNR uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Toll-Free Applicant Support - Technical Help
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location (Durango region) that is within 30 miles of the state border. This means you must relocate to Colorado or within 30 miles of the Colorado state border. Please acknowledge you understand this requirement.
02
Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.
03
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. DNR does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
04
If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans preference (exclude specific/private medical information).
05
Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?
06
Even if not using education as a substitute for experience, if you have a educational or certificate transcript, have you attached it?
07
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials, INCLUDING YOUR RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
08
Briefly explain why you would like to work at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center?
09
What is the single most important thing you do to work successfully in a small team?
10
Please describe a moment or accomplishment in your professional career that you are proud of.
11
Please briefly describe an aspect of a risk management process that was successful in a place you worked previously.
12
Please briefly describe the three most important things to include in a public avalanche forecast for backcountry recreation.
13
Please briefly describe the three most important things to include in an avalanche forecast for highway operations.
14
Please briefly describe your approach to working safely in avalanche terrain.
15
Please confirm that you understand and can meet the Conditions of Employment outlined in this announcement.
16
Please acknowledge this position will have part time duties part of the year.
17
This position may drive State fleet vehicles. You must maintain a valid Colorado drivers license which may be inspected at will. This may require a background screening and drug test. Do you understand and accept this condition?
18
Have you attached all relevant documentation including resume, cover letter, transcripts and active certifications?
19
This position's primary responsibly is backcountry avalanche safety in the SW Colorado mountains, south of highway US 50 (greater San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges). Please confirm your understanding and acceptance of the work location.
20
This is a hybrid position with work primarily performed from a home office, one of CAIC's offices, and in the field. This position will need to travel for monthly staff meetings, typically in Leadville, and other locations for meetings, training, and project work as directed by the supervisor. Please acknowledge your understanding of this work requirement.
Required Question
Employer State of Colorado
Address See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website https://careers.colorado.gov/