Ski Patrol Manager

Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation; Boyne Falls (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Golf passes

Waterpark passes

Discounts on food, beverages, retail

Job summary

Boyne Mountain Resort is seeking a Patrol Manager to lead the Ski Patrol, both paid patrollers and NSP volunteers, ensuring safety, preparedness, and strong financial performance. The role requires decisive leadership, proactive communication, and a deep respect for NSP culture within a fast-paced resort environment.

You will manage budgets, drive training, coordinate emergency responses with local EMS, and maintain high standards of guest safety and service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Experience leading Ski Patrol or similar team.
• Strong budgeting and financial reporting knowledge.
• Excellent communication across paid staff, NSP volunteers, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead Ski Patrol department, unifying paid and NSP volunteers under a shared vision.
• Oversee budgets, expenses, and capital planning for the patrol program.
• Coordinate safety talks, training, and certifications; ensure compliance with regulations.
• Maintain safety protocols and lead responses to incidents in coordination with EMS and SAR.
• Direct supervision of patrol staff and NSP volunteer leadership; manage payroll and scheduling.
• Represent the patrol at resort leadership level and advocate for department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Team management

Proactive coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Payroll software

LMS platforms

Scheduling software

Job description

Overview

This full-time, year-round position is responsible for the overall leadership, safety operations, emergency response, and financial health of the Boyne Mountain Ski Patrol. The Patrol Manager is a pivotal leadership role — serving as the primary advocate for the patrol department, unifying a team of paid and volunteer patrollers under a shared vision, and representing the patrol at the resort leadership level.

To be successful in this role, one must be a decisive leader who communicates proactively and consistently, holds all team members to the same standard, and is willing to make hard decisions under pressure. The Patrol Manager must have deep respect for the National Ski Patrol (NSP) culture and the volunteer patroller community, while also driving the professional standards expected of a world‑class resort operation. They must thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, embody Servant Leadership, and bring a long‑term, strategic mindset to the role.

As a Boyne Mountain team member, there are many perks, such as ski passes, golf passes, waterpark passes, and discounts for food, beverages, retail, daycare, and more. To learn more about Boyne Mountain Resort, employment perks, and employee testimonials, click here – Boyne Mountain Employment.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions – Operational

• Accountable for department goals while contributing to the overall division, resort, and corporate goals and initiatives.
• Maintain proactive, regular communication with all team members — paid and volunteer alike. Provide consistent updates on schedule changes, mountain conditions, operational decisions, and department news. Communicate in advance of changes, not reactively. Adapt communication style to reach patrollers of all experience levels and generations.
• Ensure all Ski Patrol personnel are trained and current in first aid, emergency response, and rescue techniques. Lead the department’s response to on‑mountain incidents, accidents, and mass casualty events. Maintain and improve emergency response protocols in coordination with local EMS, hospitals, and search and rescue agencies.
• Ensure the safety of guests, team members, and the public through implementation and enforcement of safety protocols and procedures. Conduct and oversee ongoing on‑mountain risk assessments.
• Work with the patrol team to ensure all NSAA and Michigan Skier Safety Act required signage is current, in good condition, and deployed correctly. Ensure all on‑mountain resort signage is utilized consistently and correctly.
• Maintain thorough records of all incidents, accidents, and rescues for analysis, insurance, and legal purposes.
• Work in cooperation with local emergency services, search and rescue teams, and medical facilities to coordinate responses to significant incidents.
• Maintain a positive and safe guest experience. Interact with guests to address concerns and provide information about safety and mountain conditions.
• Manage the financial aspects of the Ski Patrol program including creating and monitoring budgets, managing expenses, and contributing to capital planning.
• Create, implement, and maintain safety protocols and procedures for the Ski Patrol team in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Stay current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices through workshops, conferences, and relevant training programs.

Essential Job Functions – Supervisory

• Direct oversight of the Ski Patrol department, including paid patrol staff and coordination with NSP volunteer patrol leadership.
• Oversee and build a high‑functioning leadership team that manages payroll, scheduling, training records, and department administrative requirements. Must be able to learn and manage required software platforms.
• Hire, supervise, and develop your team through guidance, training, support, and accountability. Recruit patrollers who reflect the values and standards of the department.
• Hold all team members — paid and volunteer — to the same consistent standard of performance, safety, and professionalism.
• Organize ongoing training and continuing education to ensure all patrol members are current with the latest safety practices, OEC protocols, and emergency response techniques.
• Coordinate and document pre‑shift safety talks, training sessions, and annual certification requirements.

Essential Job Functions – Leadership

• Paid & Volunteer Integration – Champion a "One Patrol" culture that maintains consistent standards, expectations, and communication across paid staff and NSP volunteers. Serve as the primary liaison between Boyne Mountain leadership, the National Ski Patrol, and the volunteer patroller community. Respect and preserve the NSP culture and history that is central to the department’s identity.
• Long‑Term Thinking – develop and implement a forward‑looking vision for the patrol department. Plan beyond the current season, identify opportunities to grow team members, and build a patrol that is stronger year over year.
• Excellence in Execution – lead the patrol team to meet or exceed all safety, operational, and guest experience standards. Be accountable for department goals while contributing to resort and corporate initiatives.
• Attitude is Everything – bring positive energy, professionalism, and empathy to every interaction. Maintain a calm, decisive demeanor in high‑pressure and emergency situations. Bridge the paid and volunteer culture with respect and consistency.
• Develop Great People – attract, retain, and develop talent through active listening, timely coaching, and meaningful recognition. Establish clear goals and development plans for direct reports. Invest in growing the next generation of patrol leadership.
• Serve First – prioritize the growth, well‑being, and empowerment of the patrol team. Create an inclusive, welcoming environment with the tools, resources, and expectations needed to perform at a high level. Advocate for the patrol department at the organizational level.
• Sound Judgment – Displays willingness to make clear, timely decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment under pressure. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Includes appropriate people in the decision‑making process while remaining decisive when action is required.

Qualifications

Education and or Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional or volunteer Ski Patrol experience; 5–10 years preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for the Ski Patrol profession and the mountain environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred; relevant experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, P&L management, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn payroll, scheduling, and LMS platforms.
• Experience in mountain bike or summer operations is a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification OR Current State or National EMT‑Basic or higher required.
• Current Health Care Provider CPR/AED required.
• Intermediate to expert level skier or rider required.
• OEC Instructor certification strongly preferred.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred.
• NSP Senior Alpine patroller status preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License with no prohibitive or probationary restrictions.

Other Requirements

• Proactive and versatile communicator — must be equally effective with paid staff, NSP volunteers, resort leadership, guests, and external agencies.
• Intimate knowledge of Boyne Mountain operations (runs, lifts, snow guns, glades) preferred; demonstrated ability to learn quickly required.
• Working knowledge of the Michigan Skier Safety Act and applicable federal regulations preferred; demonstrated ability to learn quickly required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English).
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and early mornings based on operational need.