Lead Snow Cat Operator

Discovery Land Company; California (MO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer 401k

Employee meals

Professional development

Upward mobility

Work-Family culture

Job summary

Discovery Land Company’s Homewood Mountain Resort is seeking a Lead Snow Cat Operator to join the Snow Surfaces Department on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, California. The role oversees grooming to ensure pristine trails and a safe, enjoyable guest experience.

You will supervise the grooming crew, coordinate nightly assignments, and communicate work priorities with resort operations. Strong safety focus, teamwork, and prior snowcat or heavy equipment experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Experience operating snowcats or heavy equipment.
• Previous supervisory or team lead experience.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to identify malfunctions, unusual operating conditions, and potential safety concerns.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions, SOPs, and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate snowcat grooming equipment to maintain surfaces across trails and terrain.
• Provide supervision and support to snowcat operators to ensure safe and consistent grooming operations.
• Assist with training and onboarding of operators, including safety procedures and resort standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture by reinforcing safe operating practices and addressing hazards.
• Perform pre- and post-operation inspections of snowcats and equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify potential mechanical problems.
• Communicate needs with Vehicle Maintenance for repairs and service.
• Follow grooming patterns to achieve desired snow conditions and quality.
• Operate grooming equipment per resort procedures and guidelines.
• Comply with all company and safety policies.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Supervisory experience

Mechanical knowledge

Attention to safety

English proficiency

18+ years old

Pisten Bully Academy

Tools

Snowcat equipment

Job description

Join the Discovery family, where quality and service are at the heart of everything we do!

This role will be located at one of Discovery Land Company’s locations: Homewood Mountain & Lake Club, set on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in Homewood, California.

Homewood Mountain Resort is seeking a Lead Snow Cat Operator to join the Snow Surfaces Department.

Job Summary:

The Lead Snow Cat Operator is responsible for grooming and maintaining slopes, ramps, and maze areas to create the perfect surface for every guest’s ski day. Operating state-of-the-art snowcats after the mountain closes, you’ll help transform trails back to a pristine state, leaving behind the corduroy that defines the on-piste experience.

Additionally, the Team Lead will assist with planning, coordinating, and delegating nightly assignments to the grooming crew. The Lead will be responsible for communicating work requests, departmental updates, and resort-wide information to ensure the grooming team is aligned with operational priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Safely and efficiently operate snowcat grooming equipment to maintain smooth, consistent, and reliable skiing and snowboarding surfaces across designated trails, runs, and terrain.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, direction, and support to snowcat operators to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent grooming operations.
• Assist with training, onboarding, and development of snowcat operators, including proper equipment operation, grooming techniques, safety procedures, and resort standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture by reinforcing safe operating practices, identifying hazards, addressing unsafe conditions or behaviors, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Perform thorough pre-operation and post-operation inspections of snowcats and related equipment to identify mechanical, safety, or operational issues before and after each shift.
• Monitor equipment performance throughout operations and promptly identify unusual noises, leaks, warning indicators, handling issues, or other signs of potential mechanical problems.
• Communicate effectively with the Vehicle Maintenance Team regarding equipment condition, required repairs, service needs, and any issues that may affect safe or efficient operation.
• Follow established grooming patterns, techniques, and procedures to achieve desired snow conditions, trail quality, and grooming standards.
• Operate grooming equipment in accordance with resort procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and established operating practices.
• Understand, follow, and comply with all company, mountain, equipment, and occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Skills & Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment, snowcats or tractors required.
• Previous supervisory or team lead experience.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to identify equipment malfunctions, unusual operating conditions, and potential safety concerns.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and established safety guidelines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and safety.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Pisten Bully Pro Academy Online Training (provided upon employment)

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility and ability to pivot to new projects and desire to work in fast-paced environment.
• Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to deliver service to members, guests, and team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to stay calm and focused during the busiest of times.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; additional languages preferred.
• Must be able to work flexible work hours/schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Long hours may be required due to business demands.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including, but not limited to, working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, standing, walking, and moving for periods of greater than eight (8) hours, and lifting and carrying items sometimes greater than fifty (50) pounds.
  

Benefits

• Full-Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt
• Employer-sponsored 401k
• Employee Meals and Recognition Programs
• Professional development and upward mobility opportunities
• Work-Family Culture

The Company’s good faith estimate of the hourly rate it expects to pay for this role is $31-$37 and is based on applicable and specialized experience and location.

About Us

Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Homewood Mountain & Lake Club is a beloved four-season destination known for its stunning lake views, intimate slopes, and commitment to personalized guest experiences. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment for both guests and employees. If you’re passionate about hospitality and want to be a key leader in shaping the future of F&B at one of Tahoe’s most scenic resorts, we want to hear from you.

Discovery Land Company is a U.S.-based real estate developer and operator of private residential communities with a world-renowned portfolio of domestic and international properties. The mission of Discovery Land Company is to create one-of-a-kind environments that provide individuals and families the freedom, security, and resources to learn, grow, and play in some of the most beautiful places in the world. For more information about our company, please visit: http://www.discoverylandco.com.