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Resort Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CO

$96K - $110K/yr

Excellent training and professional development * Referral Program Full Time roles are eligible for ... Vail Resorts is seeking an experienced Senior Resort Planner to support the development of the ...

Senior Resort Planner

Park City, UT · On-site

$96K - $110K/yr

Excellent training and professional development * Referral Program Full Time roles are eligible for ... Vail Resorts is seeking an experienced Senior Resort Planner to support the development of the ...

Recognizing talented team members and developing them for growth within the company through our internal leadership development programs * Keeping a high-level of communication through resort ...

Recognizing talented team members and developing them for growth within the company through our internal leadership development programs * Keeping a high-level of communication through resort ...

Recognizing talented team members and developing them for growth within the company through our internal leadership development programs * Keeping a high-level of communication through resort ...

Recognizing talented team members and developing them for growth within the company through our internal leadership development programs * Keeping a high-level of communication through resort ...

Recognizing talented team members and developing them for growth within the company through our internal leadership development programs * Keeping a high-level of communication through resort ...

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Resort Development information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do resort development jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for resort development in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Resort Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Resort Development, you need expertise in real estate, project management, and hospitality operations, often supported by a degree in business, hospitality, or related fields. Familiarity with property management systems, CAD/design software, and industry certifications like PMP or LEED are commonly required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, guest satisfaction, and profitability in a competitive hospitality market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in resort development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in resort development often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental sustainability with construction goals, navigating complex permitting processes, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders including investors, local communities, and government agencies. These challenges can be addressed by maintaining transparent communication, staying updated on local regulations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create innovative solutions that meet both business and environmental objectives. Building strong relationships with local authorities and community leaders can also help streamline approvals and foster goodwill.

What is resort development?

Resort development is the process of planning, designing, building, and managing facilities and amenities intended for vacation, recreation, or tourism purposes. It involves selecting a suitable location, securing financing, designing infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. Resort developers work with architects, engineers, and hospitality professionals to create appealing destinations that attract guests and generate revenue.

What is the difference between Resort Development vs Resort Operations?

AspectResort DevelopmentResort Operations
Primary FocusPlanning, designing, and constructing new resorts or renovating existing onesManaging daily activities, guest services, and staff to ensure smooth resort functioning
Required CredentialsProject management, hospitality, or architecture certificationsHospitality management, customer service, and operational certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, construction sites, design studiosResort property, hospitality venues, customer service settings
Industry UsageInvolved during the development and pre-opening phasesActive during daily resort operations post-opening

Resort Development focuses on creating and planning new resort projects, involving design and construction. Resort Operations, on the other hand, manages the day-to-day activities once the resort is open, ensuring guest satisfaction and smooth functioning. Both roles are essential in the hospitality industry but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Resort Development jobs
What states have the most Resort Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Resort Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Resort Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Resort Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Resort Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Senior Resort Planner

$96K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Vail Resorts rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 47 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 Epic 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.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
 

Job 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
     

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

  • Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
  • Free ski passes for dependents
  • Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:
Vail Resorts is seeking an experienced Senior Resort Planner to support the development of the long-term vision, land use strategy, and entitlement pathway for resort communities across the Company’s portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of master planning, land use strategy, and real estate development. The successful candidate will bring strong planning, project management, and stakeholder coordination experience, ideally within resort communities or similar settings.

This role will be based near Park City, Utah or in Colorado as regular in-person engagement with local planners, consultants, and internal teams is expected. 


Job Specifications:  

  • Starting Wage: $96,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus 
  • Employment Type: Year Round 
  • Shift Type: Full Time
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
  • Housing Availability: No 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Support the development and evolution of master plan visions for destination resorts, aligning land use, infrastructure, guest experience, and operational needs.
  • Partner with internal and external stakeholders to translate long-term vision into actionable planning frameworks and strategy.
  • Serve as a key internal resource on zoning, PUDs, density allowances, and development entitlements, providing continuity across multi-year planning and permitting efforts.
  • Track and maintain density reports, entitlement capacity, and land use assumptions across resort base areas and surrounding parcels.
  • Monitor and interpret changes to local land use policies, development codes, and comprehensive plans that may impact resort development.
  • Conduct research on zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes to support planning decisions and prepare entitlement applications.
  • Support preparation, review, and coordination of entitlement applications, amendments, and development agreements.
  • Attend and participate in public hearings, planning commission meetings, and community workshops, supporting project leads in engagement with external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with consultants, architects, engineers, and municipal contacts to support the entitlement process and ensure alignment with local regulations and Company goals.
  • Support planning and development initiatives by coordinating across internal teams to align design intent, operational needs, and regulatory strategy.
  • Track planning schedules, entitlement milestones, and permitting pathways across multiple projects.
  • Help prepare materials for internal and external stakeholders, including presentation decks, reports, and visual aids for executive briefings and community meetings.


Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate development, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • AICP or other professional certification in planning, real estate, or development is a plus.

Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in master planning, land use planning, entitlement management, or early-stage real estate development.
  • Familiarity with resort communities and ski area operations strongly preferred.

Skills & Capabilities:

  • Strong understanding of resort and mountain planning processes, including environmental impact assessments, sustainability considerations, and public agency coordination.
  • Ability to connect long-range planning vision with regulatory and development issues.
  • Navigate ambiguity and translate complex land use issues into clear guidance.
  • Strong communicator, highly organized, and effective working with municipal staff and consultants

The expected pay range is $96,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus. 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  513437
Reference Date: 02/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Development
  


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