Part Time Seasonal Lift Operations Lead

Marquette Mountain Resort; Marquette (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical PPO/HDHP options

FSA

HSA with company match

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

Group Term Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

401(k) Retirement Plan with company 5%

Uniforms provided

Training: In-House, Instructor-Led, or

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness incentives

Paid time off and holidays

Holidays and peak period pay

Job summary

Marquette Mountain Resort seeks a Lift Operator Lead to assist the lift operations supervisor in safely transporting guests uphill and coordinating daily lift operations with a team of operators. The role requires supervisory leadership, impeccable safety standards, and strong guest service orientation.

You will collaborate with lift maintenance, snowsports, tickets & rental, ski patrol, HR, marketing, and recreation to ensure smooth operations, timely updates, and adherence to resort policies

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be an avid mountain biker with the ability to ride rugged terrain and perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
• Experience in mountain bike or ski area industry preferred.
• Experience in trail 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist lift operations supervisor with planning, supervision and coordination of daily lift operations, supervising lift operators.
• Monitor Lift Operators for quality customer service and professional behavior.
• Inspect lift operations and monitor weather and surroundings for safety.
• Oversee daily openings/closings, ramp preparation, and mazing.
• Complete daily lift logs, incident reports and other required documentation.
• Coordinate with Lift Maintenance to escalate maintenance issues.
• Provide superior, interactive service to guests and meet department goals.
• Greet guests, be the primary contact, and communicate resort operations updates.
• Support continuous improvement activities and assist in new projects.
• Maintain familiarity with policies and train on-hill management and safety.
• Provide real-time guidance and coaching to Lift Operators during live operations.
• Implement emergency procedures and safety training, and maintain safety in the workplace.
• Identify hazards, report them, and assist in evacuations if needed.
• Serve as MOD occasionally for end-of-day operations and security.
• Performs other duties, including holiday/peak availability and weekend shifts.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Customer service

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree in outdoor recreation, ski area management or related field preferred

Tools

Snow removal equipment

Snowmobile

Job 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.

Description

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 escalat 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)

• 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.