Fairy Meadow Staging crew

JOB OVERVIEW

This role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation support of the helicopter staging area serving Fairy Meadow. The position prepares the site for guest arrival, manages snow removal and hazard control around the heli-pad, coordinates the loading and unloading of guests and gear, and guides guest parking and grouping ahead of flights. Acting as the primary point of contact between the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), Pilots/helicopter provider, and guests, this role delivers waiver and safety briefings, liaises directly with pilots and ground crew on weather and flight conditions, and ensures every transfer runs smoothly and safely. This position requires professional and approachable interaction with guests, sound judgment under time and noise pressure, and consistent adherence to WHMIS and OH&S standards. 

This role is typically 1 day a week on our transfer days, this is located at the Sorcerer Lodge Heliport off Highway 1 near Heather Mountain Lodge, about 56 km west of Golden, British Columbia.

IDEAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of helicopter ground operations and staging safety.

• Ability to deliver clear, confident guest briefings, including legal waiver explanations.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise professionally with guests, pilots, and ground crew.

• Comfortable communicating by radio, including relaying weather, visibility, and site conditions.

• Sound judgment and calm decision-making in noisy, time-pressured, and safety-critical situations.

• Physically fit and able to perform manual tasks, including snow removal and gear handling.

• Ability to work independently and in remote backcountry environments.

• Familiarity with WHMIS and Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) procedures.

• First Aid and CPR certification an asset.

• Valid driver's license and comfort traveling to remote facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Site Preparation

• Ensure the site is fully prepared for guest arrival before any guests are permitted into the staging area.

• Contact the Helicopters by radio en route to staging to confirm flight schedule and check for weather delays.

• Complete snow removal and safety checks of the heli-pad, confirming the facility is safe before guests arrive.

Waivers and Guest Orientation

• Gather guests on arrival and lead the waiver discussion, clearly communicating that the waiver is a binding legal document.

• Confirm guests have reviewed their waiver in advance, walk through key waiver content, and witness signatures in a consistent, methodical manner.

• Distribute and collect Emergency Contact / Medical Information forms alongside the waiver process.

• Escalate any guest concerns about the validity of the waiver program immediately, per site protocol.

Guest and Gear Coordination

• Guide guest parking and organize guests into pre-identified groups sized to the incoming aircraft.

• Coordinate the loading and unloading of guest and cargo gear into the helicopter at staging and at Fairy Meadow.

• Deliver the pre-arrival safety briefing, covering loading/unloading procedure, expectations on landing, gear placement, and guest conduct around the aircraft.

• Support the pilot's safety briefing on arrival, reinforcing rotor safety, boarding procedure, and gear handling.

Working with Pilots and Ground Crew

• Liaise directly with Helicopters pilots and ground crew throughout each transfer.

• Report wind speed and direction, visibility, precipitation, and estimated temperature to the pilot ahead of landing.

• Hold guests and gear clear of the machine until cleared by the pilot, and support repositioning as needed.

• Maintain awareness of aircraft capacity and configuration (e.g., Alpine Helicopters' 407 and 212 aircraft) when organizing guest groups and gear loads.

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a hazard-free, clearly defined staging and landing area at all times.

• Adhere to WHMIS and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) procedures at all times.

• Represent the ACC in a professional and approachable manner with guests, pilots, and partners.