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Snow Cat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Palisades Tahoe

Lift Maintenance Technician

Truckee, CA

$20.54 - $35.55/hr

... operating and using mechanical tools and machines. * Identify potential hazards. Preferred: * Able to drive a manual transmission vehicle Able to operate a snowmobile * Ability to operate snow cat ...

Palisades Tahoe

Lift Maintenance Technician

Reno, NV

$20.54 - $35.55/hr

... operating and using mechanical tools and machines. * Identify potential hazards. Preferred: * Able to drive a manual transmission vehicle Able to operate a snowmobile * Ability to operate snow cat ...

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How much do snow cat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow cat operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Snow Cat Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snow Cat Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience operating heavy machinery, often supported by a valid driver's license and safety training. Familiarity with GPS navigation, snow grooming equipment, and preventative maintenance protocols is typically required. Reliability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality snow surface preparation in challenging and often unpredictable mountain environments.

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 is a Snow Cat Operator job?

A Snow Cat Operator is responsible for operating a snowcat vehicle to groom and maintain snow-covered terrain, typically at ski resorts or mountainous areas. Their duties include smoothing trails, building terrain features, and ensuring safe skiing or snowboarding conditions. Operators work in varying weather conditions, often overnight, to prepare slopes for the next day. The role requires mechanical knowledge, attention to detail, and experience handling heavy machinery on snow.

More about Snow Cat Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Snow Cat Operator jobs? Cities with the most Snow Cat Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Snow Cat Operator jobs? The most popular types of Snow Cat Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Snow Cat Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Snow Cat Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Snow Cat Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Snow Cat Operator jobs are:
Snow Cat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Cat Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, 87% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Lift Maintenance Technician

Lift Maintenance Technician

Palisades Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$20.54 - $35.55/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Year Round
Palisades Tahoe
We share the spirit of these legendary mountains with the world.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Applicants must be 18 years of age.
Job Summary: Responsible for all repairs and maintenance of chair lifts, funitel, gondola, tram, and surface conveyors, while complying with service and safety standards in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Job Details:
  • Opportunities within lift maintenance teams, funitel, tram, and gondola
  • Full time year round role

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of the Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC’s hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The range listed is just one component of Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term and long-term incentives and many region-specific benefits.
Base hourly pay range: $20.54 - $35.55 per hour
A Great Job and Benefits to Match:
  • Most jobs start at $20/hour
  • Free skiing + riding privileges to 16 iconic resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, Solitude and more!
  • Generous discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, etc.
  • 401(k) plan with generous company match
  • Free lift tickets, plus 50% off lift tickets
  • 25%-50% discount at Food & Beverage locations at Olympic Valley and Alpine
  • 30% discount at Palisades Tahoe operated retail stores, including The North Face, Oakley and more
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential Job Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks include the following; but not limited to;
  • Work with all operations departments to make sure lifts are all running efficiently.
  • Be familiar location of all ski lifts and travel routes on the mountain. Know how to operate the lift controls, run lift on auxiliary or evacuation diesels.
  • Perform daily pre-operation and operational inspections of ski lifts for safe operation.
  • Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance procedures.
  • Climb lift towers to inspect, diagnose, adjust, and repair or replace components at extreme heights in all weather conditions.
  • Repair, remove and/or replace mechanical parts of lifts as necessary, both on site and in repair shop.
  • Must have the ability to trouble shoot, diagnose, and repair or replace ski lift components.
  • Maintain service records and documentation.

Competencies and Job Requirements:
Required:
  • Effective communication skills, oral & written Operate 2 way radios effectively.
  • Strong sense of customer service & safety awareness
  • Able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Have a neat & clean appearance in compliance with the company grooming standards
  • Punctual, able to report at scheduled start time
  • Work well as part of a team.
  • Must be a strong skier or snowboarder Able to diagnose mechanical problems, strong technical aptitude.
  • Skill in operating and using mechanical tools and machines.
  • Identify potential hazards.

Preferred:
  • Able to drive a manual transmission vehicle Able to operate a snowmobile
  • Ability to operate snow cat Able to operate an
  • ATV Able to operate a side-by-side

Education and Experience:
Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED One year mechanical or electrical experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience in tower line work, brake systems, tension systems, motor rooms, station work, carrier maintenance, low voltage, auxiliary motors, and pre-fab.
  • Knowledge of how fixed grip, detachable grip and conveyor lifts function, need to be familiar with all lift components and basic lift adjustments.
  • Knowledge of fabrication (welding and torching)
  • Knowledge of fall protection and climbing safety.
  • Valid driver’s license

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, see, hear and smell. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects tools or controls. Must be capable of walking or standing 90% or more of a normal 10-hour work shift. Must be capable of occasionally lifting and pushing or pulling 100 lbs. or more, and frequently lifting, pushing or pulling, and carrying up to 50lbs. Must be capable of frequent climbing movements, walking on uneven terrain, walking on snow and ice, skiing and operating a snowmobile. Must be able to bend, kneel, reach, and crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and the ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions:
Indoor/Outdoor: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. As well as indoors in the repair shop or lift stations. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places. They will be occasionally exposed to extreme hot/cold and wet conditions, noise, fumes or airborne particles, and risk of electric shock. Employee will be required to work on uneven and limited footing locations. Working surfaces can be loose or slippery as well.
Hazardous Materials/Noise: Employee will often be in contact with hazardous substances. The noise level in the work place is usually loud.
Equipment Used in Job: Snowmobile, ATV, side by side, trucks, all mechanical tools (hand and power) ropes and rigging.
For information on Alterra Mountain Company’s Social Responsibility work including our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion actions, please see our webpage at www.alterramtnco.com/social-responsibility . Among other resources, Alterra has Employee Resource Groups to support the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), disability, LGBTQIA2S+, and women communities within our workforce.

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