Snowmaking Pumphouse Ops II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free season pass

Job summary

Mountain Capital Partners, LLC seeks a Pumphouse Operator II for Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO. This seasonal, hourly position oversees snowmaking pumphouse, booster systems, and related water and air systems to meet production demands.

Expect routine startups, shutdowns, and independent operation with strong field coordination. The role requires mechanical aptitude, problem solving, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Experience operating snowmaking pumphouse and booster equipment.
• Ability to perform startup/shutdown procedures with minimal supervision.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment and alarms.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate and monitor pumphouse and booster equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Perform startup, operation, shutdown, and equipment-securement procedures.
• Monitor system pressure, flow, temperatures, and alarms; adjust equipment as needed.
• Maintain accurate logs, readings, and shift documentation.
• Communicate with Snowmaking Leadership and field crews regarding status and production needs.
• Assist with training of Pumphouse Operator I staff.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Communication

Independent work

Radio communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/mechanical training

Tools

Pumps & compressors

Job description

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

General Purpose:

The Pumphouse Operator II is an experienced position responsible for the safe, reliable, and independent operation of Purgatory Resort's snowmaking pumphouse, booster system, and associated water and compressed-air systems. This position operates and monitors pumps, compressors, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment while managing system pressure, flow, and equipment operation in response to changing snowmaking demand and field conditions.

Pumphouse Operator II employees independently perform routine system startup and shutdown procedures, monitor and adjust equipment during active operations, respond to changing system demand, maintain required operational logs and readings, and coordinate closely with the Snowmaking Foreman, Crew Leads, and field crews regarding equipment changes, system conditions, and production needs. Operators are expected to recognize and troubleshoot common alarms, abnormal equipment behavior, pressure or flow concerns, and other developing system conditions and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures and their level of training.

This position requires strong working knowledge of pumphouse operations, mechanical aptitude, situational awareness, communication, and sound independent judgment. Pumphouse Operator II employees must demonstrate proficiency with pumphouse controls, equipment limitations, operating pressures, system startup and shutdown, emergency procedures, and the relationship between field demand and pumphouse operation. Operators II are expected to work independently during normal operating conditions, recognize when equipment or system concerns require escalation, and assist with the training and development of Pumphouse Operator I employees.

