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Snow Cat Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat ... Valid driver's license with no restrictions * Must be able to communicate fluently in English

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat ... Valid driver's license with no restrictions * Must be able to communicate fluently in English

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Whether it's your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means ... Valid driver's license with no restrictions * Experience working with and operating heavy machinery

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA

$20 - $23/hr

Whether it's your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means ... Valid driver's license with no restrictions * Experience working with and operating heavy machinery

Alterra

Senior Manager, Slope Maintenance

June Lake, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

... Snow Cat experience * 2-3 years of management experience preferred * Must be flexible for work hours including day shift, swing shift, and grave shift * Possession of a commercial driving license, ...

Powdr

Groomer / Cat Driver Level 2

Truckee, CA

$25/hr

Grade and groom trails * Assist snow-making with moving equipment * Other tasks maybe assigned by ... A valid driver's license is required. * Physical Capabilities: bend, twist, push, pull, stand, lift ...

Storm Pro Consultants

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Independent Field Adjuster Northern California

Redding, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Central California

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Central California

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Northern California

Redding, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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Independent Field Adjuster Northern California

Redding, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

Storm Pro Consultants

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Independent Field Adjuster Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $200K/yr

Experience in wind, fire, smoke, flood, and snow/ice, and water losses required * Valid driver ... CAT experience * Earthquake claim experience * Drone operation skills * Experience using 3D scans ...

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All JobsSnow Cat Driver JobsSnow Cat Driver Jobs in California

Snow Cat Driver information

See California salary details

$5

$16

$25

How much do snow cat driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow cat driver in California is $16.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a snow cat driver?

A Snow Cat Driver operates specialized tracked vehicles, known as snowcats, to groom ski slopes, maintain mountain trails, and transport personnel or equipment in snowy environments. These professionals are essential to ski resorts and other snow-covered facilities, ensuring surfaces are safe and accessible for guests and staff. Their work often takes place at night or early in the morning to prepare the slopes before they open to the public. Snow Cat Drivers must have strong mechanical skills, spatial awareness, and the ability to work in challenging weather conditions.

What does a snow cat driver do?

As a snowcat driver, your primary job is to use heavy equipment to maintain the snow and terrain around a ski resort. Snowcats are large, tracked vehicles that are used to transport personnel (including guests) and maintain the trails of the area. In this role, you may start your shift early to prepare for the day's operations, ensure every path gets the grooming it needs to promote guest and personnel safety, and service your vehicle to guarantee that it remains in good operating condition. It’s your job to assist the grooming manager as needed. You may also give advice to guests for things to do in the area and participate in emergency response efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snow cat driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snow Cat Driver, you need a valid driver’s license, experience operating heavy machinery, and basic mechanical knowledge, often supported by on-the-job training. Familiarity with snow grooming equipment, GPS navigation systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and the ability to work independently in challenging weather conditions are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe and efficient trail grooming, contributing to optimal slope conditions and guest safety.

What are some common challenges snow cat drivers face during their shifts, and how can they prepare for them?

Snow Cat Drivers often work in challenging winter conditions, including low visibility, icy terrain, and rapidly changing weather. Preparing for these challenges involves being comfortable operating heavy machinery in the dark or during storms, maintaining focus for long hours, and performing routine maintenance checks to ensure equipment reliability. Effective communication with other mountain operations staff is crucial for safety and coordination, especially during peak grooming times. Ongoing training and staying up-to-date with safety protocols help drivers adapt to the dynamic environment and minimize risks.

What is the difference between Snow Cat Driver vs Snow Groomer Operator?

AspectSnow Cat DriverSnow Groomer Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, snow cat operation experienceDriver's license, snow groomer certification
Work EnvironmentResorts, ski areas, snow parksResorts, ski slopes, snow parks
Industry UsageCommonly used term in North AmericaMore common in industry-specific contexts

Both Snow Cat Drivers and Snow Groomer Operators operate similar machinery in snowy environments, often at ski resorts or snow parks. The main difference lies in terminology; Snow Cat Driver is a more general term, while Snow Groomer Operator emphasizes the operational aspect of grooming snow for skiing or snowboarding. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments.

How much do snow cat drivers get paid?

Snow cat drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. The job often requires operating heavy machinery in outdoor, winter conditions and may include certifications such as equipment operation licenses.
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Snow Cat Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Cat Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,397 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Northstar California Resort

Truckee, CA • On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

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:
Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Snow Cat Operation team is no exception to creating this experience of a lifetime. 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 for thrill seekers.  

Job Specifications:  

  • Starting Wage: $22.26/hr - $27.83/hr 
  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
  • Housing Availability: Yes  

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Understand the use, operation, and maintenance of heavy equipment used for snow/slope grooming 
  • Operate snow/slope grooming equipment, such as a snowcat, to maintain the appearance and quality of resort snow trails and ski slopes to the highest level possible.  
  • Maintain a general knowledge of the mountain and adhere to safety regulations  
  • Perform basic routine inspections and preventative maintenance, on equipment to minimize downtime  
  • Communicate clearly and effectively via 2-way radio  
  • Communicate advanced mechanical problems or maintenance needs with shop mechanics    
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to provide direction, support and maintain good working relationships   
  • Other duties as assigned  

Job Requirements: 

  • 2-4 years of snow grooming experience required 
  • Valid driver's license with no restrictions  
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English   
  • Ability to work in small groups as well as independently  
  • Able to sit for extended periods of time while operating the snowcat as well as climb on and off frequently 
  • Knowledge in 2-way radio use and various codes 

The expected pay range is $22.26/hr - $27.83/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  516103
Reference Date: 07/21/2026 
Job Code Function: Grooming  

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