Lead Snowmaker
Reports To: Grooming/Snowmaking Supervisor
Position Overview
The Assistant Snowmaking Supervisor works as part of the overall Mountain Operations team, reporting directly to the Grooming/Snowmaking Supervisor. They will assist in managing staff in the Snowmaking department while working closely with internal teams in all day-to-day aspects of our Snowmaking department. They are responsible for overseeing the daily departmental requirements including new snowmaker training, staff knowledge & skill development, departmental scheduling & day-to-day snowmaking requests. They are also responsible for maintaining records and documents such as employee training files, incident reports, schedules, payroll, etc. They are the champion of excellent internal service, ensuring our Snowmaking team is ready to assist every department, every day.
The incumbent should expect to be working outside in any, all and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
This is a full-time, seasonal role 7 of 14 days over a two-week period (weather dependent) throughout the operating season from October to mid-February. The rotation is 4 on 3 off, 3 on 4 off, 12 hours per shift. Trail crew shifts as a Snowmaking General Labourer at our base rate of pay are available at times when snowmaking shifts are not. Trail crew shifts are 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday under the direction of the Safety Operations or Special Events depts. Please note that you must be available to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required and may not receive full-time hours at the beginning/end of the season and during other slow periods.
Alberta Employment Standards regarding a ninety-day probationary period applies.
Job duties/ Responsibilities:
- Oversee all daily operations and staff in the Snowmaking department under the direction of the Grooming/Snowmaking Supervisor
- Work collaboratively with the Grooming/Snowmaking Supervisor to ensure all snowmaking activities are meeting company objectives & expectations
- Manage and implement staff training, scheduling, and compliance in accordance with company policy ensuring all Snowmaking staff are competent in Marmot Basin’s procedures and policies
- Report any damage to the Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor, investigate vehicle incidents and manage any corrective action necessary
- Maintain snowguns and equipment, report any mechanical issues that would affect the snowmaking schedule to the Grooming/Snowmaking Supervisor
- Help coordinate Snowmaking needs with other departments including Lift Operations, Safety Operations, Special Events, Grooming & Terrain Park
- Attend weekly Mountain Operations meetings, perform regular on-hill quality inspections
- Communicate company messages to the Snowmaking team
- Manage/archive all Snowmaking records and documents
- Assist other departments as required
- Perform any additional duties as directed
- Adherence to the company’s practices and procedures as set in the ‘Snowmaking Training Manual’
- All Marmot Basin employees will conduct themselves in compliance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation as it relates to their job
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Provide own riding equipment
- Previous risk management experience in the ski industry
- Previous snowmaking experience
- Mechanical aptitude (a background in mechanical experience preferred)
- Intricate knowledge of all aspects of snowmaking operations, including (but not limited to) pump house start-up and operation, pump house shutdown, setup and operation of all snow guns
- Pump and motor maintenance experience (i.e. greasing, oil changes, etc.)
- Snow gun maintenance experience (i.e. oil changes, nozzle replacement, etc.)
- Ability to train new snowmakers in snowmaking operations and snowmobile/ATV operations
- Working knowledge of pumps, plumbing, compressors, etc.
- Intricate knowledge of Ski Marmot Basin’s snowmaking terrain, coverage requirements, etc.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal and computer skills (Word, Excel, etc)
- Must possess an enthusiastic and positive attitude
- Enjoy working outdoors in the winter
- Alberta Intermediate First Aid (IFA) certificate (or better, or equivalent)
- Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or better) in good standing
Attributes:
- Professional deportment with excellent customer service skills: experience dealing with all on-hill patrons
- Cheerful, outgoing personality; demonstrated temperament and disposition for sometimes highly stressful situations
- Strong team member able to take direction
- Motivated and observant; able to perceive needed tasks and complete them without direction
- Self-aware; able to identify strengths and gaps in own abilities and training
- Able to use taught skills and previous experience to problem solve
Qualifications:
- Previous supervisory experience
- Experience operating snowcats (an asset)
- Knowledge of Parks Canada best management practices as they pertain to snowmaking (an asset)
- Able to ski/ snowboard in all types of mountain terrain in varying conditions at an intermediate level
- Physically fit
- Self-motivated and able to work unsupervised
Supplementary:
- Respect and adhere to the company’s policies and procedures as set in the Corporate Policies, Employee Handbook and other Training Manual
