New internship offers chance to support avalanche safety in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), a key player in avalanche forecasting and education in the Intermountain West, has opened applications for its 2025-2026 Avalanche Education and Awareness Internship. The part-time internship offers an opportunity for aspiring avalanche professionals to contribute to public safety efforts and deepen their knowledge of avalanche education in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Operating under a unique partnership between the nonprofit Utah Avalanche Center and the U.S. Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center, the organization aims to “keep people on top of The Greatest Snow on Earth” through robust public outreach, forecasting, and educational programming.

The UAC is hiring two interns to join its team for the upcoming winter season. The internship runs from August 25, 2025, through April 3, 2026, requiring approximately 20 hours per week. Applicants must be available for weekend and evening work, with primary responsibilities supporting the nonprofit side of UAC’s operations. While the position does not guarantee on-snow experience with UAC forecasters, opportunities for fieldwork may arise depending on an intern’s skillset and initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Interns will engage in a wide variety of tasks that advance avalanche education and public awareness, including:

• Supporting avalanche awareness classes and managing student outreach
• Delivering Know Before You Go (KBYG) presentations across Utah to youth and adult audiences
• Representing the UAC at public events and outdoor recreation venues
• Assisting with trailhead avalanche awareness programs, ski swaps, and other community outreach
• Contributing to UAC fundraising efforts, including donor engagement and event planning
• Handling operational tasks such as fulfilling online orders and assisting with social media and signage

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old by the start date
• Possess strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills
• Have experience with avalanche safety and backcountry travel, along with a Level 1 Avalanche certification
• Own reliable winter transportation
• Demonstrate strong organizational and administrative skills

Interns will be paid $15 per hour and receive mileage and eligible expense reimbursements. Additional benefits include access to outdoor industry pro deals from UAC’s supporting partners.

Those interested should submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format to McKinley Talty at education@utahavalanchecenter.org with the subject line “2025-2026 Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 29, 2025.

This is a valuable opportunity for those passionate about avalanche safety, outdoor education, and public service. Interns will gain firsthand experience in outreach and nonprofit operations while helping to make Utah’s backcountry safer for everyone.