Part Time Seasonal Lift Operations Lead

Marquette Mountain; Marquette (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical PPO

FSA

HSA with company match

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Company uniforms

Training programs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness incentives

Job summary

Marquette Mountain is seeking a Lift Operator Lead to supervise daily lift operations and ensure safe uphill transport for guests and staff. You will coordinate with maintenance, snowsports, tickets, and patrol while serving as a key on-hill leader during peak periods.

The role emphasizes safety, guest service, and hands-on coaching, with responsibilities including open/close procedures, reporting, and coordination across departments. Seasonal October–April, outdoor, physical work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Experience in mountain bike or ski area industry preferred.
• Experience with chainsaw and heavy machinery operation preferred.
• Understanding of tools and equipment maintenance preferred.
• College degree in outdoor recreation or related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist lift operations supervisor with planning, supervision and coordination of daily lift operations.
• Monitor Lift Operators for quality customer service and professional behavior.
• Oversee daily openings/closings, ramp prep, and operational accuracy.
• Prepare reports including daily lift logs and incident reports.
• Collaborate with Lift Maintenance to communicate maintenance issues timely.
• Provide real-time coaching and safety guidance during live operations.

Skills

Mountain biking

Manual labor

Customer service

Team supervision

Safety awareness

Equipment inspection

Emergency procedures

On-hill coaching

Education

High school diploma or GED

Outdoor recreation/ski area degree preferred

Job description

Description

About Us:

Discover the allure of the Northwoods at Marquette Mountain Resort. Immerse yourself in our passion for providing an exceptional experience, where every detail is carefully considered. Our resort offers year-round adventure and stunning natural beauty across all four seasons. Whether you seek the thrill of the slopes or the tranquility of the trails, you'll be captivated by the spectacular views of Lake Superior. After a day of exploration, unwind and create cherished memories by the fire with your loved ones. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Marquette, Michigan, our resort is your gateway to an unforgettable getaway.

Status: Part Time

This is a seasonal position October 14, 2026 - April 14, 2027

Job Purpose:

The lift operator lead assists the lift operations supervisor. They will provide for the safe uphill transportation of guests and co-workers by assisting with the supervising of the daily operations of ski lifts and the team members that operate them. Communicate regularly with other departments including lift maintenance, snowsports, tickets & rental, ski patrol, human resources, marketing, and recreation.

Honor Commitments:

• Assist lift operations supervisor with the planning, supervision and coordination of daily lift operations by exercising supervisory leadership over lift operators.
• Monitor Lift Operators to ensure they are performing quality customer services and professional behavior.
• Monitor weather conditions and general surroundings by inspecting lift operations on a regular basis.
• Supervise and assist with daily openings and closings, preparation of ramps, and mazing.
• Oversee the daily completion of all appropriate reports including daily lift logs, incident reports, and others as needed.
• Work closely with the Lift Maintenance team to communicate, and elevate maintenance issues when they arise.

Create Positive Experiences:

• Provide superior and interactive service to our guests.
• Meet service level objectives and department goals as set for by the General Manager.
• Guest Engagement: Warmly greet arriving guests and serve as a primary point of contact to ensure an exceptional resort experience.
• Operational Updates: Proactively communicate accurate, up-to-date information regarding resort operations, including facility openings, closures, delays, and special events.
• Support continuous improvement activities.
• Assist in the support of new and ongoing projects.

Foster Lifelong Learning:

• Maintain familiarity with all policies, procedures, and rules regarding operation and riding ski lifts, continuously improving knowledge and expertise.
• Assist with On-hill management, evaluation, and training of lift operations.
• Provide real-time guidance, immediate corrective feedback, and hands-on coaching to Lift Operators during live operations to ensure safety and service standards.
• Implement emergency procedures, including contacting ski patrol, demonstrating readiness to learn and adapt in emergency situations.
• Implement, maintain, and coach safety in the workplace.

Exhibit Pioneering Spirit:

• Identify potential hazards and report them immediately, showing initiative and a pioneering spirit in maintaining a safe environment.
• Assist in the evacuation of a disabled lift if needed, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges and solve problems.
• Demonstrate Good Stewardship:
• Maintain load/unload ramps and Lift Shack areas by shoveling or raking snow and picking up trash demonstrating care and stewardship for the resort's facilities.
• Ensure all chairs are clear of snow, ice, and/or grease before loading passengers, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests and colleagues.

Leadership & Leadership-on-Duty Responsibilities:

• Manager On Duty (MOD): Serve as the designated closing Manager On Duty on an occasional basis, overseeing end-of-day operations, closing procedures, and overall mountain security.
• Operational Oversight: Supervise evening resort operations, ensuring all lift shutdown protocols, staff sign-outs, and facility security measures are strictly executed.
• Escalation & Incident Response: Act as the primary point of contact for guest issues, operational emergencies, and staff support during closing shifts.

Additional duties as assigned:

• Perform all other job duties as assigned, supporting the overall success of the lift operations and the resort.
• Holiday & Peak Availability: Must be available to work during assigned holiday periods (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents' Day) as these are our busiest operational times.
• Standard Hours: Must be available to work within the department’s standard scheduled operational hours.
• Weekend Availability: Weekend shifts are required based on departmental needs.
• Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate schedule adjustments, including opening, closing, or peak-coverage shifts as needed.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be an avid mountain biker with the ability to ride our existing rugged, technical terrain Ability to work manual labor in all weather conditions
• Experience in the mountain bike or ski area industry preferred
• Experience in trial building and mini excavator operation is greatly preferred
• Experience with basic carpentry and structural integrity preferred
• Experience in the outdoor recreation industry preferred
• Certifications with chainsaw and heavy machinery operation preferred
• Understanding of tools, machines and the ability to diagnose and repair equipment preferred
• College degree in outdoor recreation, ski area management or related field preferred
• Valid driver’s license required

Physical and mental demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance
• The employee is frequently required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and occasionally required to taste or smell
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
• Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Equipment Used:

• Snow removal equipment
• Snowmobile

Working Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
• encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
• made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Harsh outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high precarious places; fumes or airborne. particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Regularly work near moving mechanical parts and exposed to outdoor weather conditions and vibration.

Benefits (depended on status and hours worked)

Insurance:

• Medical - PPO and HDHP options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company match
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
• Group Term Life Insurance (company paid)
• Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)

Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Volunteer Time-Off
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Bereavement/Funeral

Compensation:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Other:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness incentives
• Company paid and provided uniforms
• Training: In-House, Instructor-Led, and Online

Marquette Mountain is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.