ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cat Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Beaver Creek, CO · On-site

$20/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Vail Mountain

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface ...

Vail Mountain

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface ...

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO · On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface ...

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Keystone, CO · On-site

$20/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO · On-site

$20/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Vail Mountain

Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Breckenridge, CO · On-site

$20/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Keystone Resort

Snow Cat Operator

Keystone, CO

$20 - $23/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

Vail Mountain

Snow Cat Operator

Vail, CO

$20/hr

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCat Operator JobsCat Operator Jobs in Colorado

Cat Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$24

$38

How much do cat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat operator in Colorado is $24.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cat operator?

A Cat Operator is a heavy equipment operator who specializes in running Caterpillar (Cat) machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. They work in construction, mining, and other industries to move earth, dig trenches, and perform site preparation. Operators must be skilled in handling the equipment safely and efficiently while following job site regulations.

What does a cat operator do?

A typical day for a Cat Operator involves inspecting equipment before use, operating heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or loaders to move earth and materials, and following site plans and safety protocols closely. Operators frequently communicate with project managers and other crew members to coordinate their work and adjust to changing site requirements. The role can involve long hours outdoors and requires vigilance to prevent accidents and maintain equipment performance. Working as a Cat Operator offers hands-on experience and can be a stepping stone to supervisory roles or specialized equipment operation with further training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cat operator?

To thrive as a Cat Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of operating Caterpillar (Cat) heavy machinery, understanding of construction safety protocols, and mechanical aptitude, often acquired through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Certification from organizations such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or completion of equipment-specific training programs may be required, along with familiarity with GPS and telematics systems used in modern equipment. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate effectively with site supervisors and crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of tasks in demanding construction or mining environments.

What are popular job titles related to Cat Operator jobs in Colorado?

For Cat Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cat Operator jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Cat Operator jobs in Colorado are:

Cat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cat Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,399 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts

Beaver Creek, CO • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Vail Resorts rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

•    Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
•    MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
•    401(k) Retirement Plan 
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Excellent training and professional development
•    Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary: 

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn to operate some of the coolest equipment in the ski industry! Seeking self-motivated, coordinated, and meticulous people to save their days for skiing, and use their nights to return the trails to a perfectly groomed state. 

Job Specifications:  

  • Starting Wage: $20.00/hr -$23.00/hr  

  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  

  • Shift Type: Full Time and Part Time hours available 

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

  • Housing Availability: Yes 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Safe operation of grooming equipment 

  • Prepare and groom ski area trails and surfaces 

  • Work collaboratively with others. 

  • Minimize downtime through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and upkeep of machines. 

  • Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements:

  • Valid driver's license with no restrictions 

  • Experience working with and operating heavy machinery 

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time 

  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English 

  • Climb in and out of the machine safely

The expected pay range is $20.00/hr -$23.00/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  515409
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Grooming  

What Vail Resorts employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom