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Snowcat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... a snowcat or heavy equipment is a plus. · Knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulations. · Ability to communicate effectively with other staff, volunteers, and visitors. · Ability to ...

Train formal (machine specific snowcat, bus etc) required classroom and practical trainings and updates. * Formulates, edits, and initiates maintenance procedures to ensure all necessary information ...

Ski Patrol Administrative Assistant

Norden, CA

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

... snowcat operation may be required Winter Benefits: • Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service • Paid sick time • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • ...

New

Ski Patrol Administrative Assistant

CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

... snowcat operation may be required Winter Benefits: • Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service • Paid sick time • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • ...

Responds via alternate response vehicles/methods, including hiking, snowmobile, UTV, snowcat, etc., in the backcountry setting. The response environment is often potentially hazardous, including ...

Train formal (machine specific snowcat, bus etc) required classroom and practical trainings and updates. * Formulates, edits, and initiates maintenance procedures to ensure all necessary information ...

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Snowcat information

See salary details

$10

$23

$44

How much do snowcat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for snowcat in the United States is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are snowcat operators?

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 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.

More about Snowcat jobs
What states have the most Snowcat jobs? States with the most job openings for Snowcat jobs include:
Infographic showing various Snowcat job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,481 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Snow Groomer

Snow Groomer

Hilltop Ski Area

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
The main objective is to give Hilltop Ski Area visitors outstanding grooming and snow conditions. Effective operation of a ski path groomer requires a certain skill level. The secret to creating ideal skiing conditions is understanding how to operate the equipment, maintain it, and use it to make trails that are level and smooth. To get the intended effects, the driver must be able to regulate the groomer's speed, direction, and angle.

In order to choose the proper groomer settings, the driver also needs to have a solid awareness of snow conditions and the ability to predict changing weather. To guarantee that the trails are kept in good condition, the driver needs to possess a solid understanding of route planning, design, and grooming techniques. Lastly, the driver must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work well with other trail personnel and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
· Operate Snow Cat equipment safely and efficiently, perform all grooming, and feature building as defined by the
Snow Surface Supervisor.
· Perform basic maintenance and pre-operational checks on machines and equipment.
· Groom trails, Chairlift ramps, and existing features.
· Build and maintain features, and ski runs as defined by managers.
· Control the speed and direction of the groomer.
· Monitor and report any safety issues on the hill.
· Monitor and report snow conditions to management.
· Follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
· Assist the snowmaking department with the movement of snowguns and pushing of snow piles.
· Maintain machine and shop cleanliness and upkeep.
· Able to read, understand, and comply with documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance
instructions, and procedure manuals, as well as record data accurately and in a timely fashion

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
· Must be at least 18 years of age.
· Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Shifts are a must.
· Prior Grooming or equipment operation is required.
· Must pass a background check.
· Must have a valid driver's license with no restrictions.
· Basic understanding of Ski Area Operations.
· Ability to accurately assess terrain conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding grooming operations.
· Ability to adjust and maintain grooming equipment safely and efficiently.
· Prior experience operating a snowcat or heavy equipment is a plus.
· Knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulations.
· Ability to communicate effectively with other staff, volunteers, and visitors.
· Ability to work independently in remote locations with minimal supervision.
· Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
· Ability to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit for an extended period of time while driving the Snow Cat. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

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