Who We Are:  At 67 miles away, Winter Park is the closest ski resort to Denver. With easy access to 765,000 acres of public land, Winter Park is home to endless adventures. Whether you are looking to have your first taste of a winter season or to build a long-term career, we have something for everyone.  

Perks & Benefits:

• Free season pass to Winter Park and all Alterra Resorts
• Discounted friends & family tickets
• Medical, dental, vision, life, paid parental leave and more for eligible employees
• 401(k) plan with 100% company match - up to 4%
• Mental health resources for all employees
• Food & beverage and retail discounts 
• Onsite employee childcare based on availability
• Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Snowmaker will follow all Winter Park policies and procedures, all applicable laws (federal, state, and local), and all health and sanitation code.

WAGE:

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of Winter Park Resort's hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The range listed is just one component of Winter Park Resort's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include many region-specific benefits.

hourly pay range: $25.50

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Pre-operation checkout and fueling of vehicle.
• Show up for work in good condition.
• Receive instructions for shift from Supervisor.
• Perform basic grooming functions from Grooming supervisor
• Perform required work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Secure work site nightly in a reasonably safe manner, (i.e. holes marked, equipment keys removed).
• Make educated decisions on moving snowmaking guns and adjusting snow conditions.
• Helps to train Snowmaker I’s, II’s and III’s and direct them efficiently in and out of the field.
• Practices safe teaching methods for snowmobile, snow gun, and hydrant and pump house functions.
• Practices and enforce company policies regarding safety, health, and employee well being.
• Helps shut down and start up snowmaking system efficiently.
• Assist snowmaking Supervisor in decisions regarding snowmaking trail coverage
• Assess quality of snowmaking material to ensure high quality product
• Report and inform Snowmaking supervisor about any snowmaking infrastructure needing attention
• Groom/repair hazards encountered.       
• Inform Supervisor of scheduled jobs not completed.
• Inform mechanics of necessary repairs and/or service needed on snowmobiles and all other equipment.
• Maintain accurate up-to-date logs on equipment used.
• Assist Snowmaking Supervisor in employee review/evaluations regarding in-field observations
• Assist Snowmaking Supervisor in hiring/screening process
• Assist Snowmaking Supervisor in scheduling staff
• Maintain a friendly, congenial, and helpful attitude while effectively dealing with guests, mechanics, and other employees.
• Report and correct, if possible, unsafe conditions regarding equipment and area of work, or elsewhere on the area.
• Housekeeping of assigned work/shop/equipment area.
• Perform other duties as directed.
• Doze, pack, grade trails, base area, and lift ramps.
• Transport proper equipment with attachments to job site
• Skid, doze, ski runs and all snow surfaces and mountain roads.
• Converse with Supervisor/Manager about ideas for patterns that save time and eliminate double coverage
• Groom novelties, starts, shutdowns, lift ramps, as assigned.
• Use initiative to groom unassigned terrain as needed, i.e. skier corridors, Oly Spur, and beginner trails on heavy snow nights).
• Ensures all Ride-a-longs must sign waiver.
• Provide input on Demo machines and other equipment.
• Minor periodic service and maintenance of equipment.
• Can stay late or be called upon to do special project without or little supervision.
• Must be able to maintain a sustainable heath standard in fast changing altitudes and workloads.

This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of this resort and position, the responsibilities of this position may change.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience:

• Experience leading a work place team
• 4 or more years in apprentice/journeyman program or equivalent in the operation and maintenance of equipment involved in job function and trail maintenance desirable.
• 4 or more years of experience as snowmaker desirable.
• Solid understanding of hydrant locations and pump house functions.
• Flexibility with all grooming shifts.
• Possess strong knowledge of Winter Park trails and ski runs for optimal grooming desired.
• CDL license desired.
• 4 or more years in all heavy equipment machines desirable.
• Knowledge of transporting various types of equipment, and freight.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Possess a valid, non-restricted motor vehicle license.
• Able to work irregular hours and to maintain a high level of caution and common sense while performing duties
• Have reliable transportation to work
• Skiing/snowboarding ability desired
• First aid desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position will require to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Mountain Environment:

• The primary physical environment in which this position works is out of doors with a high exposure level to cold, snow, wind, rain, bugs, sun, high altitude, extreme heights, lightning, etc...
• The degree of strenuous activity within the job is considered to be high. Often lifting a weight of 50 pounds throughout the day is common.
• Additional strenuous physical activity may include walking or hiking upon uneven, challenging terrain with heavy tools or equipment.
• Exposure to: Chemicals required for cleaning, de-greasing, and painting Ultra Violet radiation from the sun enhanced through lack of atmospheric filtration at work altitude.  Fumes produced in activities ranging from cleaning to painting to fabrication of metal products. Noise generated by snowmobiles, lift equipment, and tools may require hearing protection to be worn.
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.

Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily - reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

This position description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the role described above.  With the evolution of Winter Park Resort, the responsibilities of this position may change as may the dates associated with many of the tasks. During these times of change, this position requires the flexibility and willingness to accept new responsibilities and potentially transfer others. It will also be the responsibility of any employee of Winter Park Resort to be a positive influence on the transformation of the resort and its associated lines of business.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Winter Park Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment.

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Winter Park Resort positions accept applications for a minimum of 3 business days from the posting date listed above. This position is open and still accepting applications.