Assistant Manager: Environmental Operations - Hourly

Vail Resorts • Vail, CO

13d • $25 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Sustainability Manager for Vail Mountain leads the resort's environmental sustainability efforts in support of Vail Resorts' Commitment to Zero. This role reports to the Vail Mountain Base Area Operations Manager and has a dotted line report structure to the Senior Sustainability Manager for Colorado. The position works closely with resort leadership, the broader Vail Resorts Sustainability Team, and employees across business units to identify and implement sustainability programs. The role is primarily focused on zero-waste operations, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, material diversion, vendor coordination, data reporting, employee engagement, and environmental compliance support. The position integrates sustainability goals into resort operations through program development, oversight, training, and hands-on partnership with operational teams. The position also supports representation of Vail Mountain on environmental matters with local communities, public agencies, and external partners. This position is based at Vail Mountain, with primary responsibilities performed in person at the resort and alongside operations teams.

Requirements

• Primary work location at Vail Mountain and ability to work in person across resort operational areas.
• Three or more years of experience in waste, recycling, environmental operations, sustainability program coordination, resort operations, or a related field.
• Knowledge of waste reduction, recycling, material diversion, and responsible disposal practices.
• Ability to facilitate strategic dialogue and problem-solving across multiple departments.
• Comfort speaking in front of groups, conducting training, and building new relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Valid driver license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable mountain weather and occasionally perform physical tasks associated with waste audits, sorting, inspections, and operational troubleshooting.
• Ability to meet travel and scheduling requirements, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or special events.
• Intermediate or greater skiing or snowboarding ability for safe winter travel within the resort.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in sustainability, environmental studies, business, hospitality, operations, or a related field.
• Mountain resort, hospitality, facilities, or public-venue experience.
• Experience with waste diversion programs, vendor coordination, universal waste, hazardous waste coordination, or environmental compliance support.
• Experience leading seasonal employees, environmental teams, or cross-functional projects.
• Ability to obtain applicable certification for forklifts or other material-handling equipment if required

Responsibilities

• Initiate, oversee, and implement Commitment to Zero and environmental sustainability programs at Vail Mountain, with primary emphasis on waste reduction and material diversion.
• Serve as a resort-level sustainability leader who drives practical and innovative programs in waste, recycling, composting, responsible purchasing, and other relevant areas to engage employees and guests.
• Own day-to-day management and execution of zero-waste programs across Vail Mountain operations and hospitality locations.
• Prioritize progress toward resort waste and diversion goals and build consistent practices across operational departments.
• Manage waste and recycling pickup schedules and coordinate with resort teams to ensure reliable service, appropriate infrastructure, and accurate data.
• Lead waste data collection, tracking, analysis, and reporting to support performance monitoring, budgeting, and decision-making.
• Drive resort engagement through Commitment to Zero onboarding, training, communications, and behavior-change programs for year-round and seasonal employees.
• Serve as a key on-site sustainability resource, providing operational guidance and troubleshooting to resort departments.
• Coordinate and support environmental teams, hybrid roles, and other employees assigned to waste rounds, training, tipping, sorting, and related activities.
• Oversee recycling and material-staging operations, including coordination of metals, wood, electronic waste, and other specialty material streams.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with waste haulers, Rubicon, recyclers, composting partners, and other program vendors; resolve service issues and identify opportunities to improve diversion and efficiency.
• Partner with resort departments to coordinate waste and recycling needs for events, seasonal transitions, maintenance activities, and special projects.
• Support resort environmental compliance in coordination with Environmental Health and Safety and operational teams, including universal and hazardous waste collection, labeling, storage, documentation, and proper disposal.
• Support sustainability-related capital and operating projects involving multiple departments, budgets, timelines, and external partners.
• Promote safe work practices across environmental operations and coordinate with resort safety partners to address operational risks.
• Effectively communicate environmental initiatives through appropriate channels to demonstrate leadership and build employee, guest, and community engagement.
• Act as a contributor and leader within the Vail Mountain leadership team and the broader Vail Resorts Sustainability Team.
• Represent Vail Mountain environmental programs with local communities, public agencies, vendors, and external partners as requested.
• Occasional travel may be required to other Colorado resorts, the corporate office, and off-site events.

Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program
• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level