Snowmaker - Entry Level

Supervisor: Snow Surfaces Manager / Snowmaking Supervisor Type: Seasonal

Department: Snow Surfaces 

Position Overview: Creating manmade snow to maintain and enhance ski slopes, operate and maintain snowmaking equipment, and ensure optimal snow conditions. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate snowmaking equipment for creating quality manmade snow. 
• Monitor snowmaking system and levels throughout shift to include start up, mixing concentrations, adjusting water and airflow to guns and shut down.
• Tend fan guns throughout shift keeping electric cords and hoses clear of snow.
• Start-up/Shut-down, reposition, and move snowmaking guns and hoses to various areas around the Resort.
• Monitor snow conditions and temperatures throughout shift.
• Post-operational check of machines, clean off snow, clean equipment.
• Document and report mechanical/safety issues, complete maintenance logs, and checklists.
• Maintain water quality and levels in ponds to ensure ponds are suitable for snowmaking and other purposes. 
• Work safely in close proximity to heavy equipment, high voltage, and high-water pressure.
• Ensure that snowmaking is carried out efficiently and effectively. 
• Safely work on uneven and unlevel work surfaces using equipment.
• General labor duties.
• Perform light maintenance or repairs on equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Safe operation of snowmobiles in dark and potentially limited visibility conditions.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Work closely with lift maintenance, ski patrol, guests, and grooming team.
• Work together with all departments to build a positive working environment. 
• Punctual and dependable attendance.
• Night shifts.
• Physically perform the essential job functions of this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Good mechanical skills and judgement. 
• Ability to prioritize safety of personnel first.
• Must be able to work evenings and/or overnight, weekends and holidays while in operation.
• Ability to operate, use, and control hand tools, drain hoses, and wrapping electrical cords.
• Ability to work around high voltage and extreme water pressures in a safe way for you, your team, and guests.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with others.
• Ability to be trained and follow instruction and give clear and concise instruction.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and either direct the Supervisor’s attention to them or safely remove them.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to relate in a positive manner to guests and co-workers.
• Ability to work well under pressure, problem solve, and multitask.
• Intermediate math.
• Understanding of company policies and practices.
• Organized and attention to detail.
• Reliable transportation.

Education / Experience 

• Must be 18 years of age
• Experience with snowmaking is preferred but not required.
• High voltage and water pressure training preferred but not required (will train in house).
• Snowmobile safety training is preferred but not required (will train in house).
• Ability to ski or snowboard a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Background check.
• Valid Washington State Driver License.

Environmental Factor:

• Ability to to work evenings and/or overnight, weekends and holidays.
• Constant exposure to extreme cold and ability to work outside in ANY AND ALL weather conditions, including but not limited to rain, snow, sleet, high winds, and hot / cold temperatures, constantly.
• Frequent exposure to hazards such as high voltage and high water pressure.
• Frequently exposed to high places; fumes or airborne. particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration. 
• Standing, walking, bending, and rotating constantly.
• Climbing, balancing, kneeling, carrying, crouching, and standing frequently.
• Manual dexterity and fitness to work with hand tools constantly and repetitive use of hands, arms, shoulders, back, and legs constantly.
• Lifting to waist level of 60 lbs. assisted frequently, above shoulder lifting and / or carrying of up to 35 lbs. occasionally, lifting 20 lbs. often.
• Frequent walking on uneven terrain with job site hazards and working with ladders.
• Sight and hearing of acceptable standards for Essential Job Functions.
• The working environment may be stressful when meeting public demands and staffing needs.

Benefits are listed on the Resort Employment page: https://www.ski49n.com/mountain-news/details/employment 

The job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. 

The Resort is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate in compensation, or other conditions of employment against employees or job applicants for any reason based on age, race, creed, color, religion, pregnancy, sex, disability status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, or physical, sensory or mental handicaps or protected and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.