Snowmaking Technician

Job DetailsJob Location: Arizona Snowbowl - FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86002Position Type: SeasonalA snowmaking technician is a field-based role focused on the maintenance and reliability of snowmaking equipment, including fan guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems. While they don't direct snow production, they ensure all equipment is properly positioned, functioning, and ready to perform before, during, and after snowmaking operations. Technicians work closely with shift leads, supervisors, and the snowmaking manager to keep the operation running safely and efficiently in demanding outdoor conditions. Job Description Essential Duties/Responsibilities: ● Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on all snowmaking equipment, fan guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems ● Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues across all snowmaking components ● Respond rapidly to equipment failures during active production windows to minimize downtime ● Identify and address wear, leaks, malfunctions, and safety hazards before they impact operations ● Service equipment regularly, including lubrication, nozzle replacement, valve checks, hose management, and seasonal repairs ● Coordinate with controllers and supervisors to respond to alarms and system anomalies through the automated control system ● Operate snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles to access repair sites across rugged mountain terrain ● Assist with seasonal setup and teardown, ensuring all equipment is correctly placed and fully operational ● Train Snowmaker IIs and motivated Snowmaker Is on maintenance fundamentals and proper equipment handling ● Coordinate with grooming, lift ops, and ski patrol to maintain safe work zones during repairs ● Maintain accurate records of all maintenance performed, parts used, and equipment issues reported ● Comply with all safety protocols, lockout/tagout, PPE, and safe handling of pressurized air and water systems ● Record time in Paycom at the start and end of every shift, verify entries daily, and confirm your timecard at the close of each pay period ● Perform weekly pumphouse inspections both on the mountain and on the supply line to ensure proper functionality and identify any issues in a timely manner ● Other duties as assigned QualificationsRequired Qualifications ● Must be at least 18 years of age ● Valid driver's License with a clean driving record ● High School Diploma or equivalent ● 1–2 years of experience in on-hill snowmaking operations, mechanical maintenance, or similar fieldwork ● Basic to intermediate mechanical aptitude with the ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively ● Familiarity with snowmaking systems and equipment, fan guns, hydrants, valves, high-pressure hoses, and pumps ● Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and fix mechanical issues independently or with minimal supervision ● Commitment to safety protocols, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and radio procedures ● Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions ● Ability to work 10-12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; longer shifts may be required ● Capable of lifting up to 80 lbs and performing strenuous physical tasks on steep, icy, or uneven terrain Preferred Qualifications ● Knowledge of 480V-powered fan guns ● Experience with plumbing, hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems ● Technical training or certifications in mountain operations or equipment maintenance ● Comfortable operating snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles (training provided as needed) ● On-call availability during active snowmaking windows ● Experience working at high altitude (Flagstaff sits above 9,000 ft) ● CPR/First Aid certification Material and Equipment Directly Used: Flashlights, radios, a 1/2-ton pickup truck, UTVs, tracked UTVs, snowmaking guns, snow hoses with couplers, wrenches, hammers, shovels, picks, digging bars, trailers, confined space rescue equipment, and other related industrial tools and supplies. Working Environment/Physical Activities: ● The majority of the workday is spent outdoors at night in a mountain environment, in constantly changing weather conditions that include extreme cold, snow, and wetness. 25% of the time is spent sitting (riding in a tracked vehicle), 55% walking and hiking, and 20% standing. Must have the ability to hike for sustained periods of time at a high elevation and in inclement, unpredictable, and cold weather conditions at night. Frequently bending, kneeling, handling, reaching, grasping, and performing repetitive motions like climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, handling, operating controls, and feeling objects. ● Frequently engaging in radio transmission. ● Noise levels can reach 100 decibels (without hearing protection) for six hours of the workday. With hearing protection, noise levels reach approximately 71 decibels. Wearing ear protection is required when making snow on the hill. ● Frequently using far acuity, depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision. ● Frequent exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards. Occasional hazards include exposed work sites, burns, and frostbite from extreme cold, as well as sleep deprivation from shift hours.