Snowmaker — Day & Night Shift

Department: Mountain Operations / Snowmaking
Reports To: Snowmaking Manager / Mountain Operations Manager
Position Type: Seasonal / Full-Time or Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Shifts: Day and Night

Position Summary

The Snowmaker is responsible for the safe and efficient production, movement, and maintenance of man-made snow across Powderhorn Mountain Resort. This position operates and monitors snowmaking equipment, assists with snow-gun placement and movement, maintains snowmaking infrastructure, and works closely with Mountain Operations to ensure adequate snow coverage for resort operations.

Snowmakers work primarily outdoors in winter conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, darkness, and changing weather conditions. The position requires physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Snowmaking Operations

• Operate snow guns, valves, hydrants, compressors, pumps, hoses, and other snowmaking equipment as assigned.
• Monitor weather conditions and wet-bulb temperatures to determine optimal snowmaking conditions.
• Produce quality snow efficiently while maximizing available water and snowmaking capacity.
• Monitor snowmaking operations from designated control locations and respond to changing conditions.
• Move, position, connect, disconnect, and secure snowmaking equipment throughout the mountain.
• Monitor water flow, pressure, equipment operation, and snow production.
• Make adjustments to snowmaking equipment to maintain appropriate snow quality and coverage.
• Identify equipment problems and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Assist with startup and shutdown of snowmaking systems according to established procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of snowmaking operations, equipment issues, and production activities.
• Assist with snowmaking system maintenance and general housekeeping.

Day Shift Responsibilities

• Inspect snowmaking equipment and work areas at the beginning of the shift.
• Monitor active snowmaking operations during daylight and changing mountain conditions.
• Coordinate snow-gun movement and placement with the snowmaking team.
• Assist Mountain Operations with identifying areas requiring additional snow coverage.
• Monitor trails, access routes, signage, and work areas for hazards.
• Communicate snowmaking activity and operational concerns to supervisors and other departments.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, repairs, preparation, and organization during non-production periods.

Night Shift Responsibilities

• Operate snowmaking equipment during overnight production periods.
• Conduct regular inspections of snow guns, hydrants, hoses, valves, and related equipment.
• Monitor snow quality, coverage, weather conditions, and system performance throughout the shift.
• Move and adjust snowmaking equipment as directed by the snowmaking plan.
• Maintain communication with the snowmaking supervisor and other mountain personnel.
• Identify and respond to equipment issues, frozen components, water-flow problems, and other operational concerns.
• Maintain safe working conditions during periods of darkness, low visibility, extreme cold, and active snowmaking.
• Shut down, secure, and prepare equipment for the following shift when assigned.
• Document production, equipment issues, and other important information for the incoming crew.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all Powderhorn Mountain Resort safety policies, procedures, and snowmaking protocols.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain situational awareness around snow guns, pressurized water systems, vehicles, snowcats, snowmobiles, and other mountain equipment.
• Follow proper procedures when working around electrical equipment, pressurized water, moving machinery, and steep or uneven terrain.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, equipment damage, or system malfunctions.
• Follow all radio communication and emergency procedures.
• Maintain safe spacing and communication with other snowmaking personnel while equipment is being moved or operated.
• Never bypass established safety procedures or operate equipment without proper authorization or training.

Qualifications

• Previous snowmaking, mountain operations, landscaping, irrigation, mechanical, construction, or equipment-operation experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to work overnight, early morning, weekend, holiday, and extended shifts as operationally required.
• Valid driver's license preferred or required for assigned resort vehicles.
• Ability to work safely in severe winter weather for extended periods.
• Must be dependable, punctual, safety-conscious, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Work outdoors for extended periods in freezing temperatures and adverse weather.
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, climb, and work on snow- and ice-covered terrain.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and materials.
• Work at elevation and on steep or uneven terrain.
• Operate snowmaking equipment and resort vehicles as authorized.
• Perform physically demanding work while wearing appropriate winter PPE.
• Maintain alertness and sound judgment during overnight and extended shifts.

Work Environment

This position is primarily outdoors on the ski mountain and requires exposure to cold temperatures, snow, ice, wind, darkness, low visibility, and wet conditions. Employees may work around heavy equipment, snowcats, snowmobiles, pressurized water systems, electrical equipment, and moving snowmaking machinery.

Snowmaking operations are highly weather-dependent. Employees should expect schedules and hours to change based on temperatures, humidity, snowfall, mountain conditions, and resort operational needs.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by management to support Powderhorn Mountain Resort operations.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer.