Assistant Manager: Grooming - Hourly

Vail Resorts • Mount Crested Butte, CO

2d • $29 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Snow Grooming Assistant Manager supports the Snow Grooming Manager in the daily leadership and operation of the mountain grooming department. This role assists with planning, directing, and evaluating all snow grooming activities to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality trail conditions. The Assistant Manager helps supervise grooming personnel, oversees fleet maintenance coordination, manages operational efficiency, and promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, advanced snowcat operating abilities, and the ability to make informed operational decisions in a dynamic mountain environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3-5 years of snow grooming experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Advanced proficiency operating snowcats in varied terrain and snow conditions.
• Strong understanding of snow science, grooming techniques, and mountain operations.
• Ability to work overnight, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme winter weather conditions.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb into and out of heavy equipment multiple times per shift.
• Ability to work at elevation and on steep mountainous terrain.
• Ability to respond to emergencies during day or night operations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous assistant manager or lead operator experience.
• Experience operating winch cats.
• Experience with terrain park construction and maintenance.
• Budget management experience.
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment maintenance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluating snow grooming staff.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to grooming operators and shift leads.
• Schedule employees to ensure adequate staffing for all grooming operations.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate operational priorities.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Assist with employee coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Serve as Manager-on-Duty for the grooming department in the Grooming Manager's absence.
• Assist in planning and executing nightly and daytime grooming plans.
• Monitor trail conditions and adjust grooming strategies based on weather, snowpack, skier traffic, and operational needs.
• Coordinate grooming activities with Mountain Operations, Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, Terrain Park, and Events teams.
• Ensure trails, terrain features, roads, and operational areas are groomed to established quality standards.
• Participate in snowcat operations as needed.
• Monitor GPS and fleet management systems to optimize productivity and resource utilization.
• Assist with oversight of the grooming fleet, including snowcats, winch cats, snowmobiles, and support equipment.
• Coordinate inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs with the fleet maintenance team.
• Ensure operators complete required equipment inspections and documentation.
• Track equipment performance, downtime, fuel usage, and maintenance needs.
• Promote proper equipment operation to maximize safety and extend asset life.
• Ensure compliance with all resort safety policies and operating procedures.
• Promote and enforce safe snowcat and winch-cat operating practices.
• Conduct safety training and participate in incident investigations.
• Monitor weather conditions and operational hazards.
• Ensure all employees maintain required certifications and training.
• Support the department's risk management and emergency response efforts.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and expense management.
• Maintain operational records, reports, and documentation.
• Support payroll review and scheduling processes.
• Track department performance metrics and operational goals.
• Participate in planning meetings and operational reviews.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED