Slope Maintenance Assistant Manager

Bear Valley; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bear Valley is seeking an Assistant Snow Surfaces Manager to support the Snow Surfaces Manager in overseeing nightly grooming operations across trails and terrain parks, ensuring high-quality skiing and riding conditions.

The role leads a team of snowcat operators, coordinates with snowmaking, lift maintenance, parks and ski patrol, enforces safety standards, and participates in events and special projects while adapting to winter schedules.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of snow grooming operations experience.
• Familiar with winch cats, blade control, tillers.
• Strong knowledge of mountain terrain and operations.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience is a plus.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays.
• Ability to ski or snowboard in all conditions.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in winter.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute nightly grooming operations across trails and parks.
• Monitor snow quality and grooming effectiveness daily.
• Coordinate with Snowmaking, Lift Maintenance, Terrain Park, and Ski Patrol.
• Operate grooming equipment as needed.
• Supervise and train snowcat operators and park staff.
• Assist with shift scheduling, time tracking, and evaluations.
• Ensure safety protocols and best practices are followed.
• Document grooming activities and track snow surface quality.
• Support events and special projects on hill venues.

Skills

Snow grooming ops

Leadership

Safety protocols

Outdoor work

Heavy machinery

Flexible hours

Terrain parks

Snow industry

Tools

Winch cats

Blade control

Tillers

Job description

The Assistant Snow Surfaces Manager supports the Snow Surfaces Manager in overseeing all aspects of snow grooming operations to ensure high-quality skiing and riding conditions across the resort. This includes managing a team of snowcat operators, coordinating grooming schedules, working closely with snowmaking, terrain parks, and events teams, and ensuring all snow surfaces meet safety and quality standards. The role demands technical skill, leadership, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of mountain operations. During winter operation this is a Grave Yard Shift position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operations & Planning

• Assist in the planning and execution of nightly grooming operations across all trails, terrain parks, and high-traffic areas.
• Monitor snow quality, coverage, and grooming effectiveness daily.
• Coordinate with the Snowmaking, Lift Maintenance, Terrain Park, and Ski Patrol departments to align grooming priorities and needs.
• Operate grooming equipment as needed to support nightly operations or fill staffing gaps.

Team Management

• Assist in supervising and training a team of snowcat operators, snowmakers, and park staff.
• Support shift scheduling, time tracking, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure grooming staff adhere to safety protocols and operational best practices.

Equipment Oversight

• Conduct pre- and post-shift inspections of grooming machinery.
• Report maintenance needs or malfunctions to the vehicle maintenance department.
• Assist with equipment training and onboarding for new operators.

Safety & Quality Control

• Ensure grooming practices align with resort safety standards and NSAA guidelines.
• Assist with documenting grooming activities and tracking snow surface quality over time.
• Respond to snow surface concerns reported by ski patrol or guest services.

Guest Experience & Special Projects

• Support grooming operations for special events, race courses, and early/late-season openings and closings.
• Collaborate with the marketing and events teams to meet the visual and functional needs of on-hill venues.

Skills and Competencies

• 2+ years of experience in snow grooming operations required.
• Familiarity with grooming equipment (winch cats, blade control, tillers) and snow management techniques.
• Strong knowledge of mountain terrain and ski area operations.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme winter conditions and operate heavy machinery.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience working in terrain parks or snow industry operations.
• Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment (excavators, snowcats) a plus.
• Familiarity with grooming, snowmaking, and terrain shaping practices.
• Ability to ski or snowboard at an advanced level in all mountain conditions.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.

Work Schedules

Weather, snow conditions and the number of guests play a large role in the work scheduling of Bear Valley employees.

When conditions are normal, you may be expected to work 40 up to 48 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. During busy periods – especially the holiday periods in December and the months of January and February – you may be expected to work six (6) days a week.

You must arrange for transportation to work so that you arrive at your designated workstation at the scheduled time. Keep in mind that you will often be required to drive on hilly, snowpacked, and icy road.

Working Conditions

At any time during the ski season, Bear Valley employees are often required to perform their tasks in high winds, heavy snowfalls, low visibility, rain, and extremely cold or warm temperatures.

Uniforms

A professional appearance at Bear Valley is required. Please wear your name tag and uniform at all times during your scheduled shift. We will provide most of the uniform for you to do your job. This uniform is for work hours ONLY, no exceptions.

You will be required to provide some items as part of your job.

The quality, color, and style of the items must be approved by your manager prior to being worn to work. All hats worn must have the Bear Valley logo while on shift.

The skiing/riding employee represents a model for safe skiing for both the guest and fellow employees. You are required to be aware of all safe skiing procedures, trail closures, and out-of-bounds policies of the mountain.