Patrol Director

Red Mountain Resort•Rossland, BC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

RED Mountain Resort is hiring for a full-time, year-round Patrol Director. The Patrol Director is responsible for the management, and continuous development of RED Mountain Resort's year-round Patrol Department. This position provides operational oversight for Ski Patrol, Bike Patrol, Dispatch, snow safety, mountain rescue, ensuring the highest standards of guest and employee safety across all resort operations. The Director is responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive risk management strategies for both winter and summer operations, including lift-accessed skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, special events, and other recreational activities. This includes oversight of emergency response planning, incident management, regulatory compliance, departmental policies and procedures, staff training, and operational readiness. Working collaboratively with all Resort departments, the Director leads the planning and execution of safe mountain operations while supporting exceptional guest experiences. The role provides insight for internal and third-party event operational plans, ensuring appropriate medical coverage, public safety measures, emergency response capabilities, and risk mitigation strategies are incorporated into all events hosted at the Resort. As a member of the Resort Leadership Team, the Director is responsible for departmental budgeting, strategic planning, capital planning, employee development, and fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. The position ensures RED Mountain Resort remains an industry leader in mountain safety through proactive risk management, operational excellence, staff development, and collaborative leadership.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 for Ski Operations
80 hour minimum first aid certificate. Peak’s NUEC is preferred.
A WSBC Blasters Ticket for Avalanche Control Hand Charging with Safety Fuse Assembly endorsement.
Extensive experience as a Patroller with considerable knowledge of big mountain operations.
Minimum 5 years full-time seasonal avalanche control with explosives experience.
Supervisory experience within the context of the Mountain Safety Industry ex. snow safety lead or patrol team lead roles.
Strong working knowledge of software applications including spreadsheets, Microsoft teams and a willingness to learn new applications as they are developed at the Resort.
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
Ability to tow at least 150 lbs. on skis.
Advanced ski or snowboard ability.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Advanced mountain biking skills and the ability to confidently ride and assess all levels of lift-accessed mountain bike terrain, including advanced technical trails and features.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate mountain bike trails and constructed features from a risk management and public safety perspective.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish working relationships with managers, supervisors and co-workers. Able to work effectively with all departments.
Strong organizational and time management skills to provide timely and high-quality service in order to maximize guest and employee experiences.
The ability to work well under pressure in a high-volume environment. Ability to think critically during high stress events.
Ability to take direction, provide direction and work with minimal supervision.
Proven team management skills and ability to motivate employees.
Managing a 40-person team requires a critical and compassionate outlook with the confidence to speak publicly on divisive topics
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to work effectively with others.
Have a strong understanding of the emotional toll emergency medicine and mountain rescue can leave and provide constructive techniques to manage it for both the team’s and your own personal mental health.

Nice To Haves

Certificate or Diploma in a related discipline such as Ski Resort Operations Management, Outdoor Recreation or a medical field would be considered an asset.
Certifications in Technical Rope Rescue are considered an asset.
RED has a unionized workforce, experience working within a union environment or leading a unionized team is beneficial.
Demonstrated experience in mountain bike park operations, bike patrol, trail risk management, or a comparable outdoor recreation environment is considered a strong asset.
Experience developing and implementing operational risk management plans for mountain bike parks, outdoor recreation facilities, or large-scale public events.
Experience coordinating safety requirements for sporting events, festivals, and third-party events involving multiple departments and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Perform all duties of an experienced lead patroller.
Supervise Volunteer Patrol and assist the Volunteer Patrol Coordinator with training as required.
Provide training to other RED departments as required.
Liaise with other RED Departments for providing First Aid and Risk Management coverage for special events and competitions.
Perform the role of Lift Evacuation Coordinator or Avalanche Coordinator roles when needed.
Perform accident investigations, including the thorough and accurate documentation of incidents.
Write up workplace incidents for submission to WSBC, including primary reporting responsibility for all blasting and/or explosive incidents.
Develop and use fiscal prudence in managing a seven-figure annual budget.
Keep eyes open to future RED development, maintaining a 5-year projection list for capital expenditures and growth.
Departmental hiring, supervising, and discipline as per RED’s Discipline Policy.
Be the lead role in the department management including team building and motivation, fostering a supportive and respectful culture and following disciplinary procedures.
Manage department scheduling and bi-weekly payroll review and submission.
Liaise closely with the Outdoor Operations department to build effective working relationships and facilitate cross departmental collaboration.
Perform risk assessments for all Patrol functions and review on a regular basis.
Provide support in developing and maintaining all department procedures. Identify and develop any additional policies and procedures to be created.
Participate in risk management activities and identify areas for improvement.
Oversee and participate in the Snow Safety Program, working closely with the Avalanche Forecasting Coordinator.
Oversee the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program
Implement and deliver preseason staff training, working closely with the Avalanche Forecasting Coordinator.
Complete annual Renewal of Magazine Licenses and related Policy review
Source and purchase yearly explosives products
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Bike Park Risk Management Program, ensuring all trails, features, infrastructure, and operations are maintained to industry best practices and provide a safe environment for guests and staff.
Oversee all public safety and operational risk management within the Bike Park, including trail inspections, hazard identification, signage, closures, emergency response planning, and incident investigations.
Develop and maintain summer operational procedures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans for lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, and other summer activities.
Review, approve, and oversee all internal and third-party event operational plans to ensure appropriate medical coverage, public safety measures, risk mitigation strategies, staffing levels, and emergency response protocols are in place.
Collaborate with Event Operations, Bike Park Operations, Lift Operations, and external event organizers to ensure competitions, festivals, races, and special events are executed safely while maintaining an exceptional guest experience.
Provide leadership and operational oversight for Bike Patrol staff, ensuring training standards, operational readiness, and consistent risk management practices throughout the summer season.