This new programme is for experienced and capable winter mountaineers who are interested in developing the knowledge, judgement and practical skills needed to become a Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) Observer.
The objective is to support you to achieve the verified SAIS Observer Standard. This is the standard required for someone to be engaged and deployed within the seasonal SAIS forecasting rota. This information is intended to help you decide whether the programme may be right for you before the formal recruitment process begins.
Who is the programme for?
The programme may suit you if you already spend significant time in the Scottish winter mountains, work confidently and safely in challenging conditions, and want to make a long-term contribution to the avalanche forecasting service. It is a development programme rather than an introduction to winter mountaineering, so applicants need a strong base of relevant experience before joining.
What experience do I need?
The points below are a guide rather than an exhaustive checklist. We recognise that relevant skills, knowledge and experience can be developed in different ways, so we welcome interest from people whose background may be broader or different, but who can demonstrate that they have the capability and potential to succeed on the programme.
- Substantial experience and expertise in the Scottish winter mountain environment, supported by appropriate National Governing Body qualifications.
- A good working understanding of the factors that affect snowpack stability in Scotland.
- Knowledge of current good practice for safe travel and decision-making in complex winter conditions, including dynamic risk assessment.
- A sound understanding of common snow crystal types, how they develop and how they influence snowpack stability.
- The ability to interpret snow profiles, field observations and snow stability tests when assessing avalanche hazard.
- A good understanding of mountain weather and how it affects snowpack stability and avalanche forecasting.
- A clear commitment to working towards joining the SAIS forecasting team.
What is involved?
The programme combines formal training, mentored work with experienced forecasters, independent practice and final SAIS verification. It uses an apprenticeship-style approach to help you develop the knowledge, skills and practical judgement needed to achieve the verified SAIS Observer Standard.
1. Initial training course
You will begin with a five-day course combining classroom learning and practical exercises. It will cover avalanche forecasting principles, snowpack assessment, mountain weather, snow profiles and field tests, avalanche hazard assessment, report writing, forecasting systems and safe working in the mountain environment. You will also practise producing avalanche reports and using the tools and processes used by SAIS.
2. Mentored field training
You will join experienced SAIS forecasters during normal operational forecasting work. The current expectation is around 20 mentored days in your first winter and around 20 in your second. Dates and locations will need to remain flexible so that training can make the best use of mountain, weather and snow conditions.
3. Independent learning
You will also spend time independently in the mountains applying what you have learned and producing draft avalanche reports. These reports are an important part of building and demonstrating your practical judgement. To achieve SAIS Observer Standard, you must submit a total of 60 draft avalanche reports.
Is this a long-term commitment?
We currently anticipate offering a two-year fixed-term contract (final details tbc) to support your development journey. This is a paid position, but achieving the programme objectives will also require you to dedicate some of your own time to independent learning, mountain experience and producing avalanche reports. The programme is intended to develop future SAIS forecasters who can help meet the service’s longer-term resource needs. We are therefore looking for people who are interested in making a sustained contribution to SAIS beyond the development period. However, completing the programme and achieving the verified SAIS Observer Standard does not guarantee employment or future work with SAIS.
What is the next step?
The programme is intended for people who already have substantial experience and expertise in the Scottish winter mountain environment, together with the specific knowledge outlined above; it is not an entry-level development opportunity.
Application timelines will be announced soon with the intent that the Programme will start this coming winter.
