Snowmaker

Department: Mountain Operations / Snowmaking
Reports To: Operations Manager / Head Snowmaker
Employment Type: Winter Seasonal
Schedule: Part-Time Seasonal; primarily evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays

Job Overview

The Snowmaker is responsible for producing and maintaining quality snow coverage throughout the ski area to help establish and maintain a solid snow base for the winter season. This is a hands-on, physically demanding outdoor position that involves operating snowmaking equipment, high-pressure water and air systems, monitoring changing weather conditions, and assisting with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of snowmaking and mountain operations equipment.

Snowmaking is highly dependent on weather conditions. Employees must be flexible and prepared to work evenings, overnight shifts, early mornings, weekends, and holidays when temperatures and conditions are favorable for snow production.

Essential Job Functions

Snowmaking Operations

• Transport, place, set up, operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment throughout the ski area.
• Operate snowmaking machinery under the direction of the Head Snowmaker and Operations Manager.
• Monitor snow guns, snowmaking machines, water lines, air hoses, pumps, and related equipment throughout snowmaking operations.
• Make adjustments to water and air flow based on temperature, humidity, wind, and changing weather conditions.
• Move hoses, snow guns, and other equipment across snow-covered and icy terrain.
• Monitor snow production and communicate changing conditions, equipment issues, and snowmaking needs to the Head Snowmaker or Operations Manager.
• Shut down, dismantle, clean, inspect, and properly store snowmaking equipment following production cycles.

Equipment Maintenance & Operations

• Assist with inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and performing minor repairs on snowmaking and mountain operations equipment.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and inspections of equipment including snowmaking machines, booster pumps, pumps, generators, pickup trucks, skid steers, snowcats, and other specialized equipment.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and other equipment necessary to complete assigned maintenance and repair tasks.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate records of maintenance and repairs performed on equipment as directed.
• Report equipment malfunctions, damage, safety concerns, and needed repairs promptly to management.
• Assist the Operations Manager and other members of the Mountain Operations team with maintenance projects and other tasks as needed.

Mountain Operations & Snow Maintenance

• Assist with snow and ice control throughout the ski area.
• Assist with moving and distributing snow and maintaining appropriate snow levels around operational areas.
• Assist with building and maintaining snow ramps at chair lift loading and unloading areas.
• Assist with clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, work areas, and other locations as needed.
• Assist with chair lift operations and understand applicable safety start and stop procedures when properly trained.
• Operate skid steers, snowcats, or other equipment when trained and authorized to do so.
• Assist other Mountain Operations departments and work in other areas of the ski area when operational needs require.

Safety & Teamwork

• Follow all company safety procedures and established snowmaking and equipment operating practices.
• Follow safety procedures when working around high-pressure water and air systems, machinery, vehicles, chair lifts, and other specialized equipment.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings while working at night, around operating equipment, and on steep, icy, or snow-covered terrain.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding snowmaking conditions, equipment status, maintenance needs, and safety concerns.
• Work cooperatively as part of the Mountain Operations team to meet snow production and operational goals.
• Help maintain a positive, professional, fun, and safe work environment.