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Snow Cat Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface ...

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 Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface ...

Vail Resorts

Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA · 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 ...

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA

$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 ...

Alterra

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA

$20 - $35.21/hr

Operate Terrain Park Snow Cat equipment performing all feature building and maintenance as defined by Park Cat Manager and Department Head. * Able to build new features of any size including but not ...

Mammoth Mountain

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20 - $35.21/hr

Operate Terrain Park Snow Cat equipment performing all feature building and maintenance as defined by Park Cat Manager and Department Head. * Able to build new features of any size including but not ...

Sugar Bowl Resort

Security Agent

Norden, CA

$20 - $26/hr

This is a year-round security role covering both our winter and summer operating seasons, reporting ... snow cat, ranger, snowmobile, or standard vehicle Lend a hand to other departments as needed ...

Sugar Bowl Resort

Security Agent

CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

This is a year-round security role covering both our winter and summer operating seasons, reporting ... and staff via snow cat, ranger, snowmobile, or standard vehicle • Lend a hand to other ...

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

Mammoth Lakes, CA

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

Winch cat experience preferred. * Ability to work independently trail grooming, trail grading, and ... Operator must be able to complete PistenBully Pro-Academy; Entry- Level Snow Grooming. To perform ...

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

June Lake, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

Winch cat experience preferred. * Ability to work independently trail grooming, trail grading, and ... Operator must be able to complete PistenBully Pro-Academy; Entry- Level Snow Grooming. To perform ...

Powdr

Groomer / Cat Driver Level 2

Truckee, CA · On-site

$25/hr

The Groomer /SnowCat Operator will operate SnowCat equipment, perform trail grooming and other ... Grade and groom trails * Assist snow-making with moving equipment * Other tasks maybe assigned by ...

Peak Landscape, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Truckee, CA

$31 - $35/hr

BONUSES: - "Winter Bonus" program for year round team members that help with snow shoveling ... Cat, pero también algunos Deere y Bobcat). $31-$35.00/hora. PEAK LANDSCAPE INCSomos un proveedor ...

All JobsSnow Cat Operator JobsSnow Cat Operator Jobs in California

Snow Cat Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do snow cat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow cat operator in California is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work hours and environment for a snow cat operator?

Snow Cat Operators often work night shifts and early mornings to groom ski slopes before the resorts open, and shifts can extend into weekends and holidays during peak season. The role is primarily outdoors in mountain environments, where weather conditions can be extreme and visibility limited, so adaptability and safety awareness are crucial. Teamwork is important, as you will coordinate with other operators, maintenance staff, and ski patrol. While the work can be physically demanding and solitary at times, it is also rewarding for those who enjoy working independently in nature. Over time, experienced operators may have opportunities to advance to lead operator or supervisory roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Snow Cat Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Snow Cat Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Snow Cat Operator jobs in California? For Snow Cat Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Snow Cat Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Snow Cat Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Snow Cat Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Snow Cat Operator job openings:
Snow Cat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Cat Operator 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 $47,303 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Kirkwood, CA

$22.26/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 24 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  515716
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Grooming  

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