Snow Surfaces Assistant Manager

Vail Resorts • Keystone, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Snow Surfaces Assistant Manager supports both winter grooming operations and summer trail maintenance programs. This role will directly oversee Terrain Park operations and assist the manager in leading the grooming team in the winter season. In the summer they will assist in trail construction, maintenance, and environmental compliance. Responsibilities include staff supervision, equipment oversight, budget support, and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on summer trail projects. This is a hands on leadership position focused on quality, safety, and operational efficiency year round.

Requirements

• 2+ years of snowcat operating experience or heavy equipment experience.
• Experience with trail maintenance, outdoor work, or similar field operations.
• Leadership or supervisory experience with crews or operators.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform equipment checks and minor repairs.
• Ability to work nights in winter and outdoors in varied summer conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Assisting with labor or operational budgeting.
• Terrain park building experience.
• Winch cat operating experience.
• Chainsaw proficiency, trail construction experience, or small equipment operation (ATV/UTV, mini excavator, etc.).
• Prior roles in Mountain Operations leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee terrain park operations for both daily hand crew and nightly grooming operations.
• Lead and oversee grooming team.
• Collaborate with Patrol, Snowmaking, Terrain Parks, and other departments to ensure grooming priorities are achieved.
• Support labor budget planning and management, scheduling and operational expenditure budgets.
• Contribute to seasonal budget planning, reporting, and long-term capital equipment forecasting, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining grooming quality and safety standards.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing summer trail maintenance and construction projects, including tree felling, drainage work, road repair, and hazard mitigation, using small trail-focused equipment such as chainsaws, brush cutters, small excavators, UTVs, and hand tools.
• Support construction and improvement of trails and infrastructure in line with resort master plans and USFS requirements, ensuring projects follow federal land-use guidelines, including protection of sensitive areas, proper tool/equipment use, and adherence to approved work scopes.
• Supervise summer seasonal trail crews, ensuring safe practices, efficient workflow, and high-quality trail outcomes.
• Coordinate with Mountain Operations leadership on workload planning, project timelines, and resource allocation.
• Maintain clear documentation for USFS-related projects, including maps, work logs, project summaries, and compliance records.
• Assist with maintenance schedules, daily equipment checks, and coordination with mechanics, and foster a strong safety culture across winter and summer operations.
• Ensure accurate documentation of equipment logs, maintenance records, and shift reports.
• Help onboard, train, and mentor grooming operators and summer trail maintenance workers, supporting continued skill development in snowcat operation, winching techniques, trail construction, and equipment safety.

Benefits

• Free passes for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• Free ski lessons
• Employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program
• Health Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed