Lift Operations Manager - Winter 26-27

Bear Valley Mountain Resort LLC; Bear Valley (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Bear Valley Mountain Resort LLC is seeking a Lift Operations Manager for the seasonal peak, running October through April. You will lead and develop Lift Operations staff, oversee all lifts, coordinate staffing, and ensure safety and efficiency in daily operations for a premier guest experience.

The role requires proven leadership in lift operations, strong safety focus, and excellent communication. You will schedule, train, and manage payroll while collaborating with Mountain Operations and Ski

Qualifications

• Previous lift operations leadership or management experience required.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to high-quality work, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, lead, and develop Lift Operations staff, including hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and corrective action.
• Prepare staff schedules and assign daily work locations to ensure safe, efficient operations while meeting budget and staffing goals.
• Oversee the safe, efficient operation of all lifts, ensuring proper loading procedures, guest service, and compliance with company policies and safety standards.
• Train employees on lift operations, ticket scanning systems, and required operational procedures, including maintaining lift logbooks.
• Review, approve, and process employee timecards, schedules, and payroll records.
• Manage department inventory, including equipment, tools, uniforms, and operational supplies; order and receive materials as needed.
• Monitor ticket scanning operations through visual observation and the Axess system to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Investigate lift-related incidents, complete required reports, and assist Ski Patrol with accident documentation.
• Communicate operational changes, including delays, wind holds, or closures, to management and other departments.
• Attend Mountain Operations meetings and coordinate with other departments to support daily operations, special events, and grooming needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Guest service

Communication

Job description

The Lift Operations Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient daily operation of all lifts and the supervision of Lift Operations staff. Responsibilities include scheduling, recruiting, hiring, training, payroll, and maintaining employee and operational records. The position ensures compliance with safety policies and operating procedures, oversees daily lift operations, coordinates staffing, responds to operational issues, and works with other departments to provide a safe, efficient, and exceptional guest experience.

Seasonal position: October through April

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.

• Supervise, lead, and develop Lift Operations staff, including hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and corrective action.
• Prepare staff schedules and assign daily work locations to ensure safe, efficient operations while meeting budget and staffing goals.
• Oversee the safe, efficient operation of all lifts, ensuring proper loading procedures, guest service, and compliance with company policies and safety standards.
• Train employees on lift operations, ticket scanning systems, and required operational procedures, including maintaining lift logbooks.
• Review, approve, and process employee timecards, schedules, and payroll records.
• Manage department inventory, including equipment, tools, uniforms, and operational supplies; order and receive materials as needed.
• Monitor ticket scanning operations through visual observation and the Axess system to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Investigate lift-related incidents, complete required reports, and assist Ski Patrol with accident documentation.
• Communicate operational changes, including delays, wind holds, or closures, to management and other departments.
• Attend Mountain Operations meetings and coordinate with other departments to support daily operations, special events, and grooming needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Previous lift operations leadership or management experience required.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to high-quality work, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs.

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, snow packed, 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.