Ski Operations Lift Mechanic

Shanty Creek Ski and Golf Resort LLC; Bellaire (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Shanty Creek Resorts is seeking a skilled Ski Lift Mechanic to maintain and repair ski lift equipment at our Bellaire, MI location. You will perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues, and ensure lifts operate safely and reliably throughout the ski season.

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical background, ability to work outdoors in variable winter conditions, and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Mechanical experience with industrial or ski lift machinery is preferred.
• Maintenance practices and preventative maintenance knowledge are expected.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools along with diagnostic equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work outdoors in winter conditions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, safety-focused.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance and inspections on ski lift systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues and complete repairs.
• Inspect drive, braking, bearings, towers, grips, and related components.
• Assist with lift inspections and maintenance activities before, during, and after the season.
• Respond to lift-related issues during operations and return equipment to service safely.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, and parts records.
• Follow manufacturer specs and resort safety requirements.
• Assist with testing after maintenance or repairs.
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Monitor inventory and communicate needs to leadership.
• Assist with seasonal lift setup, startup, shutdown, and projects.
• Operate resort equipment when required and coordinate with Lift/Mountain Operations.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Safety focus

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Teamwork

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Ski Lift Maintenance Technology training / related program

Certificate of Occupational Proficiency

Formal training in industrial maintenance / electrical / mechanical

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Welding equipment

PLC knowledge

Schematic reading

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ski Operations Lift Mechanic

Ski Ops On Site Bellaire, MI, US

Ski Lift Mechanic

About Shanty Creek Resorts

Shanty Creek Resorts is committed to providing our guests with a unique Up North experience. Our friendly, caring staff welcomes guests with exceptional service and old-fashioned hospitality. We believe honest, long-lasting relationships with our guests, employees, neighbors, and surrounding environment allow us to grow our business.

About the Role

The Ski Lift Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of ski lift equipment at Shanty Creek Resorts. This position plays a critical role in supporting safe and reliable mountain operations by helping ensure lifts are maintained in accordance with established safety standards, manufacturer recommendations, and resort procedures.

The Ski Lift Mechanic works closely with Mountain Operations and Lift Operations leadership to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, complete repairs, and respond to operational concerns throughout the ski season.

This is a hands-on position suited for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in outdoor mountain conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Mechanical experience working with industrial equipment, heavy equipment, automotive systems, ski lifts, or similar machinery.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and preventative maintenance practices.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in cold, snowy, windy, and changing weather conditions.
• Ability to work at heights and in elevated locations when required.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and emergency call-ins based on operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience maintaining or repairing ski lifts, aerial tramways, or other ropeway equipment.
• Completion of or coursework toward a ski lift maintenance, industrial maintenance, electrical, mechanical, or related technical program.
• Gogebic Community College Ski Lift Maintenance Technology training, Certificate of Occupational Proficiency, or comparable industry training.
• Knowledge of print and schematic reading, precision measurement, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience with hydraulic systems, including valves, fittings, pressure and flow controls, and related components.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical theory, electrical controls, motor controls, electrical testing equipment, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), ladder logic, or similar industrial control systems.
• Experience inspecting, servicing, and replacing bearings, seals, gears, gear reducers, couplings, chains, sprockets, belts, and sheaves.
• Experience with shaft alignment, lubrication practices, and preventative or predictive maintenance.
• Knowledge of ski lift braking systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical braking components.
• Welding, cutting, fabrication, or related metalworking experience.
• Experience with wire rope rigging, wire rope inspection, or ropeway-related maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with ski lift grips, tower and line equipment, sheaves, and related lift components.
• Knowledge of nondestructive testing procedures or experience supporting equipment inspection programs.
• Experience with dynamic testing, lift maintenance planning, inspection documentation, or quality assurance programs.
• Formal training or certification in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, mechanical repair, welding, or a related trade.
• Experience with diesel and gasoline engine service.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance, inspections, adjustments, and repairs on ski lift systems and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues and complete repairs in a safe and timely manner.
• Inspect lift components including drive systems, braking systems, bearings, sheaves, towers, grips, carriers, communication systems, and related equipment.
• Assist with scheduled lift inspections and maintenance activities before, during, and after the ski season.
• Respond to lift-related mechanical issues during operating hours and assist in returning equipment to service safely.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection documentation, repair logs, and parts records.
• Follow manufacturer specifications, resort procedures, and applicable safety requirements when performing maintenance and repairs.
• Assist with testing lift systems following maintenance or repairs.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized lift maintenance work areas.
• Monitor parts and maintenance supplies and communicate inventory needs to leadership.
• Assist with seasonal lift setup, startup, shutdown, and maintenance projects.
• Operate snowmobiles, utility vehicles, and other resort equipment when required.
• Work closely with Lift Operations and Mountain Operations personnel to identify and address equipment concerns.
• Assist with emergency situations and lift evacuation procedures when required.
• Follow all Shanty Creek Resorts safety procedures and immediately report unsafe conditions or equipment concerns.
• Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational needs.

Skills

The Ski Lift Mechanic must be safety-focused, dependable, and detail-oriented. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and the ability to identify and resolve equipment problems efficiently.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently and as part of a team, can prioritize maintenance needs in a fast-paced mountain environment, and understands the importance of preventative maintenance and accurate documentation. Strong communication skills and a commitment to safe lift operations are essential.