Assistant Manager: Grooming - Hourly

Vail Resorts; California; On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Lift ticket discounts for friends and

Free ski lessons

Discounts on lodging, food, gear, sh

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Training and professional development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is seeking a Snow Grooming Assistant Manager to support the Snow Grooming Manager in daily leadership and operations on the mountain. You will plan, direct, and evaluate grooming activities to ensure safe, high-quality trail conditions and coordinate fleet maintenance.

You will supervise grooming personnel, promote safety, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic mountain environment. This role requires strong leadership and excellent communication skills for night and day

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of snow grooming experience.
• 1–2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Advanced proficiency operating snowcats in varied terrain and snow conditions.
• Strong understanding of snow science, grooming techniques, and mountain operations.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work overnight, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluating snow grooming staff.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to grooming operators and shift leads.
• Schedule employees to ensure adequate staffing for all grooming operations.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate operational priorities.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Assist with employee coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Serve as Manager-on-Duty for the grooming department in the absence of the manager.

Skills

Snow grooming

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Decision making

Safety leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Snowcat operation

Job description

Employee Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons


• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles


• 401(k) Retirement Plan


• Employee Assistance Program


• Excellent training and professional development


• Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary

The Snow Grooming Assistant Manager supports the Snow Grooming Manager in the daily leadership and operation of the mountain grooming department. This role assists with planning, directing, and evaluating all snow grooming activities to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality trail conditions. The Assistant Manager helps supervise grooming personnel, oversees fleet maintenance coordination, manages operational efficiency, and promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

The position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, advanced snowcat operating abilities, and the ability to make informed operational decisions in a dynamic mountain environment.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $29.00 - $35.20


• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027


• Shift Type: Full Time hours available


• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age


• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluating snow grooming staff.


• Provide direct supervision and leadership to grooming operators and shift leads.


• Schedule employees to ensure adequate staffing for all grooming operations.


• Conduct shift briefings and communicate operational priorities.


• Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.


• Assist with employee coaching, performance management, and professional development.


• Serve as Manager-on-Duty for the grooming department in the Grooming Manager's absence.

Snow Grooming Operations

• Assist in planning and executing nightly and daytime grooming plans.


• Monitor trail conditions and adjust grooming strategies based on weather, snowpack, skier traffic, and operational needs.


• Coordinate grooming activities with Mountain Operations, Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, Terrain Park, and Events teams.


• Ensure trails, terrain features, roads, and operational areas are groomed to established quality standards.


• Participate in snowcat operations as needed.


• Monitor GPS and fleet management systems to optimize productivity and resource utilization.

Equipment & Fleet Management

• Assist with oversight of the grooming fleet, including snowcats, winch cats, snowmobiles, and support equipment.


• Coordinate inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs with the fleet maintenance team.


• Ensure operators complete required equipment inspections and documentation.


• Track equipment performance, downtime, fuel usage, and maintenance needs.


• Promote proper equipment operation to maximize safety and extend asset life.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all resort safety policies and operating procedures.


• Promote and enforce safe snowcat and winch-cat operating practices.


• Conduct safety training and participate in incident investigations.


• Monitor weather conditions and operational hazards.


• Ensure all employees maintain required certifications and training.


• Support the department's risk management and emergency response efforts.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with departmental budgeting and expense management.


• Maintain operational records, reports, and documentation.


• Support payroll review and scheduling processes.


• Track department performance metrics and operational goals.


• Participate in planning meetings and operational reviews.

Job Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Minimum 3-5 years of snow grooming experience.


• Minimum 1-2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.


• Advanced proficiency operating snowcats in varied terrain and snow conditions.


• Strong understanding of snow science, grooming techniques, and mountain operations.


• Ability to work overnight, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.


• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions under pressure.

Preferred

• Previous assistant manager or lead operator experience.


• Experience operating winch cats.


• Experience with terrain park construction and maintenance.


• Budget management experience.


• Mechanical aptitude and equipment maintenance knowledge.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme winter weather conditions.


• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.


• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to climb into and out of heavy equipment multiple times per shift.


• Ability to work at elevation and on steep mountainous terrain.


• Ability to respond to emergencies during day or night operations.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development


• Decision Making


• Operational Planning


• Safety Leadership


• Communication


• Problem Solving


• Equipment Stewardship


• Accountability


• Adaptability


• Continuous Improvement

The expected pay range is $29.00 - $35.20. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 518052
Reference Date: 10/01/2026
Job Code Function: Grooming