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 and monitor snowmaking pumphouse and booster equipment, including pumps, compressors, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment within established operating procedures.
• Perform snowmaking system startup, operation, shutdown, and equipment‑securing procedures with minimal supervision.
• Monitor and interpret system pressure, flow, equipment status, temperatures, alarms, and other operating conditions throughout the shift.
• Adjust pumps, compressors, VFDs, and other system equipment as required to safely respond to changing snowmaking demand, field conditions, and operational priorities.
• Maintain stable and efficient system operation while remaining within established equipment and system operating limits.
• Monitor and manage snowmaking additive treatment during active operations, including product mixing and handling, treatment‑system operation and adjustment, product usage, mixture or concentration, troubleshooting common treatment‑system issues, and maintaining required operating records.
• Maintain clear and professional radio communication with Snowmaking Leadership, Snowmaking Crew Leads, Snowmakers, and other personnel regarding system status, equipment changes, operating conditions, and production needs.
• Coordinate system changes with field personnel to ensure pumps, compressors, hydrants, and snowmaking equipment are operated safely and in the proper sequence.
• Recognize, evaluate, and respond appropriately to alarms, abnormal readings, equipment behavior, pressure or flow changes, loss of power, communication failures, and other developing operational concerns.
• Troubleshoot and correct common pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, and system operating issues within established procedures and the employee’s level of training and authorization.
• Perform routine inspections of pumphouse, booster, compressor, cooling, control, and related equipment and identify leaks, vibration, unusual noise, overheating, mechanical concerns, or other abnormal conditions.
• Recognize developing equipment or system problems and take appropriate action to stabilize operations, protect equipment, and escalate conditions requiring additional technical support.
• Complete required operating logs, equipment readings, inspections, shift documentation, and other department records accurately and consistently.
• Maintain awareness of active snowmaking terrain, system demand, equipment availability, operating capacity, and changing production priorities throughout the shift.
• Assist with the training and development of Pumphouse Operator I employees in routine equipment operation, system monitoring, operating procedures, communication, and safe work practices.
• Perform routine operator‑level maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and minor corrective work within the employee’s level of training.
• Communicate equipment problems, maintenance needs, abnormal operating conditions, and outstanding issues during shift turnover and to Snowmaking Leadership.
• Follow established department procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE standards, emergency procedures, and other applicable safety requirements at all times.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist with postseason shutdown, winterization, inspection, cleaning, and organization of pumphouse and associated equipment.
• Assist Snowmaking maintenance personnel with preventive maintenance, repairs, testing, troubleshooting, and equipment inspections within the employee’s level of training.
• Assist with diagnosis and repair of pumps, compressors, cooling systems, valves, controls, automation, and related snowmaking system equipment as directed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, chemical‑treatment, and equipment areas.
• Participate in required department training, safety meetings, emergency response exercises, and equipment‑specific training.
• Assist with inventory, organization, and storage of pumphouse tools, parts, supplies, chemicals, and maintenance materials.
• Assist with training and development of less‑experienced Pumphouse Operators as assigned.
• Support Snowmaking operations and maintenance activities outside the pumphouse as needed.
• Support other Mountain Operations projects and departments as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of snowmaking systems, pumphouse operations, pumps, compressors, controls, and pressurized water and compressed‑air systems is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, situational awareness, communication, problem‑solving ability, and sound independent judgment during normal snowmaking operations.
• Working knowledge of pumphouse and booster equipment, controls, operating procedures, terminology, and system limitations.
• Working knowledge of pumps, compressors, valves, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of snowmaking additive treatment procedures, including safe product handling and mixing, treatment‑system operation, monitoring and adjustment, usage tracking, documentation, and recognition of abnormal treatment‑system conditions.
• Ability to monitor and interpret multiple equipment readings, controls, alarms, and operating conditions while maintaining awareness of overall system performance.
• Strong understanding of how changing field snowmaking demand affects pressure, flow, pumps, compressors, and overall system operation.
• Ability to independently make routine equipment and system adjustments in response to changing demand and operating conditions.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize abnormal pressures, temperatures, vibration, noise, leaks, alarms, equipment behavior, or other developing concerns.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot and correct common pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, and system operating issues.
• Ability to recognize developing problems, stabilize system operation when appropriate, protect equipment, and determine when additional technical support or escalation is required.
• Ability to accurately follow and independently perform established startup, shutdown, operating, emergency, and safety procedures.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making ability during changing or abnormal operating conditions.
• Clear and effective verbal and radio communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate equipment readings, operating logs, inspection records, and shift documentation.
• Ability to assist with training and development of less‑experienced Pumphouse Operators.
• Ability to remain focused and attentive during extended periods of system monitoring, including overnight shifts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining effective communication with field personnel and Snowmaking Leadership.
• Dependability, initiative, accountability, professionalism, and strong attention to detail.

Special Certifications/Licensing:

Valid Driver's License

Education or Formal Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical, mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, equipment operation, or snowmaking‑related training preferred.
• Successful completion of required Purgatory Snowmaking pumphouse operator training and demonstrated competency is required before independent operation.

Experience:

Previous pumphouse or snowmaking system operation experience required. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency operating and monitoring snowmaking pumps, compressors, controls, and supporting water and compressed‑air systems during active snowmaking operations. Experience independently performing routine system startup and shutdown, responding to changing system demand, making appropriate equipment adjustments, recognizing abnormal operating conditions, and troubleshooting common equipment or system issues is required. Candidates must demonstrate the judgment and technical competency necessary to safely manage routine pumphouse operations with minimal supervision and recognize when conditions require escalation to more experienced personnel or Snowmaking Leadership.

Working Environment/Physical Activities:

Work is performed primarily indoors in the snowmaking pumphouse and booster facilities during active winter operations, with occasional outdoor work in mountain conditions. This position works around high‑pressure water and compressed‑air systems, pumps, compressors, electrical equipment, rotating machinery, chemical‑treatment systems, and other industrial equipment and may be exposed to elevated noise levels, vibration, heat, cold, moisture, water, chemicals, and slippery surfaces. Employees must be able to remain alert and attentive while independently monitoring equipment and changing system conditions for extended periods, including overnight and 12‑hour shifts. Work may require prolonged standing and walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs or ladders, reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping, and safely navigating wet, icy, snowy, or uneven surfaces. Employees must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier equipment, parts, hoses, or materials when necessary. Sufficient vision and hearing are required to read gauges, displays, controls, warning indicators, and equipment labels and to recognize alarms, abnormal equipment sounds, radio communications, and changing operating conditions. Employees must be able to safely wear required PPE and work nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and changing schedules based on weather, snowmaking conditions, and operational needs.