Grooming Team Lead

Mission Ridge Ski Resort; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 27,207 - 34,302; Full time

Job summary

Mission Ridge Ski Resort is seeking a Grooming Team Lead in Wenatchee, Washington, responsible for overseeing grooming operations and ensuring safety and quality standards. The role involves leading a team, coordinating with various departments for effective operation, and providing a high-quality ski experience.

With a focus on safety and team communication, candidates should have extensive experience in grooming and snowmaking. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic winter environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory experience in a dynamic environment.
• Operated grooming or snowmaking equipment for at least 5 years.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee nightly grooming activities and delegate tasks.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and ensure smooth shift handoffs.
• Enforce safety protocols for personnel and equipment.

Skills

Leadership & Supervision

Grooming Experience

Equipment Operation

Communication

Problem‑Solving

Work Conditions

Education

High school diploma or GED

5 years grooming or snowmaking experience

Job description

Job Description

Class/Group: Hourly/Non‑Exempt, Group III or IV

Reports to: Grooming Manager

Pay Range: $19.75-$24.90

Supervises: N/A

Status: Winter Seasonal, Full‑Time or Part‑Time

CENTRAL PURPOSE: To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration

CORE VALUES: Seek first to help - Dedicated to results - Optimism in action - Solution seekers

Grooming Team Lead Job Summary

World‑class grooming is essential to delivering a world‑class ski surface. As the Grooming Team Lead at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, you will bring your extensive grooming experience, problem‑solving skills, and leadership ability to ensure the mountain is prepared daily to the highest standards. This position plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience and maintaining a strong foundation for a winter season filled with joy, freedom, fun, and exploration. You will oversee nightly grooming operations, coordinate across departments, train staff, and ensure both safety and quality standards are consistently met.

Qualifications

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Lead Grooming Operations: Oversee nightly grooming activities; delegate tasks and coordinate shift priorities with the crew.
• Shift Briefings & Communication: Conduct pre‑shift meetings, provide real‑time updates, and ensure smooth handoff to the next shift lead.
• Safety & Compliance: Conduct weekly safety meetings; enforce safety protocols for personnel and equipment.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborate with snowmaking, lift maintenance, snow removal, ski patrol, and other departments to align operations.
• Snowfall Response: Execute grooming priorities during storms—lift ramps, roads, public areas, key trails—and notify appropriate departments.
• Surface Quality Control: Monitor grooming quality and adjust plans based on conditions; train and provide feedback to operators.
• Reporting: Complete accurate grooming logs, shift summaries, and communicate key surface safety info to Ski Patrol.

Skills Required

• Leadership & Supervision: Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory experience; proven ability to lead teams in dynamic conditions.
• Grooming Experience: At least 5 years operating grooming or snowmaking equipment in a mountain environment.
• Equipment Operation: Proficient with industrial grooming equipment; mechanical aptitude is a plus.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to lead crews and coordinate with multiple departments.
• Problem‑Solving: Capable of making sound decisions under pressure; detail‑oriented with strong time management.
• Work Conditions: Able to work nights, extended shifts, and overtime in severe winter weather.
• Preferred: Valid WA Driver’s License; skiing/snowboarding ability preferred, but not required.

Education/Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. A minimum of 5 years of grooming or snowmaking experience with leadership responsibilities is required. Additional related training or certifications and experience operating heavy machinery in mountain environments are highly beneficial.

Work Environment

This position requires working outdoors in a high‑alpine environment during winter conditions, including cold temperatures, wind, snow, and limited visibility. Grooming shifts typically occur overnight and can extend beyond normal working hours, especially during weather events. The Grooming Team Lead works independently and collaboratively with other departments and must be prepared to manage both physical and mental demands in a remote mountain setting.

Physical Demand

The role demands the ability to lift 80 pounds, operate grooming equipment for 10+ hours, and perform duties that require sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing in snowy or icy conditions. Visual attention to detail and hearing sufficient to communicate via radio are essential. The job also requires completing documentation and reading technical instructions under varying light conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Seeing: Must be able to read reports and use computer.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers.
• Standing/Walking: Consistent and constant standing and walking while in operation.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Position requires the ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use phone system.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.