PH-103-2 SNOW CAT OPERATOR

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Powderhorn Mountain Resort is seeking dependable Snowcat Operators to join our Mountain Operations team. You will groom and maintain terrain, ensuring high-quality snow surfaces and guest safety.

Shifts include day and night, with operations in steep terrain and variable weather. You must be able to operate snowcats in low visibility and coordinate with multiple departments to keep the mountain open and safe.

Qualifications

• Snowcat operating experience preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment is a plus.
• Ability to work outdoors in cold weather and alpine conditions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate snowcats and grooming equipment throughout Powderhorn's mountain terrain.
• Groom and maintain ski runs, trails, terrain parks, and other designated areas.
• Till, level, shape, push, and redistribute snow as needed.
• Complete assigned grooming routes according to Powderhorn standards and schedules.
• Inspect snowcat equipment before and after each shift and report safety concerns.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance including fueling, greasing, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate grooming and equipment logs.
• Communicate mountain conditions and grooming progress to supervisors.
• Coordinate with Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, Terrain Park staff.
• Follow all safety policies, mountain closures, radio procedures, and equipment SOPs.
• Assist with snow movement and other mountain maintenance projects as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized equipment area.

Skills

Snowcat operation

Heavy equipment operation

Safety focus

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Powderhorn - Mesa, CO 81643Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Snowcat Operator

Department: Mountain Operations

Location: Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Reports To: Mountain Operations Manager / Grooming Supervisor

Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time

Schedule: Day and Night Shifts Available

Position Summary

Powderhorn Mountain Resort is seeking dependable and safety-focused Snowcat Operators to join our Mountain Operations team. Snowcat Operators are responsible for grooming and maintaining Powderhorn's ski and snowboard terrain, ensuring quality snow surfaces and helping provide guests with a safe and enjoyable mountain experience.

Operators may work day or night shifts and must be comfortable operating snowcats in steep terrain, variable weather, nighttime conditions, and low visibility.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate snowcats and grooming equipment throughout Powderhorn's mountain terrain.
• Groom and maintain ski runs, trails, terrain parks, and other designated areas.
• Till, level, shape, push, and redistribute snow as needed.
• Complete assigned grooming routes according to established Powderhorn standards and schedules.
• Inspect snowcat equipment before and after each shift and report mechanical or safety concerns.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, including fueling, greasing, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate grooming and equipment logs.
• Communicate mountain conditions, grooming progress, hazards, and equipment issues to supervisors.
• Coordinate with Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, Terrain Park staff, and other Mountain Operations employees.
• Follow all Powderhorn safety policies, mountain closures, radio procedures, and equipment operating procedures.
• Assist with snow movement, snowmaking support, and other mountain maintenance projects as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized equipment area.
• Respond appropriately to changing weather, snow conditions, terrain hazards, and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Mountain Operations leadership.

Day Shift

Day-shift Snowcat Operators may be responsible for:

• Touch-up grooming and maintenance of high-traffic areas.
• Maintaining beginner and intermediate terrain throughout the operating day.
• Responding to changing snow and weather conditions.
• Supporting snow movement and other Mountain Operations projects.
• Communicating with Mountain Operations and other departments while the mountain is open.

Night Shift

Night-shift Snowcat Operators are responsible for preparing Powderhorn's terrain for the following day's operations.

• Complete assigned overnight grooming routes.
• Operate snowcats safely during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
• Produce consistent, high-quality groomed surfaces across assigned terrain.
• Identify and address exposed areas, snow buildup, changing terrain, and other hazards.
• Communicate completed grooming routes and mountain conditions to the incoming crew.
• Properly park, fuel, inspect, and secure equipment at the end of the shift.

Qualifications

• Previous snowcat operating experience preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, or similar machinery is a plus.
• Ability to safely operate tracked equipment on steep and variable terrain.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to recognize equipment issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in cold temperatures, snow, wind, and changing mountain conditions.
• Must be available to work nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays, and during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Valid driver's license preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and operate heavy equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to safely climb into and out of snowcat equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment or supplies as needed.
• Ability to work extended shifts in cold and winter weather conditions.
• Ability to maintain concentration and situational awareness throughout the shift.

Work Environment

Snowcat Operators work in a high-alpine winter environment at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Work may take place during nighttime hours, early mornings, weekends, holidays, and severe winter weather. Operators must be comfortable working independently while maintaining constant awareness of terrain, weather, equipment, and other mountain operations.

Safety

Powderhorn Mountain Resort is committed to maintaining a safe environment for employees and guests. Snowcat Operators are expected to follow all resort policies and procedures, equipment operating standards, mountain closures, radio protocols, and direction from Mountain Operations leadership.

The Snowcat Operator is an essential part of Powderhorn's Mountain Operations team and plays a key role in preparing the mountain for each day's guests.