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Snow Grooming Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Snow Grooming Operator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do snow grooming operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow grooming operator in Rochester, NY is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Snow Grooming Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Snow Grooming Operator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Snow Grooming Operator job openings:

Production Manager - Snow Management/Landscape Maintenance (Relocation considered for qualified c...

East Coast Facilities, Inc.

Churchville, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Major Areas of Focus

Our Production Managers (PM) report to the Director of Operations of one of our Service Centers.  PMs may oversee 3-5 Crew Leaders and their crew members. A Senior PM may be assigned additional crews. The PM may also be assigned one or more Field Supervisors (FS) to lead. If a Field Supervisor is assigned to the PM will utilize them as an assistant in overseeing and accomplishing the production assigned to them. 
The critical components of our business operation that fall under the responsibility of a PM are his/her assigned field workers, assigned fleet and resources, and specific work production that may be reoccurring or project-based. Planning, scheduling, dispatching, in-field training, supervision and development, quality control, productivity, and direct cost management are core to the PM position.
Reports to the designated Operations Manager or Director of Operations
 

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following, other duties may also be assigned: Planning & Scheduling Requirements
  • Works closely with the Operations Manager to schedule production on the team calendar
  • Sources, picks up and delivers materials to the Service Center or job sites
  • Purchases supplies and materials according to purchasing guidelines using a company purchasing card or the purchasing requisition system
  • Prints and delivers work tickets to assigned Crew Leaders
  • Closes production tickets in Omnia-SDS and reviews job costing reports
Production Responsibilities 
  • Is present for Egress and assists with the execution of The ECF Egress Standard
  • Dispatches assigned crews and work with other PMs or the Operations Manager as needed for equipment or personnel shortfalls
  • Supervises crews in the field and drives production and job hour and material budgets 
  • Maintains all safety, production, and quality guidelines in the field
  • Ensures that fleet is maintained, properly and safely operated, and essential repairs are reported and scheduled timely 
  • Ensure assigned fleet, personnel uniforms & grooming, facility cleanliness, and job sites meet our corporate standards of professional image
  • Completes all essential paperwork or reports for management
  • Communicates with clients when appropriate providing them with updates of our production efforts, fields requests from clients, and delivers same to the Operations Manager for handling
Sales & Sales Support Responsibilities 
  • Performs quality control audits and produces project opportunities for customers
  • Assists with estimating and takeoffs for various proposals as requested by leadership
  • Prepares estimates and proposals as requested by leadership 
  • Presents proposals to customers as requested by leadership 
  • Attends various client meetings with Account Executives or Leadership if required
Recruiting, Training & Development Responsibilities
  • Conducts interviews, screens, and hires field workers as directed by leadership
  • Assists with employee orientation
  • Trains Crew Leaders and Crew Members in the field in areas of technical training, safety training, and soft-skills training
  • Follows and administers appropriate disciplinary protocols that are applicable to subordinates
  • Attends and supports specialized training courses for field personnel
  • Helps our employees to build their careers
Language Skills

While performing duties, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; may read and interpret data, information, and documents; observe and respond to people and situations; learn and apply new information or skills; work under deadlines; and interact with others encountered in the course of work. Proficiency in English is required.

Physical Demands
The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Long working hours are required for an emergency, urgent response, or winter weather storm management operations.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel & Development  
Travel throughout the market served by the local Service Center, and from time to time for purposes of training may be required to report to another Service Center or the Corporate Offices.  

Security
The employee may not use illicit drugs during their employment with ECF. ECF operates in several high-security environments which require individuals who are able to pass security background checks. The employee is required to pass security background checks that meet our underwriting standards. The employee is required to have a valid driver's license and driving record that meet our underwriting standards. We reserve the right to reject an applicant or terminate an employee whose criminal or driving record fails to meet our underwriting criteria. 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job family chart.  They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this job family series. Other duties may be assigned as needed.