2024/25 Application

Applications Open: August 1, 2024
Applications Close: September 1, 2024

Position Description

Avalanche Awareness Instructors are contracted by the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) to instruct 90-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. Instructors also receive a discount to NWAC events.

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 two types of Awareness Instructors:

  • Experienced Avalanche Instructors
  • Aspiring Avalanche Instructors

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.

Experienced Avalanche Instructors

Experienced Avalanche Instructors are those who have a PRO 1 and ITC or equivalent. We take a small number of experienced educators each season to round out our instructor roster. We hire experienced instructors based on our geographic and organizational needs. You must meet all requirements listed below to apply as an experienced instructor.

Required Experience and Credentials

  • A3 Pro 1
  • ITC or equivalent (certified to teach recreational avalanche courses for an A3 provider)
  • 5+ years recreating in the wintertime mountains

You must be qualified to teach recreational AIARE courses (or recreational Level 1s and 2s for another A3 approved provider) to apply as an experienced instructor.

This season we are only hiring experienced instructors who primarily reside in the following geographic areas:

  • Cle Elum/Ellensburg
  • Randle/Packwood/Yakima
  • Leavenworth/Wenatchee
  • Olympic Peninsula
  • Portland/Hood River

Experienced Instructor Training (mandatory)

  • September 22 (Sunday) from 10am-2pm: In-Person (North Bend, WA)

Apply as an Experienced Instructor

Aspiring Avalanche Instructors

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.

Please note that this program is intended for aspiring snow and avalanche professionals to gain paid experience as they pursue a career in forecasting, guiding, ski patrol, avalanche education, etc. This program is not intended as part-time work for folks not pursuing a professional career in the industry.

Required Experience and Credentials

  • A3 approved Level 1 or higher
  • 3+ years recreating in the wintertime backcountry
  • Desire to work professionally in the snow and avalanche industry
  • Participation in the AAIP 8-hour training program

Desired Qualities

  • education, teaching, or instruction experience
  • strong public speaker
  • passion for avalanche education

Aspiring Instructor Training (all dates are mandatory)

  • September 22 (Sunday) from 10:00am-2:00pm – In-Person (North Bend, WA)
  • September 24 (Tuesday) from 5:30-7:30pm – Virtual
  • September 26 (Thursday) from 5:30-7:30pm – Virtual

Apply as an Aspiring Instructor

Please reach out to the Education Manager, Devon Schoos (devon@nwac.us), with any questions.