Snowmaking Team Leader

NZ Ski Limited; Otago; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Ski Limited is seeking an experienced Snowmaking Team Leader to supervise the snowmaking crew during winter and oversee preventative maintenance and upgrades in summer. You will coordinate operations, manage resources, and ensure safety and reliability of snowmaking systems on our alpine facilities.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on mechanical and electrical skills, and the ability to work in challenging alpine environments.

Qualifications

• Leadership and supervisory experience in field operations.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Solid electrical knowledge, including low-voltage systems (24V).
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Excellent communication and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the snowmaking team to achieve production objectives.
• Coordinate daily winter operations and resource allocation.
• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain snowmaking equipment.
• Train and mentor staff, and maintain records.
• Perform preventative maintenance and system upgrades in off-season.

Skills

Leadership experience

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Communication

Outdoor work

Driver's licence

Education

Electrical Registration / Electrical Service Technician qualification

Trade qualification

Tools

ATASSpro snowmaking control systems

TechnoAlpin snow guns

HKD snow guns

Job description

This hands-on role combines leadership, technical expertise, and operational responsibility. During winter, the Snowmaking Team Leader supervises the snowmaking crew, assists the Slopes Head of Department in coordinating snow production, and conducts repairs and maintenance of snowmaking equipment and systems. During summer, the focus shifts to preventative maintenance, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and preparing the snowmaking network for the upcoming winter season.

The successful applicant will play a key role in ensuring the snowmaking system remains safe, reliable, and operational at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Winter Operations

• Lead, supervise, and support the Snowmaking team to achieve snow production objectives.
• Coordinate daily snowmaking operations and resource allocation.
• Monitor weather conditions and production targets to maximise snowmaking efficiency.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain snowmaking equipment and infrastructure.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and undertake repairs in a timely manner.
• Ensure safe work practices and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Train, mentor, and develop snowmaking staff.
• Maintain accurate operational and maintenance records.

Summer Operations

• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on all snowmaking assets.
• Inspect, service, and overhaul snow guns, hydrants, valves, compressors, pumps, and associated infrastructure.
• Assist with capital projects, system upgrades, and installations.
• Identify and rectify faults within mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Support testing and commissioning activities prior to the winter season.
• Maintain workshop standards, tools, and spare parts inventory.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting ability.
• Sound electrical knowledge, particularly low-voltage control systems (24V systems).
• Experience maintaining and repairing industrial or mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in challenging alpine environments and varying weather conditions.
• Current driver's licence.

Highly Desirable

• Electrical Registration, Electrical Service Technician qualification, or equivalent trade qualification.
• Previous experience in snowmaking operations.
• Knowledge and experience with:
  • ATASSpro snowmaking control systems
  • TechnoAlpin snow guns
  • HKD snow guns
• Understanding of water distribution, pumping systems, and compressed air systems.
• First Aid certification and/or alpine industry experience.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Safety-focused with a proactive approach to risk management.
• Reliable, adaptable, and highly motivated.
• Able to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Passion for mountain environments and the ski industry.
• Committed to maintaining high operational standards.