Winch Snowcat Operator

City of Streamboat Strings; Steamboat Springs (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-season bonus

Real Deal skiing access

Job summary

City of Steamboat Springs is seeking a seasonal snow groomer to operate winch snowcats and other grooming equipment at Howelsen Hill, ensuring jumps and surfaces meet competition standards.

You will handle steep terrain grooming and create training features for Alpine, Nordic, and freestyle events, with day and night shifts including weekends and holidays required.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• 3 years grooming experience.
• Knowledge of winch cat operation and snow feature construction.
• Ability to operate grooming equipment safely and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operates winch snowcats safely and in accordance with standards.
• Builds, grooms, and maintains jumps meeting FIS standards.
• Grooms steep terrain and creates skiable surfaces and features.
• Performs various grooming tasks for Alpine, Nordic, freestyle, and events.
• Works day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Skills

Winch Cat Ops

Grooming Techniques

Snow Feature Build

Safety Awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Winch snowcats

Alpine snowcats

Grooming implements

Radios

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.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

May assist with general mountain operations, snow management, trail preparation, or event support as assigned.

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 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.