Description

Snowmaking Team Lead

Job Description

Class/Group: Hourly/Non-Exempt, Group III or IV 

Reports to: Snow Surfaces Director

Pay Range: $18.75-$24.37

Supervises: N/A

Status: Winter Seasonal, Full-Time or Part-Time

CENTRAL PURPOSE: To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration

CORE VALUES: Seek first to help - Dedicated to results - Optimism in action - Solution seekers

SNOWMAKING LEAD JOB SUMMARY:

World-class snow is essential to creating a world-class ski surface. As a Snowmaking Team Lead at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, you will bring your snowmaking expertise to help lay the foundation for a ski season filled with joy, freedom, fun, and exploration. In this leadership role, you will supervise snowmaking crews, ensure safety protocols are followed, and work hands-on with equipment and infrastructure to deliver high-quality snow surfaces across the mountain.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Maintain safety standards: Ensure a safe working environment for all snowmaking staff.
• Lead and manage crew: Direct the snowmaking team during shifts and provide effective supervision and guidance.
• Communicate operations updates: Conduct daily shift change briefings, address safety concerns, assign staff duties, and attend Mountain Operations meetings as required.
• Facilitate training: Lead weekly staff safety meetings and assist with ongoing planning and training of snowmakers.
• Support employee evaluations: Assist the Snow Surfaces Director in evaluating staff performance.
• Complete documentation: Accurately fill out all required daily logs and shift reports.
• Coordinate with grooming leads: Collaborate to ensure safety and optimal snow quality during production cycles.
• Operate heavy equipment: Use a variety of equipment and tools including pipe threaders, welding torches, and hand tools for maintenance and repairs.
• Perform pipefitting and plumbing: Cut, thread, and weld pipe as needed for snowmaking infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot issues: Quickly identify and resolve problems such as pump or snow gun failures.
• Manage inventory: Maintain appropriate inventories of parts, tools, and supplies.
• Operate high-pressure systems: Monitor and control high-pressure water pumps and air compressors.
• Understand system components: Maintain a working knowledge of piping, valves, and controls.
• Adapt to conditions: Work effectively outdoors in a high-altitude winter environment during day or night shifts.
• Maximize snow production: Apply reasoning and direction-following skills to produce high volumes of quality snow.
• Other duties as assigned

 SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Equipment operation: Able to operate snowcats, snowmobiles, and other mountain equipment.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 full seasons of snowmaking experience required.
• Night shifts: Must be available to work overnight during snowmaking season.
• Mechanical and electrical knowledge: Familiar with snowmaking pumps, guns, drive systems, and controls.
• Terrain readiness: Must be capable of hiking and navigating rugged mountain terrain in all weather conditions.
• Ski/snowboard proficiency: Able to ski or snowboard at an intermediate level or above.
• Licensing and age: Must hold a valid Washington State Driver’s License and be at least 18 years old.
• Leadership experience: Prior supervisory experience required.
• Independence: Able to work without direct supervision.
• Physical readiness: Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors for 12-hour shifts.
• Communication skills: Must be able to speak, read, and write in English clearly.
• Availability: Required to work weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and consecutive 7-day periods during optimal snowmaking windows.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applicants must have at least four full seasons of hands-on snowmaking experience and proven supervisory or crew leadership experience. Additional experience with mechanical systems, pumps, and outdoor infrastructure is strongly preferred.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires strenuous physical labor in extreme outdoor conditions including wind, snow, and sub-zero temperatures. Team Leads must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, operate machinery and tools, and work on uneven or steep terrain. Tasks often involve standing, walking, crouching, climbing, and skiing or snowboarding for extended periods. The role demands stamina for 12-hour shifts and the ability to work day or night as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work occurs primarily outdoors on mountain terrain in winter weather, often in high-pressure, time-sensitive production windows. Snowmaking Team Leads must function effectively in low visibility, variable lighting, and extreme cold. Close coordination with grooming teams, mountain operations staff, and fellow snowmakers is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Rarely (0–12%), Occasionally (12–33%), Frequently (34–66%), Regularly (67–100%)

Seeing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to read reports and use computer

Hearing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers.

Standing/Walking: REGULARLY

-Consistent and constant standing and walking while in operation.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: REGULARLY

-The position requires the ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods. 

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: FREQUENTLY

-Must be able to write, type, and use phone system

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.