Groomer/Snowmaker I

Job Description

Whitefish Mountain Resort (Winter Sports, Inc.)

Title: Groomer/Snowmaker I (G2040)
Department: Grooming and Snowmaking Department
Status: Full Time Seasonal (FTS)
FLSA: Non-Exempt, Hourly
Updated: July 2023

Job Summary:
 This position encompasses both snowmaking and grooming duties. The goal of the snowmaking department is to provide the most usable and durable snow surface in a safe and cost-effective manner on as much groomable terrain as time and equipment permits. The objective of the grooming equipment operator is to provide the skiing public with the most satisfying, safe, and durable snow surface that the grooming equipment will allow. The department is in the upper level of the woodshop facility, accessed via a stairway. The majority of duties will be conducted outdoors on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Job Relationships:

• Reports to: Grooming / Snowmaking Manager
• Employees Supervised: None

Job Specifications:

• Two years of high school, trade school, or equivalent
• One to two years mechanical experience, with basic knowledge of tools, hand, power, torches, etc.
• Able to become qualified in the operation of a snowmobile
• One to two years of experience as an equipment operator
• Prior snowmaking and grooming experience not required but preferred
• Work schedule primarily during evening and night hours after the resort is closed

Specific Duties:

• Perform all phases of snowmaking operations
• Safe and proper set-up and operation of all snowmaking equipment, including grooming vehicles and snowmobiles
• Proper warm-up and pre-operational inspection of all snowmaking equipment, including grooming vehicles and snowmobiles
• Proper take-down, de-icing, and storage of all snowmaking equipment, including replacing hydrant/pedestal covers when done
• Put up and take down snow fencing
• Fill out daily log and operational forms ensuring that all reporting and log work applying to both the hill and equipment is done accurately and completely
• Inform the supervisor or other snowmaking personnel of unsafe snow or equipment conditions
• Implement selection and attachment of equipment
• Evaluate grooming techniques to produce the best surface possible in the most efficient amount of time
• Proper operation and handling of grooming equipment to prolong equipment life
• Proper machine application to the snow to ensure skier safety and slope protection
• Responsibility for informing proper channels of problems or unsafe objects on the hill, including damage to signs and string lines

Work Environment:

• Occasional heavy physical labor, including lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, and climbing
• Able to lift up to 60 pounds repetitively
• Able to work while standing and walking for extended periods, up to 6 to 8 hours daily
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions, often extreme in nature
• Ability to see, walk, bend, lift, and climb into and around the grooming machines
• Ability to physically withstand constant negative gravitational pull while operating equipment
• Ability to withstand occasional vibrations, jarring, anxiety from poor visibility, and constant engine noise
• Able to engage in repetitive body motion involving upper body torque while shoveling snow to clear grooming machine
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions, often extreme in nature
• Job may require working weekends, holidays, and overtime during peak demand times
• Non-smoking environment

Safety & Wellness:
 All team members must be on constant alert for any unsafe conditions and work behaviors. This will involve, but not be limited to, periodic inspections of work and public areas. Follow-up notification will be done to correct the condition or practice at the earliest possible opportunity.

This job description is a general outline of the duties and responsibilities and is subject to changes and revisions by Winter Sports, Inc. management at any time. Responsibilities are listed as guidelines only, and the job is not necessarily limited to these specifications.