Winch Snowcat Operator

City of Steamboat Springs; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-season bonus

Steamboat Merchant Pass

Real Deal ski pass

Job summary

City of Steamboat Springs seeks a Snow Groomer at Howelsen Hill to operate winch snowcats, groom jumps, and maintain surfaces for alpine, nordic, and freestyle events. You will handle technical grooming on steep terrain and work shifts including day, night, weekends, and holidays.

Experience in grooming equipment operation and snow feature construction is required, with a focus on safety and teamwork in a municipal winter environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three years of grooming-related experience.
• Knowledge of winch cat operation and snow feature construction.

Responsibilities

• Operates winch snowcats safely according to standards.
• Builds and maintains jumps to meet standards.
• Performs grooming on steep terrain and various runs.
• Moves snow to create skiable surfaces and features.
• Grooms and assists with mogul courses for training and competition.
• Works day, night, weekend and holidays as needed.

Skills

Snow grooming

Winch cat operation

Steep terrain grooming

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Winch snowcats

Grooming equipment

Job description

This is a seasonal position. Hours are variable up to 40 per week depending on department need. Final Day To Apply: 10/02/2026 It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs! Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction. Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE Operates winch snowcats and other grooming equipment to build, groom, and maintain ski jumps, steep terrain, and competition surfaces at Howelsen Hill. Performs highly skilled, technical snow grooming tasks in support of Alpine, Nordic, freestyle, and special event operations. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Howelsen Hill Supervisor and Grooming/Slope Foreman. SUPERVISION EXERCISED May occasionally provide guidance or oversight to less experienced grooming staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds City values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while practicing safety at all times.
• Operates winch snowcats safely and in accordance with Parks & Recreation and City Fleet Department standards.
• Builds, grooms, and maintains all jumps within the ski jump complex, ensuring surfaces meet FIS standards.
• Performs technical grooming on steep terrain including the Face of Howelsen Hill and additional runs as needed.
• Moves and shapes machine‑made snow to create skiable surfaces and training features.
• Builds freestyle mogul courses, jumps, and additional snow features for training and competition purposes.
• Operates other snowcats to support Alpine and Nordic grooming tasks when required.
• Works daytime, nighttime, weekend, and holiday shifts to support the operational needs of Howelsen Hill.

WORK TYPE AND SCHEDULE

Seasonal position requiring availability for daytime, nighttime, weekend, and holiday shifts.

PERKS

• Eligible for either a $1.50/hour end-of-season bonus or a Steamboat Resort Merchant Pass for employees averaging 20+ hours weekly (employee choice).
• All Howelsen Hill employees may participate in the Real Deal, allowing skiing at most Colorado ski areas.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent; and Three (3) years of experience related to grooming and winch cat operations.
• Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of winch cat operation, grooming techniques, and snow feature construction. Skill in operating various types of snowcats, particularly in steep terrain and jump construction. Ability to operate grooming equipment safely; follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively; and maintain strong working relationships with co-workers, other departments, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid State of Colorado driver’s license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• Winch snowcats, Alpine and Nordic snowcats, grooming implements, snow feature tools, radios, and winter protective gear.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, and use hands to operate tools and machinery.
• Frequently lifts up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts more than 100 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to work on steep, slippery terrain and occasionally ski or snowboard as part of operational duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed outdoors in extreme winter weather, including snow, cold, ice, wind, and nighttime conditions.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, wet/humid conditions, and loud noise.
• May work at heights, near fumes or airborne particles, and around electrical hazards.
• Weekends and holidays frequently required.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview; reference check. Job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of typical responsibilities. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if they are similar or logically related. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as operational needs evolve. If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Pay Range: $27.90 - $33.91 Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.

As a municipal government organization in a picturesque and vibrant mountain town, we strive to be an innovative and inclusive organization strategically providing outstanding municipal services. We proudly serve our community with excellence and distinction, and as ambassadors to our beloved city, we champion and live our values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion every day while espousing safety at all times. Our dedicated employees are passionate about working hard to provide a great community environment and experiences for both locals and those that visit from all over the world.