Dispatcher – Big White Ski Patrol

Location: Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia
Season: Early November – Mid-April
Schedule: 4 days on / 3 days off, 10-hour shifts
Wage: $22.00–$25.00/hr (based on experience) + $0.50/hr upon completion of training logbook

Additional Benefits:

• Equipment allowance
• First aid allowance
• Seasonal completion bonus
• Staff ski pass
• Discounted meals

About the Role

The Dispatcher is the operational hub of Big White Ski Patrol.

From coordinating emergency responses and search operations to managing mountain-wide communications and incident documentation, the Dispatcher ensures the right resources are in the right place at the right time.

This position combines emergency response coordination, leadership, problem-solving, and administrative oversight in a fast-paced mountain environment. While Dispatchers maintain the skiing and first aid skills required to support patrol operations, this is primarily an operations and coordination role rather than a frontline patrol position.

Successful candidates are highly organized, calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple competing priorities simultaneously.

What You'll Do

Emergency Response Coordination

• Coordinate patrol responses to medical incidents, missing persons, lift evacuations, and mountain emergencies
• Monitor mountain operations and maintain situational awareness across all mountain zones
• Allocate resources and personnel based on operational needs
• Communicate with BC Ambulance, medical staff, resort departments, and external agencies
• Serve as the primary communication link between field teams and support services

Communications & Dispatch

• Monitor multiple radio channels, telephones, and operational systems simultaneously
• Receive and prioritize incoming requests for assistance
• Maintain accurate dispatch logs and operational records
• Track personnel and resources throughout the day
• Record mountain closures, hazards, operational issues, and significant events

Documentation & Administration

• Review incident documentation for completeness and accuracy
• Identify missing information and follow up with patrollers when clarification is required
• Process guest injury reports, staff injury reports, medication records, and operational documentation
• Flag incidents requiring further investigation or supervisory review
• Ensure critical information is distributed to the appropriate internal and external stakeholders

Patrol Operations

• Provide first aid care to walk-in patients when operationally appropriate
• Maintain proficiency in skiing/snowboarding and patrol procedures
• Assist with mountain operations, public safety initiatives, and special projects
• Periodically work operational patrol shifts to maintain mountain knowledge and operational familiarity
• Support emergency response activities as required

See the patroller job posting for more information

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Our strongest Dispatchers are not necessarily the strongest skiers. They are the people who can process information quickly, stay organized under pressure, and make sound decisions when multiple things are happening at once.

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy coordinating people, resources, and information
• Remain calm during high-pressure situations
• Have exceptional attention to detail
• Can confidently prioritize competing demands
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Are comfortable providing direction to experienced staff members
• Take ownership of problems and actively seek solutions
• Stay productive during quieter periods without requiring constant supervision
• Enjoy being responsible for the overall operation rather than being the person responding to every call

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 80-hour first aid certification (AFA, WFR, EMR, ASPA, NZ PHEC, or equivalent)
• Minimum typing speed of 40 WPM
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure

Assets

• Expert skiing or snowboarding ability
• Experience in emergency services, healthcare, dispatch, incident command, or operational coordination
• Local knowledge of Big White terrain and operations
• Experience with incident reporting systems
• Experience with 1Risk software
• Nursing, EMS, fire service, search and rescue, or emergency communications experience

Important to Know Before Applying

This role is best suited to individuals who enjoy coordinating complex operations and supporting emergency response from the centre of the action.

While Dispatchers maintain patrol skills and periodically work operational shifts, the majority of the role involves communication, coordination, decision-making, and documentation.

This position may not be a good fit if your primary goal is to spend every day skiing or working exclusively in the field.

Application Requirements

Please include:

• Resume (PDF)
• Cover Letter (PDF)
• First Aid Certification
• Additional relevant certifications (AST 1, avalanche training, blasting ticket, etc.)

Recruitment Timeline

August 15 – Interviews begin
August 30 – Reference checks
September–October – Offers issued
November 2 (tentative) – Training begins