Snowmaker II

Mountain Capital Partners, LLC; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free season pass for you and dependens

Job summary

Mountain Capital Partners, LLC is seeking a Snowmaker II for Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO. This seasonal, hourly role offers $22.00–$25.00 per hour and a free season pass for you and dependents.

Responsibilities include independently operating and maintaining snowmaking equipment, adjusting operations based on weather, and troubleshooting issues to ensure safe, high-quality snow production. Prior snowmaking experience required.

Qualifications

• Experience with snowmaking equipment such as snow guns, hydrants, hoses, and high-pressure water/air systems.
• Ability to read wet-bulb temperature, wind, and snow quality to adjust operations.
• Strong communication and teamwork for field operations.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment.
• Set up and maintain hoses and equipment across terrain.
• Perform routine startup/shutdown and freeze-prevention procedures.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust to ensure snow quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot common equipment issues and escalate when needed.

Skills

Snowmaking operations

Weather interpretation

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Purgatory Resort - DURANGO, CO 81301, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 Hourly, Snowmaker II

General Purpose

Snowmaker II is an experienced position responsible for independently producing and maintaining high-quality machine-made snow across the mountain to support safe and consistent skiing and riding conditions. Team members operate a variety of manual and automated snowmaking equipment, including air/water snow guns, tower guns, fan guns, hydrants, hoses, valves, and other components of high-pressure water and compressed-air systems.

Snowmaker II employees are expected to perform routine snowmaking operations with minimal supervision, make appropriate adjustments based on weather and snow conditions, identify and troubleshoot common equipment issues, and recognize when operating conditions or equipment problems require escalation to a Crew Lead or Snowmaking Leadership. Employees at this level may also assist with the training and development of less-experienced Snowmakers.

Snowmaking requires physical endurance, strong situational awareness, sound judgment, mechanical aptitude, communication, and teamwork. Candidates must be comfortable working independently outdoors in below-freezing temperatures and variable mountain weather, on steep and icy terrain, during both day and night shifts. Previous professional snowmaking experience or demonstrated equivalent competency is required.

This is a seasonal position. Dates are subject to change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and the needs of the business. This role comes with a free season pass for you and your dependents. For a full list of benefits, visit the Purgatory employee benefits page. https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Independently operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment including air/water snow guns, tower guns, fan guns, hydrants, hoses, valves, and automated snowmaking equipment where applicable.
• Set up, move, connect, drain, and maintain snowmaking hoses and equipment across assigned terrain.
• Perform routine snow gun startup, adjustment, shutdown, draining, and freeze-prevention procedures with minimal supervision.
• Monitor weather conditions, wet-bulb temperature, wind, snow quality, coverage, and equipment performance and make appropriate operational adjustments.
• Inspect snowmaking equipment and infrastructure and identify leaks, freezing, mechanical issues, abnormal operating conditions, and other problems affecting production or safety.
• Troubleshoot and correct common field equipment and operating issues within the employee’s level of training and authorization.
• Recognize conditions that require escalation and promptly communicate system, equipment, production, or safety concerns to a Crew Lead or Snowmaking Leadership.
• Maintain clear and professional radio communication with Snowmaking, Pumphouse, Grooming, and other Mountain Operations personnel.
• Safely operate snowmobiles, UTVs, trucks, and 4x4 vehicles in winter mountain conditions.
• Perform daily inspections of assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment and report or address deficiencies as appropriate.
• Independently complete routine terrain assignments while maintaining communication with the Crew Lead and other team members.
• Assist with the training and development of Snowmaker I employees in basic snowmaking operations, equipment use, and safe work practices.
• Follow established department procedures, safety requirements, and PPE standards at all times.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with preseason setup and postseason teardown, inspection, organization, and storage of snowmaking equipment.
• Maintain clean and organized snowmaking equipment, vehicles, storage areas, and workspaces.
• Assist with routine maintenance and repair of snowmaking equipment and infrastructure.
• Participate in required department training, safety meetings, and equipment-specific training.
• Assist with training and supporting less-experienced Snowmakers as needed.
• Support other Snowmaking and Mountain Operations projects and departments as needed.
• Assist with general mountain cleanup and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of snowmaking operations, equipment, and basic snowmaking system functions is required. Candidates should have experience with snow guns, hydrants, hoses, pressurized water and air systems, and common field troubleshooting.
• Strong situational awareness and hazard recognition.
• Working knowledge of snowmaking equipment, terminology, operating procedures, and safe work practices.
• Ability to understand wet-bulb temperature, wind, snow quality, and other environmental factors affecting snow production.
• Ability to independently operate and adjust snowmaking equipment based on changing weather and operating conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to identify and troubleshoot common equipment problems.
• Ability to recognize abnormal system or equipment conditions and determine when escalation is necessary.
• Physical coordination and endurance in steep, snowy, and icy terrain.
• Clear and effective communication, including professional radio communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to assist with training and supporting less-experienced Snowmakers.
• Dependability, initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to visual, auditory, and environmental cues.

Special Certifications / Licensing

Valid Driver’s License

Education or Formal Training

None required. Technical, mechanical, or snowmaking training preferred.

Previous professional snowmaking experience required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to independently perform routine snowmaking operations, safely operate common snowmaking equipment, make appropriate adjustments based on weather and snow conditions, and troubleshoot common field equipment issues. One or more seasons of professional snowmaking experience is preferred; demonstrated competency and relevant equivalent experience may be considered.

Working Environment / Physical Activities

99% of the workday is spent outdoors in a winter mountain environment under changing and often challenging conditions including extreme cold, wind, snow, blowing snow, darkness, reduced visibility, ice, and wet conditions. Work is performed on steep, snowy, icy, and uneven terrain and around high-pressure water, compressed air, hoses, hydrants, snowmaking equipment, snowmobiles, UTVs, grooming equipment, vehicles, and other moving machinery.

Frequent walking and standing on steep and uneven terrain, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, pushing, pulling, gripping, talking, and listening. Employees must possess sufficient near and far visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, and field of vision to safely perform snowmaking operations in adverse winter conditions.

Frequently lifting and carrying tools, hoses, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally handling objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance as appropriate. This position requires the physical endurance to perform demanding outdoor work for extended shifts in cold and wet conditions.