Mountain Operations Technician - Giants Ridge

Guest Services; Biwabik (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Employee passes and discounts

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Guest Services in Giants Ridge is seeking Mountain Operations Technicians to support winter and year-round mountain operations. The role involves operating snowmaking, grooming, and various heavy equipment, with duties across trails, grounds, and facilities, reporting to the Mountain Manager.

You will work safely, collaborate with teams, and handle diverse seasonal tasks in all weather conditions. Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, 18+, a valid Class D driver's license, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must possess a valid Class D driver's license.
• Minimum of one year of heavy equipment operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of equipment, vehicles, and machinery to support mountain operations.
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections, safety checks, fueling, and basic maintenance.
• Operate snow grooming equipment to shape and maintain skiing surfaces.
• Perform snowmaking operations, setup, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Support seasonal opening/closing procedures for slopes and facilities.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

English reading/writing

Teamwork

Independent decision-making

Education

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Job description

Compensation Amount:19.00 USD Hourly

Job Summary

Mountain Operations Technicians support the safe and efficient operation of the mountain area throughout the year. This versatile, cross-trained position performs a variety of mountain operations duties, with responsibilities that may include snowmaking, grooming, trail maintenance, grounds maintenance, equipment operation, and special projects depending on the season and operational needs. This position works under the direction of the Mountain Manager and are expected to work safely, exercise sound judgment, and perform assigned duties independently in all weather conditions.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOperates a variety of equipment, vehicles, and machinery necessary to support mountain operations. Performs daily pre-operational inspections, safety checks, fueling, and basic maintenance of assigned equipment.Maintains accurate and complete records of equipment inspections, maintenance activities, and operational tasks. Operates snow grooming equipment to build, shape, grade, and maintain skiing snowboarding surfaces.Performs snowmaking operations, including setup, operation, monitoring, adjustment, maintenance, relocation, and shutdown of snowmaking equipment. Monitors weather conditions, snow quality, and snow production and adjusts operations as necessary. Assists with transporting, installing, and storing snowmaking equipment and infrastructure. Performs trail slope, and grounds maintenance activities including mowing, brushing, trimming, erosion control, vegetation management, and debris removal. Operates snowmobiles, ATVs/UTVs, and other equipment in support of daily mountain operations. Assist with seasonal opening and closing procedures for ski slopes, trails, lift areas, and mountain facilities. Identifies and report equipment deficiencies, safety concerns, operational issues, and unusual circumstances to management. Supports special events and mountain projects as assigned. Provides quality service to guests and works cooperatively with all departments. Communicates effectively with team members, supervisors, and management. Performs other duties as assigned. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTSHigh School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent required.Must be at least 18 year of age.Must possess a valid Class D driver's license.Minimum of one year of heavy equipment operation experience preferred.Ability to safely operate and maintain a variety of equipment and machinery.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited supervision. Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills preferred.Snowmaking, grooming, construction, landscaping, or equipment operation experience preferred. Ability to work effectively and safely as part of a team in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

Essential Functions

Operates a variety of equipment, vehicles, and machinery necessary to support mountain operations. Performs daily pre-operational inspections, safety checks, fueling, and basic maintenance of assigned equipment.Maintains accurate and complete records of equipment inspections, maintenance activities, and operational tasks. Operates snow grooming equipment to build, shape, grade, and maintain skiing snowboarding surfaces.Performs snowmaking operations, including setup, operation, monitoring, adjustment, maintenance, relocation, and shutdown of snowmaking equipment. Monitors weather conditions, snow quality, and snow production and adjusts operations as necessary. Assists with transporting, installing, and storing snowmaking equipment and infrastructure. Performs trail slope, and grounds maintenance activities including mowing, brushing, trimming, erosion control, vegetation management, and debris removal. Operates snowmobiles, ATVs/UTVs, and other equipment in support of daily mountain operations. Assist with seasonal opening and closing procedures for ski slopes, trails, lift areas, and mountain facilities. Identifies and report equipment deficiencies, safety concerns, operational issues, and unusual circumstances to management. Supports special events and mountain projects as assigned. Provides quality service to guests and works cooperatively with all departments. Communicates effectively with team members, supervisors, and management. Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 year of age.
• Must possess a valid Class D driver's license.
• Minimum of one year of heavy equipment operation experience preferred.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a variety of equipment and machinery.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills preferred.
• Snowmaking, grooming, construction, landscaping, or equipment operation experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively and safely as part of a team in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform a wide variety of physical activities in an alpine environment, including walking on uneven terrain, climbing, kneeling, squatting, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Ability to work overnights shits, weekends, holidays, and overtimes as operational needs require.
• Ability to safely operate snowcats, snowmobiles, ATVs/UTVs, and other equipment on various terrain.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push up to 35 pounds regularly, 50 pounds frequently, and 70 pounds or more occasionally.
• Ability to enter and exit equipment repeatedly throughout a shift.
• Skiing or snowboarding ability preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Regular and reliable attendance and physical presence at the worksite are essential functions of the position.

Equipment Used

snowcats/Grooming MachinesSnowmaking EquipmentSnowmobilesSkid LoadersWheel LoadersExcavatorsATVs/UTVsMowers and Brush-Cutting EquipmentChainsaws and Power SawsHand and Power Tools

Like working outdoors, operating equipment, and having a job where no two seasons look quite the same? Join our Mountain Operations team and play a hands-on role in keeping the mountain ready for adventure year-round.

What We're Looking For

• At least 18 years of age with a valid Class D driver's license.
• Mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills.
• Snowmaking, grooming, constructions, landscaping, or equipment operation experience is a plus.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently while also being a strong team player.
• Flexibility to work overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime when mountain operations require it.
• Skiing or snowboarding ability is a plus.

Why Work at Giants Ridge?

• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support.
• We also offer HSAs, FSAs and more to help you manage healthcare costs.
• Retirement Savings - Play for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan, featuring a company match to help you build financial security.
• Paid Time Off - Take time to rest, relax and recharge with generous PTO.
• Mountain Perks - Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!
• Exclusive Golf Privileges - Hit the greens with complimentary golfing at our two championship golf courses.
• Exclusive Discounts - Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge.
• Work with Friends - Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.
• Flexible Scheduling - We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, but some evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge.
• And More! - Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota. Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota's Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season, family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Summer features world-class golf and lift-served mountain biking, while winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking, and more. Guests and employees alike can enjoy the Pool & Sauna Haus, along with dining, lodging, and a variety of year-round recreational amenities. Employees also have access to discounted lesson opportunities to help them develop new skills and make the most of the Giants Ridge experience. Beyond the resort, the Iron Range region offers abundant outdoor recreation, including lakes and waterways for boating, fishing, and paddling, as well as extensive trail networks for hiking, snowmobiling, and other seasonal activities. Spring and fall provide the perfect transition between seasons, showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that make the region a great place to live, work, and play.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.