Snowmaking Pumphouse Ops I

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS • Durango, CO

4d • $21 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pumphouse Operator I safely operates and monitors Purgatory Resort’s snowmaking pumphouse, booster system, and associated water and compressed-air systems during active snowmaking operations. The role involves operating pumps, compressors, variable-frequency drives, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment to maintain stable pressure and flow and support snowmaking production across the mountain. Operators perform routine startup and shutdown procedures, monitor operating conditions, respond to changing demand, maintain logs and readings, and communicate with Snowmaking leadership and field crews about system conditions and production needs.

Operators recognize alarms and abnormal equipment behavior, pressure or flow concerns, and other developing conditions, then take appropriate action within established procedures and their training. The position requires situational awareness, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, effective communication, and sustained focus while monitoring multiple pieces of equipment. Required department training and demonstrated competency in controls, equipment limitations, operating pressures, radio communication, emergency procedures, and startup and shutdown requirements are necessary before independent operation.

This is a seasonal position. Dates may change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and business needs. The position includes a free season pass for the employee and dependents. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of required Purgatory Snowmaking pumphouse operator training and demonstrated competency before independent operation.
• Ability to learn pumphouse and booster equipment, controls, procedures, terminology, and system limitations.
• Basic understanding of pumps, compressors, valves, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, and related mechanical equipment.
• Ability to monitor multiple readings, controls, alarms, and operating conditions simultaneously and recognize abnormal conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude, basic problem-solving ability, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow detailed operating, startup, shutdown, emergency, and safety procedures accurately and consistently.
• Ability to make routine system adjustments within established procedures and training, and to stop, stabilize, or escalate operations when conditions require it.
• Clear verbal and radio communication skills and ability to work independently after qualification while staying in contact with crews and leadership.
• Ability to maintain accurate equipment readings, operating logs, inspection records, and shift documentation.
• Ability to remain focused during extended monitoring periods, including overnight shifts.
• Dependability, initiative, and accountability.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and changing schedules based on weather, snowmaking conditions, and operational needs.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive while monitoring equipment and changing system conditions for extended periods, including 12-hour shifts.
• Ability to perform prolonged standing and walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs or ladders, reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping, and navigating wet, icy, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier equipment, parts, hoses, or materials when necessary.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to read gauges, displays, controls, warning indicators, and labels and to recognize alarms, equipment sounds, radio communications, and changing conditions.
• Ability to safely wear required PPE and work around industrial equipment and potentially noisy, vibrating, hot, cold, wet, chemical, and slippery conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Foundational knowledge of snowmaking systems, pumps, compressors, controls, and pressurized water and compressed-air systems.
• Technical, mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, equipment operation, or snowmaking-related training.
• Experience with snowmaking, pumps, compressors, mechanical equipment, industrial systems, utilities, facilities maintenance, equipment operation, or similar technical work.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor snowmaking pumphouse and booster equipment, including pumps, compressors, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment, within established procedures.
• Perform snowmaking system startup, operation, shutdown, and secure procedures according to SOPs and level of training.
• Monitor system pressure, flow, equipment status, temperatures, alarms, and other operating conditions throughout the shift.
• Adjust pumps, compressors, and other equipment to respond safely to changing snowmaking demand and field conditions while remaining within operating limits.
• Communicate by radio with Snowmaking Crew Leads, Snowmakers, and department leadership about system status, equipment changes, conditions, and production needs.
• Coordinate system changes with field personnel so pumps, compressors, hydrants, and snowmaking equipment are operated safely and in the proper sequence.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to alarms, abnormal readings or equipment behavior, pressure or flow changes, power loss, communication failures, and other developing concerns.
• Visually inspect pumphouse, booster, compressor, cooling, and related equipment for leaks, vibration, unusual noise, overheating, and other abnormal conditions.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and corrective actions within established procedures and training; promptly escalate conditions requiring additional technical support.
• Monitor, mix, handle, and document snowmaking additive treatment according to procedures, including treatment-system operation, product usage, mixture or concentration, and required records.
• Complete operating logs, equipment readings, inspections, shift documentation, and other department records accurately and consistently.
• Maintain awareness of active snowmaking terrain, system demand, equipment availability, and operational changes throughout the shift.
• Perform routine housekeeping and basic operator-level maintenance to keep pumphouse and booster facilities clean, safe, and reliable.
• Communicate equipment problems, maintenance needs, abnormal conditions, and outstanding issues during shift turnover and to Snowmaking leadership.
• Follow department procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE standards, emergency procedures, and other applicable safety requirements.
• Assist with postseason shutdown, winterization, inspection, cleaning, and organization of pumphouse and associated equipment.
• Assist Snowmaking maintenance personnel with preventative maintenance, repairs, testing, and troubleshooting as directed and within training.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, chemical-treatment, and equipment areas.
• Participate in required training, safety meetings, emergency response exercises, and equipment-specific training.
• Assist with inventory, organization, and storage of tools, parts, supplies, chemicals, and maintenance materials.
• Support Snowmaking operations and maintenance activities outside the pumphouse, other Mountain Operations projects, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free season pass for the employee and dependents.
• Additional benefits are referenced on the Purgatory employee benefits page; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED