2023/24 Application
Application Deadline: September 12, 2023
Position Description
Avalanche Awareness Instructors are contracted by the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) to instruct 60-minute Avalanche Awareness Classes to the public. NWAC offers free avalanche classes throughout our forecast area. These classes are introductory presentations geared towards the novice wintertime backcountry user.
Benefits
Instructors are contract workers compensated $150 per in-person class and $100 per virtual class. Instructors will be required to fill out a W-9 upon employment.
Qualifications & How To Apply
In an effort to utilize the skills of experienced avalanche instructors as well as to provide pathways for aspiring snow and avalanche educators, there are three types of Awareness Instructors:
- Returning Instructors
- New Instructors: Experienced Avalanche Educators
- New Instructors: Aspiring Avalanche Educators
Find required experience and the application link for each type of instructor below. Instructors must primarily reside in Washington or Oregon during the winter season in order to be eligible.
Returning Instructors
Returning Instructors are those who have previously taught Awareness Classes for NWAC and have the required avalanche education credentials. Instructors must complete a 2-hour returning instructor training every year to teach Awareness Classes. Returning instructors should contact Devon Schoos at devon@nwac.us to register for training.
Required Experience and Credentials
- Previously taught Awareness Classes for NWAC
Returning & Experienced Instructor Training
- October 4 (Wednesday) OR October 24 (Tuesday) from 6:00-8:00pm (virtual)
New Instructors: Experienced Avalanche Educators
Aspiring avalanche instructors who have taken an ITC are eligible to teach Avalanche Awareness Classes without attending the Avalanche Awareness Instructor Program (AAIP).
Required Experience and Credentials
- AIARE Pro or equivalent
- ITC or equivalent
- 5+ years recreating in the wintertime mountains
- Participate in the 2-hour NWAC returning instructor training
Returning & Experienced Instructor Training
- October 4 (Wednesday) OR October 24 (Tuesday) from 6:00-8:00pm (virtual)
Apply as an Experienced Avalanche Educator here.
New Instructors: Aspiring Avalanche Educators
Teaching Avalanche Awareness classes can be a great first step for those looking to work in the snow and avalanche industry. In order to create entry ways into paid snow and avalanche work, NWAC has created an Avalanche Awareness Instructor Program (AAIP) to teach aspiring avalanche educators to deliver the curriculum.
Required Experience and Credentials
- AIARE Level 1 or higher
- 3+ years recreating in the wintertime backcountry
- Interest in working professionally in the snow and avalanche industry
- Participate the AAIP 8-hour training program
New Instructor Training (all dates are mandatory)
- October 1 (Sunday) from 9:00am-1:00pm (in-person in North Bend)
- October 3 (Tuesday) from 6:00-7:30pm (virtual)
- October 5 (Thursday) from 6:00-7:30pm (virtual)
Apply as an Aspiring Avalanche Educator here.