Experienced Snowcat Operator - Winter 26-27

Bear Valley; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Bear Valley Mountain Resort in Bear Valley, CA, is seeking Snowcat Operators for the winter season. You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of snow grooming equipment to prepare and maintain high-quality groomed surfaces for guests.

This seasonal role offers outdoor work in variable weather, with weekend and holiday shifts, and opportunities to contribute to terrain development and guest experience. Equipment inspection and team collaboration are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy grooming equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather.
• Availability to work night shifts.
• Ability to shovel and carry heavy loads (30+ lbs) for extended periods.
• Experience working safely around heavy equipment.
• Positive attitude and ability to work with grooming team.

Responsibilities

• Operate Snow Grooming Equipment to ensure highest quality of groomed snow surfaces.
• Represent and teach proper quality control of snow grooming and trail maintenance to provide guest satisfaction.
• Represent and teach proper procedures to inspect and ensure that all equipment is functioning properly (prior and post shift).
• Report mechanical equipment issues to shop mechanics and Manager or Director immediately.
• Accurately complete daily paperwork/logs as required.
• General operator maintenance of grooming equipment (greasing of implements, cleaning windows, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Outdoor work in extreme weather

Night shifts

Manual lifting

Safety around heavy equipment

Team-oriented

Job description

Experienced Snowcat Operator - Winter 26-27

Seasonal Full Time NE Bear Valley, CA, US

Salary Range: $22.00 To $34.00 Hourly

Job Summary

Bear Valley Mountain Resort is seeking Snowcat Operators for this winter season. As a snowcat operator (groomer), you will have one of the most important jobs on the mountain. You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of snow grooming equipment including a variety of snow cats and attachments. This position maintains high quality diverse snow terrain, accommodates several winter Special Events, builds terrain parks, and presents Bear Valley as a family-friendly, spectacular skiing and riding experience.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and the qualifications for the position. The job description is not intended to be inclusive of all duties an individual in the position might be asked to perform or of all the qualifications that may be required now or in the future. We will not ask you to perform a task that is inherently unsafe or that you are not adequately trained to perform. When we do ask for your assistance with any job, we expect an enthusiastic and cooperative response.

• Operate Snow Grooming Equipment to ensure highest quality of groomed snow surfaces
• Represent and teach proper quality control of snow grooming and trail maintenance to provide the utmost guest satisfaction
• Represent and teach proper procedures to Inspect and ensure that all equipment is functioning properly (prior and post shift) in order to produce a good snow product
• Report mechanical equipment issues to shop mechanics and Manager or Director immediately
• Accurately complete daily paperwork/logs as required
• General Operator Maintenance of grooming equipment (greasing of implements, cleaning windows, ETC.)
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Competencies

• Experience operating heavy equipment including grooming equipment
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions
• Availability to work night shifts
• Ability to shovel and carry heavy loads (30 pounds or more) for extended periods of time
• Experience working with and around heavy equipment safely
• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively with grooming team members

Work Schedules

Weather, snow conditions and the number of guests play a large role in the work scheduling of Bear Valley employees.

When conditions are normal, you may be expected to work 40 up to 48 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. During busy periods - especially the holiday periods in December and the months of January and February - you may be expected to work six (6) days a week.

You must arrange for transportation to work so that you arrive at your designated workstation at the scheduled time. Keep in mind that you will often be required to drive on hilly, snowpacked, and icy road.

Working Conditions

At any time during the ski season, Bear Valley employees are often required to perform their tasks in high winds, heavy snowfalls, low visibility, rain, and extremely cold or warm temperatures.

Uniforms

A professional appearance at Bear Valley is required. Please wear your name tag and uniform at all times during your scheduled shift. We will provide most of the uniform for you to do your job. This uniform is for work hours ONLY, no exceptions.

You will be required to provide some items as part of your job.

The quality, color, and style of the items must be approved by your manager prior to being worn to work. All hats worn must have the Bear Valley logo while on shift.

The skiing/riding employee represents a model for safe skiing for both the guest and fellow employees. You are required to be aware of all safe skiing procedures, trail closures, and out-of-bounds policies of the mountain.