Slope Grooming - Experienced Operator

Mt. Hood Meadows; Parkdale (OR); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-Round Housing Rentals (Subject to

Ski/Snowboard Season Pass

Discounts on Rental Gear

Employee Transportation

Job summary

Mt. Hood Meadows is seeking an Experienced Slope Grooming Operator to groom snow surfaces and maintain mountain access during the winter season. You will operate snowcats and heavy equipment, deciding on grooming quality while coordinating with supervisors and different mountain departments.

Ideal candidates bring experience with snow conditions, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work independently with a safety-first mindset in variable alpine weather and nighttime operations.

Qualifications

• Be at least 19 years of age.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Previous snow cat operational experience.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Reliable plan to get to work during winter conditions.
• Available to work weekends and holidays during the ski season.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be comfortable with the changing dynamics of a seasonal business.

Responsibilities

• Operate snowcats, articulated loaders and other heavy equipment to groom ski surfaces.
• Maintain access to lifts, lodges, parking areas and other facilities.
• Make informed decisions based on snow conditions and grooming techniques.
• Communicate with supervisors and mountain departments; work independently or with others.
• Prioritize safety in challenging alpine conditions, including nighttime operations.

Skills

Verbal communication

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Find your line at Mt. Hood Meadows, where we turn passion into purpose by delivering unforgettable experiences in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning mountain settings. We believe in creating moments that matter - for our guests, for each other, and for the community.

Position Overview

As an Experienced Slope Grooming Operator at Mt. Hood Meadows, you’ll play an important role in keeping the mountain safe, accessible, and ready for guests throughout the winter season. You’ll operate snowcats, articulated loaders, and other heavy equipment to produce high-quality ski surfaces while maintaining access to lifts, lodges, parking areas, and other essential resort facilities.

Working as part of the Slope Grooming team, you’ll use your experience and knowledge of snow conditions, equipment, and grooming techniques to make informed decisions and take ownership of the quality of your work. You’ll work both independently and alongside other operators while communicating closely with supervisors and mountain departments. This is a hands‑on role that requires sound judgment, attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to safety in challenging alpine conditions, including nighttime operations and changing weather.

We’re looking for an experienced Snowcat Operator who takes pride in producing quality snow surfaces, cares about the guest experience, and can confidently operate equipment in a variety of conditions. If you bring strong grooming experience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a safety‑focused team, this is an opportunity to put your skills to work on the mountain and help keep Mt. Hood Meadows running at its best.

This is a full‑time, seasonal position

Qualifications and Experience:

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Have a valid driver's license
• Previous snow cat operational experience
• Have excellent verbal communication skills
• Have a reliable plan to get to work during winter conditions
• Available to work weekends and holidays during the ski and snowboard season
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be comfortable with the changing dynamics of a seasonal business

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Possess a strong mechanical aptitude
• Beable to work on a full‑time basis
• 3 plus years of experience
• Previous winch cat operation experience
• Possess basic computer skills (MS Office)
• Previous heavy equipment operation experience
• Previous snow removal operation experience

Compensation:

• Starting Wage: $22.63 - $31.71 Hourly
• Year-Round Housing Rentals. Subject to Availability
• Ski/Snowboard Season Pass for employee and qualifying dependents
• Don't Ski/Snowboard? Gift your lift access to a family member
• Free Ski/Snowboard Group Lessons & Discounts on Rental Gear
• Buddy Tickets (3 discounted tickets to share)
• Mountain Exchange Program (Ability to request free lift access to regional resorts)
• Industry Pro Deals (ExpertVoice, Outdoor Prolink, Helly Hansen, & More!)
• Special invites to Columbia Employee Store, Adidas, and other industry retailers
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Transportation from Hood River & Sandy
• Summer Seasonal Job Connections with Local Businesses

MHM is dedicated to fostering a consistent and enduring effort to create a welcoming and respectful environment for our team, guests, and community. Our hiring and recruitment efforts are designed to be equitable and accessible, and we actively seek ways to broaden participation in Snowsports for groups who have historically faced barriers.