Lead Aviation & Avalanche Technician

Skeena Gold + Silver is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Lead Avalanche & Aviation Technician

Reporting directly to Skeena’s Health and Safety Manager, the Lead Aviation and Avalanche Technician is responsible for the management, operation, and continued development of our avalanche safety program, mountain safety, and aviation operations (fixed, rotary wing and remote piloted aircraft systems RPAS) for all Skeena work sites. The lead technician will be expected to provide supervision to other team members as well as guide general program direction. This role will also enable and support compliance with the Flight Safety Foundation Basic Aviation Risk Standards (BARS) through data collection, analysis, forecasting, communication, assessment, response, and training. You’ll play a critical role in the safety of our people, protection of assets, and facilitation of work.

Success in this role will depend on a strong blend of certifications, technical knowledge, and demonstrated ability.

Note: this is a year-round, permanent opportunity.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

Mountain Safety

• Management and operation of the Avalanche Safety Program.
• Lead daily avalanche forecasting and control operations.
• Providing supervision and direction for Avalanche Technicians and Assistants. Mentor team members and model best practices in safety, communication, and emergency preparedness.
• Coordinating with site teams to embed the Avalanche Safety Program within other areas of the project.
• Lead and manage the avalanche explosives program, including procurement, inventory control, and ensuring explosive magazine safety & security requirements are met.
• Take command and direct any avalanche rescue, fieldwork rescue or search operations being conducted.
• Lead the development and review of avalanche emergency response plans.
• Coordinate and lead collaboration with other teams on site to ensure Avalanche Safety & Emergency Response readiness is embedded within all avalanche and aviation programs.
• Oversee and participate in incident/accident investigations and risk assessments, identifying potential avalanche emergency scenarios.
• Develop, implement, and promote new avalanche and aviation training programs and practices while ensuring a strong foundation of core safety practices.
• Oversee installation and use of monitoring systems and equipment to ensure accurate forecasting of avalanche conditions and ensure consistent maintenance of avalanche safety equipment.
• Design, implement, and oversee effective strategies to reduce avalanche hazards, including snowpack stabilization, controlled detonations, and other mitigation measures.
• Maintain program-related supplies, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Developing and implementing hazard reduction strategies.
• Support other groups with the completion of field work and transfer of data.
• Collaborate with supervisors, departments, and external partners, to ensure program goals are met.

Aviation Operations

• Lead and coordinate aircraft missions, ensuring alignment with operations needs and BARS safety protocols.
• Run daily coordination meetings and ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow, and work with relevant authorities to establish or modify Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and generate NOTAMs as required.
• Ensure and lead oversight of aerodrome and landing areas, including associated equipment (APU, filters, Bambi buckets, etc.), verifying they are maintained, available, and compliant with Transport Canada regulations and legislation.
• Ensure capability and equipment is available and maintained to determine wind speed and direction, precipitation, rain, snow, and ice can and visibility, temperature and thunderstorms and lightning.
• Direct and manage risk assessments, identifying and mitigating aviation-related risks using the Skeena Risk Management framework, templates, and evaluation tables, ensuring compliance with BARS standards and applicable safety regulations.
• Develop and implement a Skeena journey management plan.
• Act as the lead communication point, ensuring continuous, clear, and effective communication between ground personnel, air crews, and other stakeholders.
• Ensures all helicopter operations adhere to BARS standards and other applicable regulations, including those related to weather, flight planning, and aircraft maintenance.
• May be involved in collecting and analyzing data related to helicopter operations, contributing to safety performance improvements and risk assessments.
• Complete the BARS MCAR training and other related courses and programs to ensure qualification for the position of AC and be involved in training other personnel on helicopter safety as well as BARS requirements and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional duties as reasonably assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a CAA Avalanche professional with Level 2 certification.
• WorkSafeBC blasting certification with helicopter & hand charging endorsements.
• BC mine certifications program blasting certificate.
• OFA Level 3 or 80-hour Advanced first aid certification.
• Valid driving license with a clean record.
• ICS certification.
• Strong mountain travel, physical fitness, and skiing ability.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAA Level 3 and completion of additional ITP curriculum.
• Additional safety and emergency response certifications (rope, swiftwater, confined space, etc).
• TC drone pilot certificate.

Experience / Skills

• 8+ seasons working as an avalanche technician, including experience in a mining or industrial setting.
• 5 years’ experience in working closely with helicopters.
• Background in avalanche & weather forecasting.
• Familiarity and experience using the CAA InfoEx.
• Computer literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint etc).
• Strong communication skills, including technical writing.
• Team player who is willing to contribute when and where needed.
• Experience in delivering training utilizing learning theories/styles appropriate to the workforce.
• Strong interpersonal and reasoning skills, with proven problem-solving abilities.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Sound understanding of aviation risks, specifically with helicopters.

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation. Daily work schedules will vary depending on avalanche risk and operational objectives. Flexibility to extend into evening operations is required for this role.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is CAD 110,000-130,000 in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines, and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined by a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

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