Snowmaker

Swain Resort; Northern, New York (KY, NY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Swain Resort is seeking a Snowmaker to produce and maintain high-quality snow for skiing and riding during the winter season. You will operate snowmaking equipment, monitor weather conditions, and collaborate with a tight-knit mountain operations team in an outdoor setting.

The role requires working overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed, with pay in the $16.50–$18.00 per hour range. This position is seasonal and may vary to full-time or part-time based on resort needs.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, windy, and icy).
• Strong physical endurance; must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and handle physical labor.
• Mechanically inclined with basic understanding of equipment operation preferred.
• Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to work independently.
• Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Previous snowmaking, outdoor labor, or maintenance experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain snowmaking equipment including guns, hoses, and hydrants.
• Adjust water and air pressures to achieve desired snow quality based on temperature and humidity.
• Inspect, set up, move, and break down snowmaking equipment across the mountain.
• Monitor weather conditions and communicate changes with the snowmaking team.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment as needed.
• Maintain safe working conditions and follow all resort and OSHA safety protocols.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, often during overnight shifts.
• Assist with slope preparation, snow distribution, and grooming support when required.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with supervisors and other departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mountain Operations Manager.

Job description

Reports To: Snowmaking Supervisor / Mountain Operations Manager

Location: Swain Resort - Swain, NY

Status: Seasonal / Full-Time / Part-Time (depending on needs)

Pay Rate Range: $16.50 - $18.00

Position Summary

The Snowmaker at Swain Resort is responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality snow to ensure optimal conditions for skiing and riding throughout the winter season. This position plays a critical role in mountain operations by operating snowmaking equipment, monitoring weather conditions, and working as part of a close-knit team in an outdoor, fast-paced environment.

• Operate, monitor, and maintain snowmaking equipment including guns, hoses, and hydrants.
• Adjust water and air pressures to achieve desired snow quality based on temperature and humidity.
• Inspect, set up, move, and break down snowmaking equipment across the mountain.
• Monitor weather conditions and communicate changes with the snowmaking team.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment as needed.
• Maintain safe working conditions and follow all resort and OSHA safety protocols.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, often during overnight shifts.
• Assist with slope preparation, snow distribution, and grooming support when required.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with supervisors and other departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mountain Operations Manager.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, windy, and icy).
• Strong physical endurance; must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and handle physical labor.
• Mechanically inclined with basic understanding of equipment operation preferred.
• Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to work independently.
• Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Previous snowmaking, outdoor labor, or maintenance experience is a plus.