Lift Ops Foreman

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS • Durango, CO

4d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lift Operations & Activities Foreman provides frontline leadership and oversight for assigned ski lifts and resort activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable daily operations. The Foreman supports, trains, and supervises lift operators, lift attendants, maze controllers, activities attendants, and ticket checkers while ensuring compliance with resort policies, operating procedures, and applicable safety regulations. This hands-on role oversees daily opening and closing procedures, pre-operational safety inspections, guest loading and unloading, employee performance, equipment checks, and operational documentation. The Foreman works closely with Lift Operations & Activities management and Lift Maintenance to identify and resolve operational concerns, maintain equipment and facilities, and deliver a friendly, safe, and exceptional guest experience.

The role includes overseeing lift and activity operations, supporting staffing and employee development, coordinating routine equipment checks and authorized adjustments, communicating maintenance and safety concerns, and ensuring incident reporting and regulatory compliance. Work takes place in an active mountain resort environment with changing weather, terrain, and operating conditions. Approximately 75% of the workday may be spent outdoors. The position requires the ability to work weekends, holidays, peak guest periods, and flexible shifts when operationally necessary.

This is a full-time position at Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado, with a stated hourly pay range of $20.00–$20.00. The position includes a complimentary season pass for the employee and eligible dependents. Comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) options, and an annual bonus—are described as available to full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership ability, including building, motivating, and supporting a high-performing team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills; ability to maintain professional relationships with employees, management, and guests.
• Ability to identify operational concerns, assess situations, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and make timely decisions.
• Thorough knowledge of Purgatory Resort policies, Lift Operations & Activities procedures, safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Working knowledge of ski lift operations, resort activities, ticket scanning, and related safety and guest service procedures.
• Ability to train employees and reinforce operating procedures, inspection requirements, and emergency response protocols.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools, small power tools, and routine operational adjustments.
• Ability to understand and communicate information related to lift and activity mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to ski expert terrain safely and in control.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required vehicle and equipment certifications, including those for snowmobiles, snowcats, trucks, and other applicable equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including completing operational logs, incident documentation, and other records.
• Ability to remain alert and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic outdoor operating environment.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Successful completion of required Lift Operations, Activities Operations, and Ticket Operations training.
• Successful completion of the Foreman Qualification Test before completing Foreman training.
• Ability to complete required role-specific training, certifications, and safety instruction.
• At least one season of experience as a Lift Attendant and one season as a Lift Operator, or at least 12 months of ski resort management experience involving comparable operational, supervisory, safety, and guest service responsibilities.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must successfully complete the required background check and motor vehicle record review.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and provide shift coverage when operationally necessary.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and peak guest periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in changing mountain weather conditions.
• Must have appropriate snow sports equipment in safe, serviceable condition that meets resort inspection standards.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull equipment and materials weighing up to 100 pounds where required by assignment, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to hear and respond to radio communications, alarms, machinery sounds, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to meet visual demands including near and distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe and efficient operation of assigned ski lifts, resort activities, and associated guest service areas.
• Ensure opening, startup, pre-operational inspection, operating, and closing procedures are completed according to established standards.
• Monitor guest loading and unloading, lift lines and mazes, ticket scanning, and activity operations.
• Verify that daily logs, inspection records, safety checks, and operational documentation are completed accurately and submitted.
• Oversee auxiliary operations and respond to operational incidents, including Code 4 events, according to resort procedures and training.
• Monitor lift and activity conditions for potential mechanical or operational concerns, and ensure scheduled engine-room checks and inspections are completed.
• Promptly communicate unusual operating conditions, equipment concerns, and safety hazards to management, supervisors, or Lift Maintenance.
• Ensure stations have required tools, supplies, and operational resources; perform or coordinate authorized routine adjustments and minor repairs within the role’s training and scope.
• Refer maintenance issues requiring specialized expertise to qualified personnel and ensure assigned areas follow opening, closing, and shutdown procedures.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to lift operators, lift attendants, maze controllers, activities attendants, and ticket checkers.
• Promote safety, accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and guest service; monitor attendance, punctuality, performance, conduct, and policy compliance.
• Maintain attendance and performance documentation and work with management on crew assignments and operational staffing.
• Communicate departmental updates, technical information, policy changes, and company announcements to assigned employees.
• Address workplace concerns professionally, support employee welfare, and provide management recommendations on recognition, advancement, coaching, discipline, scheduling, and personnel matters.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and scheduling as needed.
• Train and coach employees on operations, guest service, safety procedures, equipment use, and departmental policies; verify required training and competency before employees work independently.
• Reinforce proper lift and activity operating techniques, emergency procedures, communications, inspections, operational controls, snow removal where applicable, and recognition of mechanical or safety concerns.
• Lead by example in guest service; ensure safe and orderly management of lift lines, mazes, loading areas, and activities; address concerns and escalate matters when appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to improve guest flow, operational efficiency, staffing effectiveness, and overall performance.
• Monitor assigned equipment, stations, tools, and facilities for safe and responsible use; communicate damage and maintenance needs and coordinate with Lift Maintenance and other departments.
• Coordinate snowcat scheduling for overnight station maintenance as directed; ensure tubing hill grooming is completed before public opening and communicate unsafe or concerning conditions.
• Assist with setup and teardown of seasonal activities, lift ramps, and other operational facilities as needed.
• Monitor work practices to minimize injuries, property damage, environmental impacts, and unnecessary equipment wear.
• Ensure incidents, injuries, malfunctions, and unusual occurrences are promptly reported and documented; participate in investigations as directed.
• Maintain complete and accurate operational and safety records; follow and reinforce applicable CPTSB rules, CDLE amusement ride requirements, other safety standards, resort policies, and departmental procedures.
• Ensure required signage, operational notices, and safety information are in place and maintained.
• Maintain regular communications with the Lift Operations & Activities Director, Manager, Supervisor, other Foremen, and Lift Maintenance personnel; communicate operating conditions, staffing needs, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Use radio and telephone communications according to established protocols and support coordination among lift operations, resort activities, ticketing, maintenance, and other departments.
• Maintain working knowledge of assigned lifts and activities, including operating principles, terminology, major components, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, procedures, emergency protocols, regulations, and policies.
• Assist with seasonal transitions, special projects, and other departmental needs, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Complimentary season pass for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Medical insurance for eligible full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
• Dental insurance for eligible full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
• Vision insurance for eligible full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
• 401(k) options for eligible full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
• Annual bonus for eligible full-time, year-round employees, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

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