Lead Snow Cat Operator

discoverylandco; California (MO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Meals program

Professional development

Career mobility

Work-family culture

Job summary

Discovery Land Company is seeking a Lead Snow Cat Operator at Homewood Mountain Resort on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, CA. You will join the Snow Surfaces Department and lead grooming operations to maintain prime conditions across designated trails and terrain.

The role requires prior heavy equipment experience, supervisory background, and strong mechanical awareness to identify safety risks and equipment issues. Flexible hours and a fast-paced environment are expected.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment such as snowcats or tractors.
• Prior supervision or team lead experience.
• Basic mechanical knowledge to identify malfunctions and safety concerns.
• Ability to follow written and oral safety procedures and SOPs.
• Must be at least 18 years old and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

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

Snowcat operation

Supervisory experience

Mechanical knowledge

Safety awareness

Reading/writing instructions

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.

Job Summary

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

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 pr