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Snow Grooming Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Snow Grooming Operator information

What is a snow grooming operator?

Snow Grooming Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating specialized machinery, such as snowcats or groomers, to maintain and prepare ski slopes, trails, and other snow-covered areas. They ensure that the snow surface is smooth, safe, and enjoyable for skiers and snowboarders by leveling, compacting, and redistributing the snow. Their work is essential for resort operations, especially during the ski season, and often takes place at night or early in the morning. Operators must be familiar with the equipment, safety protocols, and varying snow conditions to perform their duties effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by snow grooming operators during peak winter season?

Snow Grooming Operators often encounter challenges such as working long or overnight shifts in harsh weather conditions to ensure trails and slopes are ready for guests by morning. Rapidly changing weather can require frequent adjustments to grooming plans, and operators must be vigilant to avoid obstacles and maintain safety. Additionally, collaborating with ski patrol and maintenance teams is essential for responding quickly to on-mountain issues, ensuring a smooth and safe skiing experience for everyone.

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

To thrive as a Snow Grooming Operator, you need experience with heavy machinery operation, knowledge of snow maintenance techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming equipment such as snowcats, GPS systems, and basic mechanical tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently at night set top operators apart. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality preparation of ski slopes for guests, directly impacting their safety and enjoyment.

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

AspectSnow Grooming OperatorSnowcat Driver
CertificationsOften requires snow grooming or machinery operation certificationsRequires snowcat operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates grooming equipment on ski slopes or resortsDrives snowcats in ski areas, resorts, or snow-covered terrains
Industry UsageCommonly used in ski resorts, winter recreation areasUsed in similar settings, often interchangeable in job listings

Both Snow Grooming Operators and Snowcat Drivers work in ski resorts or winter recreation areas, operating snow grooming equipment to maintain ski slopes. The roles often overlap, with the main difference being job titles used by employers. Certifications and work environments are similar, making these roles closely related in the winter sports industry.

What are popular job titles related to Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Florida?

For Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Snow Grooming Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Snow Grooming Operator job openings:

Snowmaking Move Crew/Grooming - Winter Season

Alterra

Winter Park, FL • On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Seasonal

Who We Are: At 67 miles away, Winter Park is the closest ski resort to Denver. With easy access to 765,000 acres of public land, Winter Park is home to endless adventures. Whether you are looking to have your first taste of a winter season or to build a long-term career, we have something for everyone.

Perks & Benefits:

  • Free season pass to Winter Park and all Alterra Resorts
  • Discounted friends & family tickets
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, paid parental leave and more for eligible employees
  • 401(k) plan with 100% company match - up to 4%
  • Mental health resources for all employees
  • Food & beverage and retail discounts
  • Onsite employee childcare based on availability
  • Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Move Crew/ Grooming Snowcat Operator will operate heavy equipment in order to help create and maintain a world-class product for the enjoyment of our guests. This position works in the snowmaking department throughout the snow production season and then transfers into the grooming department for the remainder of the ski season.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Snowmaking duties include:

  • Pre and post-operational checks of snowcats and other equipment
  • Transporting fan guns and other snowmaking equipment with a snowcat, in such a way as to prevent damage to the snowcat or the snowmaking equipment
  • Building snow platforms for staging of snowmaking equipment
  • Keeping fan guns clear of snow and on top of the snow surface
  • Maintaining safe travel routes for snowmaking crews
  • Dozing snowmaking piles as necessary
  • Working with snowmaking crews to setup trails with hoses/guns
  • Assisting with the operation of snowmaking equipment
  • Track pack trails prior to snowmaking production
  • Other snowmaking duties as assigned

Grooming duties include:

  • Pre-operational checks of equipment, addressing any maintenance issues
  • Participating in nightly grooming meeting
  • Understanding the nightly snow management objectives
  • Completion of dozing and grooming of assigned trails
  • Repairing/communicating any trail issues such as rocks or thin spots
  • Completion of other snowcat projects as assigned
  • Fueling of equipment using safe practices
  • Post-operational check of machines, clean off snow, clean cab
  • Communicating any equipment issues with the heavy equipment mechanics

This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of this resort and position, the responsibilities of this position may change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid, non-restrictedmotor vehicle driver'slicense - required
  • Minimum 2 years of snowmaking experience - preferred
  • Minimum 1 year of snow grooming experience - preferred
  • Snowmobile operator experience - preferred
  • Reliable transportation to/from work - required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • This positionisrequired to work eveningsand/or overnight,weekends and holidayswhile in operation.
  • Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position aminimum of60pounds on anoccasional basis, and a minimum of 20 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Ability towork for extended periods of time while seated.
  • Manual dexterity to operatehand toolssuch as rakes, shovels, and basic carpentry tools.
  • Ability to workoutsidein ANY ANDALL weatherconditions, including but not limited to rain, snow, sleet, high winds, and cold temperatures.
  • Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations willbe made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WAGE:

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of Winter Park Resorts' 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 Winter Park Resorts' total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include many region-specific benefits.

Hourly Range:$21.50 - $27 DOE

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Winter Park Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment.

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Winter Park Resort positions accept applications for a minimum of 3 business days from the posting date listed above. This position is open and still accepting applications.