Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for a Snowmaking Supervisor to lead the team responsible for the highest quality snow surface on the mountain - our Snowmaker I, II, and III operators. Snowmakers are an elite group, and the backbone of this resort; this role exists to lead them well. You’ll oversee safe operation of the snowmaking system across alpine terrain and varying conditions, direct the fleet’s maintenance and uptime, and own the training, safety, and skill development of every operator on the team. Working closely with the Snow Surfaces Director, you’ll help set nightly production priorities, then lead your crew through the execution - on foot, by vehicle, and in the field with them. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has put in the time as an operator, can learn our system inside and out, and is ready to build and lead the team that keeps it running.
Why Sugar Bowl?
Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts a like.
Who You Are
- 4+ years of snowmaking experience, including advanced troubleshooting and pump station operation
- Experience with SMI, Techno Alpin and HKD snowmaking equipment
- Prior lead or supervisory experience, ideally in snowmaking or a comparable field-based crew
- A track record of mentoring and developing operators, from entry-level through advanced skill sets
- Deep working knowledge of snowmaking systems, hydrant networks, and pump stations
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as snow cats and loaders
- Comfortable owning safety program compliance, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
- Strong communication skills, comfortable generating reports and documentation
- Punctual, energetic, and self-motivated, with a genuine team-first mindset
- Comfortable working in extreme weather conditions on extreme terrain, on foot and by vehicle
- Able to work on an on-call basis, with work weeks that may exceed 40 hours during peak production windows
- Treats courtesy and safety as top priorities
- Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed; a versatile, team-first mindset
What You’ll do
- Directly supervise, schedule, and coach the Snowmaker I, II, and III team each shift
- Lead the safe, efficient operation of the snowmaking system across alpine terrain and varying conditions
- Partner with the Snow Surfaces Director to determine nightly snowmaking priorities based on weather, temperature windows, and production needs
- Own advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of snow guns and pump stations, and escalate major equipment issues appropriately
- Direct the maintenance and upkeep of the snowmaking fleet to protect production uptime
- Train and onboard new Snowmaker I hires, and mentor Snowmaker II and III operators toward continued growth
- Evaluate operator performance, provide direct coaching and feedback, and flag personnel concerns to the Snow Surfaces Director
- Actively enforce safety procedures across the team, and ensure unsafe acts are reported and addressed immediately
- Champion compliance with Sugar Bowl Employee Handbook policies and the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
- Document snowmaking activity to track effectiveness and support Risk Management needs
- Work with the Grooming Supervisor on snow management and equipment relocations
- Maintain snowmaking facilities and work areas in a clean, organized condition
- Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations beyond the snowmaking operation.
- Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Snow Surfaces Director
Physical Requirements
- Comfortable working outdoors in extreme, cold winter weather conditions, often during overnight and early morning hours
- Capable of occasional repeated lifting of up to 70 lbs, including shoveling
- Steady footing for walking and standing on snow, ice, and uneven alpine terrain for extended periods
- Comfortable working in proximity to pressurized air/water lines and running equipment
- Manual dexterity for equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and hands-on repair work
- Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely operate equipment, supervise a crew in the field, and work in low-visibility or nighttime conditions
- Able to travel across alpine terrain both on foot and by vehicle in all conditions
Benefits
- Paid time off & Paid sick leave
- Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Employer paid life insurance
- Additional voluntary benefits (AD&D, critical illness, etc.)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development opportunities
- Free ski and tubing passes for employees
- Free ski passes for dependents
- 50% off food at our restaurants
- Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
- Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
- Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
- Hotel discounts
- Employee ski reciprocal programs