Mt. Ops Director

Mission Ridge Ski Resort•Wenatchee, WA

8d•$83,200 - $104,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Mountain Operations is a key member of the Mission Ridge senior management team and leads all outside operational departments, including Lift Operations, Lift Maintenance, Grooming, Snowmaking, Terrain Park, Vehicle Maintenance, Ski Patrol, and summer trail and slope construction. The position serves as the central coordination and communication link between mountain operations, revenue departments, company leadership, and supports all company departments and managers. This role acts as Mission Ridge's liaison to outside and governmental agencies on matters related to ski area operations, including the US Forest Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Parks, Chelan and Kittitas County Sheriff's Offices, local EMS, Chelan County, and local utility companies. The ideal candidate brings broad, hands-on knowledge of ski area operations, strong planning and budgeting skills, and a steady, solutions-focused leadership style. During winter operations this position works five or more days per week, including weekends, holidays, and some nights, with extended hours as needed. The Director must be available and on call as operations require.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills are essential for coordinating multiple departments and outside agencies.
Working knowledge of all aspects of ski area operations allows the Director to plan, troubleshoot, and support every mountain department.
Ability to build spreadsheets and produce accurate, realistic budgets supports sound financial planning.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (including Excel) is needed for planning, reporting, and communication.
Strong guest service and conflict resolution skills help resolve issues quickly and positively for guests and staff.
Common sense, sound reasoning, and problem-solving ability lead to practical, positive solutions.
The ability to manage time well and carry projects from concept to completion is critical for capital projects and seasonal readiness.
Associate of Arts (AA) degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; higher education is preferred.
Minimum of five years of ski area operations experience, including at least three years as a department manager.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Valid driver's license.
Must be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds.
The role requires close attention to detail, strong reading and writing ability for plans, budgets, and agency documents, and clear communication with staff, guests, and agency partners.

Nice To Haves

Ability to operate a snowmobile and other mountain equipment preferred.
The ability to ride a snowmobile and operate equipment is helpful.

Responsibilities

Prepare and uphold the on-mountain product so that operations open and run on planned dates and times at established levels of quality, safety, and guest service.
Prepare the annual Mission Ridge Operating Plan and submit it to the appropriate agencies on time.
Maintain productive working relationships with the US Forest Service and other agencies.
Coordinate daily on-mountain operations through regularly scheduled operational meetings and thorough communication, planning, and organization across all areas of the resort.
Work with each operational department to establish operating and capital budgets, and support department managers in meeting their budget goals. Monitor performance against budget throughout the year.
Establish, prepare, and maintain policies and procedures that meet the needs of the company, employees, and guests.
Promote a strong safety culture across all mountain departments and support risk management, emergency response, and incident reporting programs.
Lead, mentor, and evaluate department managers. Support hiring, training, and staff development across Mountain Operations.
Establish and maintain daily operational records and data that support reporting, marketing, and guest services functions.
Manage capital projects and on-mountain construction as required, including summer trail and slope projects.
Actively participate in short-term strategies and long-term company planning, including future mountain development projects.
Serve as a resource for employee and guest conflict resolution.
Continue education on products, equipment, and industry trends, and represent Mission Ridge at local, regional, and national industry seminars and functions.
Attend weekly senior team meetings, set and deliver quarterly goals, report weekly Mountain Operations measures, and contribute to company-wide planning.