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Snow Cat Driver Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Advancedperceptionand skill set with snow cat blade and tiller functions. * Maintain100hrs of ... Current and valid Driver's License. * Physical Capabilities: Advanced Skiing or snowboarding ...

Slope Grooming - Experienced Operator

OR · On-site

$22.63 - $31.71/hr

Have a valid driver's license * Previous snow cat operational experience * Have excellent verbal communication skills * Have a reliable plan to get to work during winter conditions * Available to ...

Slope Grooming - Experienced Operator

OR · On-site

$22.63 - $31.71/hr

Have a valid driver's license * Previous snow cat operational experience * Have excellent verbal communication skills * Have a reliable plan to get to work during winter conditions * Available to ...

Supervisor Vehicle Shop

OR · On-site

$31 - $37/hr

Current CDL or ability to obtain a CDL. * Minimum 2 years of experience in leadership or ... Snow Cat operation and repair experience a plus * ASE Certified * Equipment operation experience ...

Possess a valid driver's license * 2 years previous snow cat experience * Have excellent verbal communication skills * Have a reliable plan for getting to work during winter conditions * Must have ...

Possess a valid driver's license * 2 years previous snow cat experience * Have excellent verbal communication skills * Have a reliable plan for getting to work during winter conditions * Must have ...

Supervisor Vehicle Shop

OR · On-site

$31 - $37/hr

Current CDL or ability to obtain a CDL. * Minimum 2 years of experience in leadership or ... Snow Cat operation and repair experience a plus * ASE Certified * Equipment operation experience ...

Slope Grooming Operator - Entry Level

OR · On-site

$21.25 - $23.38/hr

Position Overview As an Entry-Level Slope Grooming & Snow Removal Operator at Mt. Hood Meadows, you ... Have a valid driver's license * Minimum 3 years of Park Grooming Experience * Basic knowledge of ...

Slope Grooming Operator - Entry Level

OR · On-site

$21.25 - $23.38/hr

Position Overview As an Entry-Level Slope Grooming & Snow Removal Operator at Mt. Hood Meadows, you ... Have a valid driver's license * Minimum 3 years of Park Grooming Experience * Basic knowledge of ...

From building and maintaining features to navigating changing weather, snow conditions, and ... Have a valid driver's license. * Previous Park Grooming Experience * Excellent verbal communication ...

Park Grooming Operator

OR · On-site

$22.63 - $32.60/hr

... of snow conditions and terrain park design to create high-quality, functional terrain. Working ... Have a valid driver's license * Minimum 3 years of Park Grooming Experience * Basic knowledge of ...

Supervisor Park Grooming - Graveyard

OR · On-site

$26.56 - $32.46/hr

From building and maintaining features to navigating changing weather, snow conditions, and ... Have a valid driver's license. * Previous Park Grooming Experience * Excellent verbal communication ...

Park Grooming Operator

OR · On-site

$22.63 - $32.60/hr

... of snow conditions and terrain park design to create high-quality, functional terrain. Working ... Have a valid driver's license * Minimum 3 years of Park Grooming Experience * Basic knowledge of ...

Snow Cat Driver information

See Oregon salary details

$5

$17

$27

How much do snow cat driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow cat driver in Oregon is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $17.55 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.

What are popular job titles related to Snow Cat Driver jobs in Oregon?

For Snow Cat Driver jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Snow Cat Driver job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,779 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Freestyle Groomer - WINTER

Timberline

Government Camp, OR • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Daily grooming and maintenance of freestyle terrain, build terrain features using snow-cat. Operate Piston Bully snow-cats and other snow vehicles operated by RLK and Company.  This position will start once the snow flies.

Requirements


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Operate snow-cat at a high level, creating all products.
  • Operate snow machines according to operating manual and Timberline safety protocols/policies in all conditions within the ski area. 
  • Flexibility with shifts, hours and scope of work.
  • Maintain awareness of upcoming weather conditions and anticipate strategies to uphold quality of grooming product and daily operations of department.
  • Complete daily logs, checks, fueling and additional paperwork as required.
  • Daily cleaning of snow-cat.
  • Daily work plans as delegated by Freestyle Grooming Manager.
  • Communicate effectively with Freestyle Grooming Manager and crew.
  • Assist with planning and design of freestyle terrain.
  • Open and willing to learn from and teach other crew members.
  • Work independently in absence of Freestyle Grooming Manager.
  • Provide consistent Terrain Park products.
  • Accept direction from Freestyle Grooming Manager.
  • Assist with special event needs.
  • Assist flat trackers as needed. 
  • Actively participate in RLK and Company's Health & Safety Program by identifying and reporting potential hazards, reporting incidents, and promoting a healthy workplace.
  • Exercise sound judgment and awareness regarding language, behavior, and dress and grooming.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

  • Must be professional in words and actions at all times.
  • Must have excellent communication skills.
  • Must have a high level of Snow-cat operation skills.
  • Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Must have excellent mechanical aptitude
  • Must have valid drivers' license
  • Must submit 3-year DMV Driving Record and be approved by Timberline driving standards. 
  • Must provide equipment essential to cat operation as listed in training manual.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be able to lift 80 lbs.
  • Must be able to work in but not limited to snow, icy, uneven and slippery conditions. 
  • Must be able to work in extreme conditions such as but not limited to sun, cold, wind, rain. 
  • Must be able to sit majority of shift.
  • Must be able to perform repeated movement for long periods.
  • Must be able to Ski/Snowboard all terrain park runs, not hitting features.