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Snowcat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

The ideal candidate should have 1000+hrs of snowcat operational experience. * Can independently perform trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects. * Candidate should also be self-motivated and ...

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

June Lake, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

The ideal candidate should have 1000+hrs of snowcat operational experience. * Can independently perform trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects. * Candidate should also be self-motivated and ...

Alterra

Snowcat Mechanic

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $34.17/hr

Year Round At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family ...

Mammoth Mountain

Snowcat Mechanic

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $34.17/hr

Year Round At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family ...

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 grooming tasks. The ideal candidate can successfully achieve tasks such as trail grading, grooming and ...

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

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 ...

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

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 ...

Jobtailor

Technical Principal

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Own and execute on multiple, concurrent SnowCAT projects, maintaining a thorough written record of progress. Requirements * Proven expertise as leader or senior contributor in a data-centric software ...

New

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 ...

All JobsSnowcat JobsSnowcat Jobs in California

Snowcat information

See California salary details

$10

$23

$43

How much do snowcat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for snowcat in California is $23.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a snowcat operator?

Snowcat operators are skilled professionals who drive and operate snowcat vehicles, which are specialized tracked machines designed for traveling over snow and rough terrain. They are commonly employed at ski resorts, construction sites, or in remote areas to groom ski slopes, transport people or equipment, and maintain snow-covered roads or trails. Snowcat operators must be able to safely maneuver these vehicles in challenging winter conditions and often work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snowcat operator?

To thrive as a Snowcat Operator, you generally need experience in heavy equipment operation, a valid driver’s license, and knowledge of snow grooming techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, snow grooming attachments, and regular maintenance procedures is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help operators manage challenging weather conditions and coordinate with other staff. These skills are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality grooming of ski slopes or trails for optimal user experience.

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

Snowcat operators often work long shifts in harsh winter conditions, which can be physically demanding and require strong attention to safety. Navigating poor visibility, icy terrain, and unpredictable weather are frequent challenges. Operators must also collaborate closely with ski patrol, mountain maintenance teams, and other operators to ensure trails are groomed efficiently and safely. Quick troubleshooting and basic mechanical knowledge are valuable, as minor equipment issues may need to be addressed on the spot to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Snowcat vs Snowmobile?

AspectSnowcatSnowmobile
Primary UseHeavy-duty snow grooming and terrain managementRecreational riding and personal transportation
Work EnvironmentOff-road, snow-covered terrains, often in ski resorts or construction sitesOpen snow-covered areas, trails, and recreational parks
Required CertificationsOperator training, safety certifications, sometimes specialized vehicle licensesRecreational licenses, safety training
Industry UsageSnow management, ski resorts, constructionRecreation, sports, personal travel

Snowcats are specialized vehicles used mainly for snow grooming and terrain management in professional settings like ski resorts, requiring specific operator training. Snowmobiles are primarily recreational vehicles for personal use on snow, with different licensing requirements. While both operate in snowy environments, their functions and industry applications differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Snowcat jobs in California?

For Snowcat jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Snowcat jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Snowcat jobs in California are:

Snowcat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snowcat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,846 per year, or $23 per hour.

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

Alterra

Mammoth Lakes, CA • On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Seasonal

At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream!

Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family can share this excitement with free skiing for dependents and a range of valuable discounts. It is more than a job; it is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Mammoth Lakes, California.

Benefits and perks of your adventure here:

  • Ski passes for dependents (spouse/child(ren)/domestic partners) includes free skiing at other Alterra Resorts
  • Free skiing at all Alterra Resorts
  • Ski/snowboarding lessons discounts
  • Equipment Rental discount
  • Friends and Family vouchers
  • Retail & Food discount
  • 401k with company match

*Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Hourly pay rate: $20.70-$29.51

A little about this position:

  • Journeyman operator is a skilled position.
  • The ideal candidate should have 1000+hrs of snowcat operational experience.
  • Can independently perform trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects.
  • Candidate should also be self-motivated and can manage basic job-related trouble shooting.
  • Potential to be scheduled graveyard shifts; typical graveyard shift hours are 12:30am - 8:30am.

Requirements:

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • 1000+hrs of snowcat operation experience.
  • Winch cat experience preferred.
  • Ability to work independently trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects.
  • Strong verbal communication skills and adequate writing abilities.
  • Operator must be able to complete PistenBully Pro-Academy; Entry- Level Snow Grooming.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mammoth Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply