Snowmaking Pumphouse Ops II

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS•Durango, CO

4d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Pumphouse Operator II independently operates and monitors Purgatory Resort’s snowmaking pumphouse, booster system, and associated water and compressed-air systems. The role includes operating pumps, compressors, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment in response to changing snowmaking demand and field conditions. Operators perform routine startup and shutdown procedures, monitor and adjust equipment during active operations, manage system pressure and flow, maintain operating logs and readings, and coordinate closely with Snowmaking Leadership and field crews. The position requires recognizing and troubleshooting common alarms, abnormal equipment behavior, pressure or flow concerns, and other developing conditions, taking corrective action within established procedures and training, and escalating issues when needed. Operators II are expected to work independently during normal operations and assist with training Pumphouse Operator I employees. The seasonal role’s dates may change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and business needs. The position offers a free season pass for the employee and dependents; further benefits information is available on Purgatory’s employee benefits page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of snowmaking systems, pumphouse operations, pumps, compressors, controls, and pressurized water and compressed-air systems.
Working knowledge of pumphouse and booster equipment, controls, operating procedures, terminology, and system limitations.
Working knowledge of pumps, compressors, valves, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related mechanical equipment.
Working knowledge of snowmaking additive treatment procedures, including safe product handling and mixing, system operation, monitoring and adjustment, usage tracking, documentation, and recognizing abnormal conditions.
Ability to monitor and interpret multiple equipment readings, controls, alarms, and operating conditions while maintaining awareness of overall system performance.
Understanding of how changing field snowmaking demand affects pressure, flow, pumps, compressors, and system operation.
Ability to independently make routine equipment and system adjustments in response to changing demand and operating conditions.
Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize abnormal pressures, temperatures, vibration, noise, leaks, alarms, equipment behavior, and other developing concerns.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot common pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, and system operating issues.
Ability to stabilize operations when appropriate, protect equipment, and determine when technical support or escalation is required.
Ability to follow and independently perform established startup, shutdown, operating, emergency, and safety procedures.
Sound judgment and decision-making ability during changing or abnormal operating conditions.
Clear and effective verbal and radio communication skills.
Ability to maintain accurate equipment readings, operating logs, inspection records, and shift documentation.
Ability to remain focused during extended system monitoring, including overnight shifts.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while communicating effectively with field personnel and Snowmaking Leadership.
Dependability, initiative, accountability, professionalism, and strong attention to detail.
Valid driver’s license.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of required Purgatory Snowmaking pumphouse operator training and demonstrated competency before independent operation.
Previous pumphouse or snowmaking system operation experience.
Demonstrated proficiency operating and monitoring snowmaking pumps, compressors, controls, and supporting water and compressed-air systems during active operations.
Experience independently performing routine startup and shutdown, responding to changing system demand, adjusting equipment, recognizing abnormal conditions, and troubleshooting common equipment or system issues.
Demonstrated judgment and technical competency to manage routine pumphouse operations safely with minimal supervision and recognize when conditions require escalation.
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 overnight and 12-hour shifts.
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 recognize alarms, abnormal sounds, radio communications, and changing conditions.
Ability to safely wear required PPE and navigate wet, icy, snowy, or uneven surfaces.

Nice To Haves

Technical, mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, equipment operation, or snowmaking-related training.

Responsibilities

Independently 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 equipment-securing procedures with minimal supervision.
Monitor and interpret system pressure, flow, equipment status, temperatures, alarms, and other operating conditions throughout the shift.
Adjust pumps, compressors, VFDs, and other equipment in response to snowmaking demand, field conditions, and operational priorities while staying within operating limits.
Monitor and manage snowmaking additive treatment, including product mixing and handling, treatment-system operation and adjustment, usage and concentration, troubleshooting common issues, and maintaining records.
Communicate by radio with Snowmaking Leadership, Crew Leads, Snowmakers, and other personnel about system status, equipment changes, operating conditions, and production needs.
Coordinate system changes with field personnel so pumps, compressors, hydrants, and snowmaking equipment operate safely and in the proper sequence.
Recognize, evaluate, and respond to alarms, abnormal readings or equipment behavior, pressure or flow changes, power loss, communication failures, and other developing concerns.
Troubleshoot and correct common pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, and system issues within established procedures and the employee’s training and authorization.
Inspect pumphouse, booster, compressor, cooling, control, and related equipment and identify leaks, vibration, unusual noise, overheating, mechanical concerns, or other abnormal conditions.
Stabilize operations and protect equipment when problems develop, and escalate conditions requiring additional technical support.
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, operating capacity, and changing production priorities.
Assist with training Pumphouse Operator I employees in routine equipment operation, monitoring, procedures, communication, and safe work practices.
Perform routine operator-level maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and minor corrective work within the employee’s training.
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 preventive maintenance, repairs, testing, troubleshooting, and equipment inspections within the employee’s training.
Assist with diagnosis and repair of pumps, compressors, cooling systems, valves, controls, automation, and related equipment as directed.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, chemical-treatment, and equipment areas.
Participate in required department 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 outside the pumphouse, other Mountain Operations projects and departments, and other assigned duties.