Snowmaking Crew Lead

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS•Durango, CO

4d•$27 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Snowmaking Crew Lead leads and coordinates Snowmaker I, II, and III employees in the safe and efficient production of machine-made snow across assigned mountain terrain. The role provides direct field leadership over crew organization, terrain and equipment assignments, safety, communication, and execution of daily snowmaking objectives. Crew Leads coordinate with Snowmakers, Pumphouse Operators, the Snowmaking Foreman, and the Snowmaking Maintenance & Operations Supervisor on system startup and shutdown, production priorities, equipment operation, and responses to changing weather and system conditions. The role requires advanced snowmaking knowledge, leadership, communication, organization, mechanical aptitude, and independent decision-making. Crew Leads maintain awareness of assigned terrain, make operational decisions, identify developing problems, and ensure employees follow established procedures and safety requirements while balancing employee safety, equipment protection, snow quality, production efficiency, and operational priorities. Multiple seasons of professional snowmaking experience and demonstrated leadership ability are required. The position is seasonal, with dates subject to change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and business needs. The role includes a free season pass for the employee and dependents.

Requirements

Multiple seasons of professional snowmaking experience.
Advanced proficiency in snowmaking operations, equipment operation and adjustment, field troubleshooting, high-pressure water and compressed-air systems, and safe work practices.
Advanced working knowledge of snowmaking operations, equipment, and system functions.
Advanced knowledge of snowmaking equipment, terminology, operating procedures, and safe work practices.
Strong understanding of wet-bulb temperature, wind, snow quality, coverage, and other environmental factors affecting snow production.
Working knowledge of high-pressure water and compressed-air systems and how field operations affect pressure, flow, system demand, and snowmaking performance.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose and troubleshoot snowmaking equipment and operational problems.
Leadership ability and the ability to organize, direct, motivate, and support employees with varying experience levels.
Ability to assign personnel, equipment, and work priorities based on operational needs and changing conditions.
Strong situational awareness, including the ability to track crew locations, equipment status, terrain progress, and developing hazards.
Ability to make sound, timely decisions in changing or high-pressure situations while prioritizing safety, equipment protection, and operational objectives.
Ability to recognize developing equipment or system problems and coordinate an appropriate response with Pumphouse Operators and Snowmaking leadership.
Strong verbal and radio communication skills, including clearly communicating assignments, expectations, hazards, and operational changes.
Ability to train, coach, and provide constructive feedback to employees.
Ability to identify employee performance or safety concerns and address or escalate them appropriately.
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while communicating effectively with department leadership.
Dependability, initiative, accountability, professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to visual, auditory, and environmental cues.
Valid driver's license.
Physical endurance to lead and perform demanding outdoor work for extended shifts in cold and wet conditions.
Sufficient near and far visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, and field of vision to safely lead and perform snowmaking operations in adverse winter conditions.
Ability to frequently lift and carry tools, hoses, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally handle objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership, crew lead, supervisory, or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
Technical, mechanical, equipment operation, leadership, supervisory, or advanced snowmaking-related training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate Snowmaker I, II, and III employees across assigned terrain to meet daily snowmaking objectives safely and efficiently.
Assign personnel, terrain, equipment, and work priorities according to the snowmaking plan, weather, system availability, and operational needs.
Conduct shift briefings and communicate production goals, assignments, system conditions, safety concerns, and changing priorities.
Coordinate system startup, shutdown, and operational changes with Pumphouse Operators and Snowmaking leadership.
Monitor weather, wet-bulb temperature, wind, snow quality, coverage, system conditions, and equipment performance; adjust field operations as needed.
Maintain awareness of crew locations, progress, equipment status, and operating conditions across assigned terrain.
Ensure snowmaking equipment is properly operated, adjusted, drained, shut down, and protected from freezing.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment, hydrant, hose, and other field operational problems and coordinate responses.
Recognize abnormal system conditions and promptly communicate pressure, flow, air, equipment, or other concerns to Pumphouse Operators and Snowmaking leadership.
Make field decisions about equipment deployment, snow production, crew movement, and changing conditions within established procedures and department priorities.
Enforce safety procedures, PPE requirements, radio protocols, and operating procedures; stop or modify work when conditions pose an unacceptable risk.
Maintain clear, professional radio communication with Snowmaking crews, Pumphouse Operators, Grooming, and other Mountain Operations personnel.
Train, coach, and develop Snowmakers in equipment operation, snowmaking practices, troubleshooting, safety, and department standards.
Monitor employee performance, work quality, productivity, and adherence to procedures; communicate concerns to Snowmaking leadership as appropriate.
Safely operate snowmobiles, UTVs, trucks, and 4x4 vehicles in winter mountain conditions.
Ensure required vehicle, tool, and equipment inspections are completed and deficiencies are reported or addressed.
Maintain accurate shift information and communicate equipment status, terrain progress, system issues, safety concerns, and outstanding work during shift turnover and to leadership.
Respond to operational issues, equipment failures, changing weather, and emergencies according to established procedures and level of training.
Perform snowmaking duties alongside the crew as operational needs require.
Assist with preseason setup and postseason teardown, inspection, organization, and storage of snowmaking equipment.
Assist with planning and coordinating daily equipment, vehicle, and personnel needs for assigned operations.
Keep snowmaking equipment, vehicles, storage areas, and workspaces clean, organized, and operationally ready.
Assist with maintenance, repair, testing, and troubleshooting of snowmaking equipment and infrastructure.
Participate in and assist with department training, safety meetings, emergency response exercises, and equipment-specific training.
Assist with onboarding, training, and development of new and returning Snowmakers.
Provide feedback to Snowmaking leadership on employee development, equipment performance, operating procedures, safety concerns, and opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability.
Assist with system maintenance, testing, improvement projects, and preseason operational readiness.
Support other Snowmaking and Mountain Operations projects and departments as needed.
Assist with general mountain cleanup and maintenance.
Perform other duties as assigned.