Grooming Winch Operator

Mission Ridge Ski Resort; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort is seeking a Grooming Team Lead for winter operations in Washington. You will oversee snowcat and winch grooming to produce consistent, safe surfaces across varied terrain while coordinating with the Grooming Manager and Snow Surfaces Director.

The role requires 4+ years of grooming experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work nights in demanding weather. Valid WA license is preferred; remote mountain setting with seasonal scheduling.

Qualifications

• Grooming experience of 4+ years on alpine and winch grooming.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• WA Driver’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate snowcats and winch cats safely to maintain skiable surfaces across slopes.
• Assist with Terrain Park work and Alpine grooming.
• Work in night shifts and adverse winter weather conditions.
• Operate additional heavy equipment as needed.
• May fulfill other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grooming experience

Equipment operation

Communication

Problem solving

Night shifts

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy machinery operation

Job description

Overview

Grooming Team Lead role at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort. Reports to: Grooming Manager/Snow Surfaces Director. Status: Winter Seasonal, Full-Time or Part-Time. Pay Range: $21.75 - $25.90 per hour. Supervises: N/A.

Core Purpose

To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration.

Responsibilities

• Operate snowcats and winch cats safely and in accordance with Mission Ridge standards to produce exceptional skiable surfaces across various slopes, including steep-terrain locations.
• Operate snowcats to assist with Terrain Park work and Alpine grooming.
• Operate in dynamic environments with inclement weather at night while ensuring surfaces remain safe and consistent.
• Operate additional heavy equipment as needed.
• May occasionally fulfill other roles as required.

Qualifications

• Grooming Experience: At least 4 years of alpine grooming and winch grooming. Extensive knowledge of snow types and grooming techniques.
• Equipment Operation: Proficient with a variety of grooming equipment; heavy machinery and mechanical aptitude is a plus.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate and maintain relationships with employees and the public.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to make sound decisions under pressure; detail-oriented work ethic.
• Work Conditions: Able to work nights and extended shifts in severe winter weather.
• Preferred: Valid WA Driver’s License; skiing/snowboarding ability preferred but not required.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED required. A minimum of 4 years of grooming experience 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 works independently and collaboratively with other departments and must be prepared to manage both physical and mental demands in a remote mountain setting.

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Seeing: Frequent; reading reports and using a computer.
• Hearing: Frequent; ability to communicate with coworkers.
• Standing/Walking: Regularly; constant standing and walking during operation.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Regularly; ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Regularly; ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Regularly; writing, typing, and using a phone system.

Note: The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. They do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.