Snow Groomer Winter 26/27

Position Summary Snow Groomers are responsible for providing exceptional grooming and snow conditions for guests at Hilltop Ski Area. This position operates snowcats to maintain safe, consistent, and high-quality skiing and snowboarding surfaces. Snow Groomers use independent judgment to assess snow and weather conditions, adjust grooming techniques, and maintain trails, lift-access areas, and terrain features in accordance with operational standards. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Snow Surface Maintenance

• Safely and efficiently operate snowcats to perform trail grooming and feature construction as directed by the Mountain Operations Supervisor.
• Groom ski trails, chairlift ramps, terrain park and existing terrain features to maintain consistent and high-quality snow surfaces.
• Build, shape, and maintain terrain features and ski runs according to established specifications.
• Evaluate snow and terrain conditions and adjust grooming techniques to achieve desired results.
• Exercise independent judgment when determining grooming priorities based on weather, snow conditions, and operational needs.
• Redistribute snow as needed to maintain safe and consistent surface conditions.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate grooming equipment using appropriate speed, direction, blade angle, and equipment settings.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections, post-operational inspections, and daily equipment checks.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic servicing of grooming equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and determine appropriate corrective action within established procedures.
• Identify equipment deficiencies and promptly report maintenance and repair needs.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of grooming machines, tools, and shop areas.

Snowmaking & Operational Support

• Assist the snowmaking team with snowgun placement, movement, and snow pile redistribution.
• Communicate snow conditions and operational observations to management to support planning and decision-making.
• Assist with special projects and other mountain operations activities as assigned.
• Coordinate effectively with other departments to support efficient ski area operations.
• Provide guidance and instruction to less experienced grooming operators as assigned.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Follow all established safety protocols, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Monitor hill conditions and promptly report hazards, unsafe conditions, or operational concerns to management.
• Operate equipment safely in changing weather, low-visibility, and nighttime conditions.
• Read, understand, and follow safety rules, equipment manuals, and maintenance instructions.

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Accurately record operational data, equipment inspections, and maintenance information.
• Complete required reports, logs, and documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate records of grooming activities and equipment usage.

Professionalism, Safety & Workplace Culture

• Promotes and exemplifies a culture of exceptional guest service, teamwork, innovation, and fun.
• Works well independently and collaboratively with coworkers and other departments.
• Conducts and demonstrates a high level of professionalism.
• Values our safety culture, community, and maintaining a healthy, sustainable environment.
• Ensures that guests and employees have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
• Asks questions, shares concerns, and contributes ideas that improve operational efficiency and the guest experience.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass a background check.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in snow grooming, heavy equipment operation, or a related field; snowcat experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
• Knowledge of ski area operations, snow conditions, and grooming techniques.
• Ability to assess terrain and snow conditions and make sound operational decisions.
• Ability to safely operate, adjust, inspect, and maintain snow grooming equipment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Ability to read and interpret safety procedures, operating manuals, maintenance instructions, and technical documents.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. This position requires working in cold, snowy, and sometimes severe winter weather conditions. Employees must be prepared for prolonged exposure to winter conditions while performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting, shoveling, climbing, and operating equipment. Proper cold-weather clothing, protective gear, and adherence to safety procedures are required to ensure personal well-being and maintain safe operations in challenging conditions.

The employee must frequently use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.