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Snow Groomer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to ... Snow grooming, moving experience preferred. Physical and/or Other Requirements : * Willingness and ...

Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to ... Snow grooming, moving experience preferred. Physical and/or Other Requirements : * Willingness and ...

Must be an expert operator of all Prinoth and Pistenbully machines. * Must be proficient in all ... Must be able to perform all job duties in any type of snow. * Responsible for all promotional ...

Must be an expert operator of all Prinoth and Pistenbully machines. * Must be proficient in all ... Must be able to perform all job duties in any type of snow. * Responsible for all promotional ...

Grooming Team Lead

Wenatchee, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.90/hr

Collaborate with snowmaking, lift maintenance, snow removal, ski patrol, and other departments to ... At least 5 years operating grooming or snowmaking equipment in a mountain environment. * Equipment ...

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 ...

Prior snow moving and grooming experience. * Familiarity with Microsoft Office. * Experienced in operating a commercial vehicle in compliance with all DOT regulations. * Class A CDL preferred * Prior ...

Prior snow moving and grooming experience. * Familiarity with Microsoft Office. * Experienced in operating a commercial vehicle in compliance with all DOT regulations. * Class A CDL preferred * Prior ...

New

Prior snow moving and grooming experience. * Familiarity with Microsoft Office. * Experienced in operating a commercial vehicle in compliance with all DOT regulations. * Class A CDL preferred * Prior ...

... snow/dirt moving and grooming equipment, etc. * Operates heavy equipment as required, including but not limited to the following activities in both dirt and snow: Road grading, ditch cleaning, trench ...

... snow/dirt moving and grooming equipment, etc, * Operates heavy equipment as required, including but not limited to the following activities in both dirt and snow: Road grading, ditch cleaning, trench ...

Winter 26/27: Lift Operator

Frisco, CO · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

To maintain proper and efficient levels of snow throughout the entire lift station area. To ... grooming standards Must have previous customer/guest relations experience Must desire an outdoor ...

This is both a working and operating lead position with physical labor, and support tasking ... Class A CDL. * Snow grooming, moving experience. * A clear understanding of grade and drainage.

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Snow Groomer Operator information

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How much do snow groomer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow groomer operator in the United States is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Snow Groomer Operators during peak season, and how are they addressed?

During peak ski season, Snow Groomer Operators often face demanding schedules, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need to work overnight to ensure slopes are ready for guests by morning. Navigating low visibility and icy terrain can be challenging, requiring strong attention to safety and equipment maintenance. Communication with other team members and mountain operations staff is essential to coordinate grooming priorities and respond to unexpected issues. Operators typically rely on training, detailed shift handovers, and support from supervisors to manage these challenges effectively.

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

AspectSnow Groomer OperatorSnowcat Driver
CertificationsOperator licenses, safety trainingOperator licenses, safety training
Work EnvironmentResorts, ski areas, snow parksResorts, ski areas, snow parks
Job DutiesOperating snow grooming machines to prepare trailsDriving snowcats for trail maintenance and transportation

Both roles involve operating snow grooming machinery in similar environments, requiring comparable certifications. The main difference is that Snow Groomer Operators focus on trail grooming and snow preparation, while Snowcat Drivers may have broader responsibilities including transportation and general machine operation. These roles are often used interchangeably but can vary by employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Snow Groomer Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snow Groomer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and a valid driver's license, often supported by specialized training. Familiarity with grooming vehicles like snowcats, GPS-based terrain management systems, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient work. These competencies ensure that ski slopes and trails are properly maintained for safety and optimal guest experience.

What are snow groomer operators?

Snow groomer operators are skilled professionals who operate specialized machinery to maintain and prepare ski slopes, trails, and other snow-covered surfaces. They use snow grooming vehicles, commonly known as snowcats, to smooth, compact, and reshape snow for optimal skiing and snowboarding conditions. Their work is essential to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of winter sports enthusiasts. Operators typically work during nighttime or early morning hours to prepare the slopes before they open to the public. The role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and knowledge of the terrain.
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What states have the most Snow Groomer Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Snow Groomer Operator jobs include:
Heavy Equipment Operator

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success.

Position Responsibilities

All Heavy Equipment Operators:

  • Implements and maintains a safe workplace program and ensures that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.
  • Is responsible for the safe and technically proficient operation of heavy and light equipment such as bulldozers, articulating loaders, excavators, graders, backhoes, fork-lifts, trenchers, snow blasters, traverse equipment, tracked agricultural tractors, PistenBully, Mattracks, dump trucks, snow moving and grooming equipment, etc.
  • Operates heavy equipment as required, including but not limited to the following activities in both dirt and snow: Road grading, ditch cleaning, trench excavation, movement, stockpiling, loading of aggregate/snow, snow plowing, snow removal, loading/unloading of trucks/trailers, material handling, disabled vehicle recovery, road construction and maintenance, airfield construction and maintenance, loading/unloading of shipping containers.
  • Performs physical activities daily including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of tall vehicles/heavy equipment, crawling as needed, working outdoors in extreme cold, snow shoveling, ice-chipping, walking long distances daily and other forms of manual labor are required.
  • Performs daily equipment checks to ensure all equipment is properly maintained and in safe operating condition. Notates any repair or maintenance needs on the daily check list and notifies foreman of these items daily. Checks all fluids and immediately notifies the foreman or supervisor of any deficiencies and takes corrective action prior to operation.
  • Performs daily safety inspection per the manufacturers daily check list and performs minor maintenance as required prior to operation of any equipment.
  • Tracks equipment hours daily and notifies Fleet Operations, Traverse Shop Foreman, or immediate supervisor any time equipment is within 25 hours of its PM due hours.
  • Performs general duties as required in support of Fleet Operations and ASC.
  • Complies with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements and goals.
  • Provides documentation to these divisions as necessary.
  • Works to achieve ASC goals and contractual commitments.
  • Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to operation.
  • Accurately records time worked, and equipment hours used daily in Maximo and timecard.
  • Performs other duties as required.

SPoT Only:

  • Operates heavy equipment as required, including the following activities: Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery operations, fueling bladders, loading/unloading cargo, perform basic maintenance on sleds and housing modules, runway construction and maintenance, recovery of science equipment including NASA payloads.
  • Operates on assigned traverse for no less than a 50 day duration to the South Pole and back at least once, (twice if assigned to SPOT 1 and 3).
  • Lubricates, checks fluids, and performs safety inspection and minor maintenance as required prior to operation of any equipment.
  • Arranges equipment maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations or as directed by the Vehicle Maintenance Facility and Supervisor, Fleet Operations.

Required Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Four years of experience as a heavy equipment operator

Expected Skills and Competencies:

  • Team player and group dynamics are of the utmost importance.

Preferred:

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Class "A" CDL Driver's License
  • A clear understanding of grade and drainage.
  • Rigging certifications.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
  • General knowledge and understanding of project schedules and planning.
  • Prior cold-climate equipment operations experience.
  • Snow grooming, moving experience.
  • Prior experience working in austere environments.
  • Prior supervisory/leadership experience, and/or project management experience.
  • Ability to thrive in an equipment and resource limited environment.

Physical and/or Other Requirements:

  • Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods
  • Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica
  • Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer
  • Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF
  • Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.
  • Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.
  • Must participate in community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores), "daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safety objectives.
  • Valid Driver's License issued in the United States
  • No clearance requirement but the contract and/or the site requires US Citizenship to be approved for access. (includes NACI / T1, MRPT, CAC): Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to job.

Boots Required: Yes