Snowmaking Supervisor

Snowmaking Supervisor

Arizona Snowbowl - FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86002

Overview

Position Type Seasonal

Description

The snowmaking supervisor is the snowmaking manager's primary operational partner and right hand, leading the crew on the hill, driving daily snow production, and keeping the operation running through whatever the mountain throws at them. Working in close coordination with the manager, they translate priorities into action, coordinate with other departments, and hold the team accountable to the department's standards for safety, efficiency, and snow quality. Beyond daily operations, the supervisor contributes to seasonal planning, resource management, and emergency response while actively building a team culture grounded in mentorship, accountability, and continuous improvement. Strong leadership, sharp problem-solving skills, and deep knowledge of fan-gun-based snowmaking systems are essential.

Job Description Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Supervise snowmaking crews during assigned shifts, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality snow production Lead shift handoffs between day and night crews, communicating production priorities, equipment status, and any outstanding issues to ensure seamless continuity Provide direct supervision and leadership of snowmaking operations during active production periods and serve as the acting Snowmaking Manager in the Manager's absence, assuming responsibility for operational decision-making, personnel management, safety oversight, and departmental priorities. Operate both automated and manual snowmaking systems independently and proficiently Interpret weather data, wet-bulb temperatures, and conditions in real time to adjust snowmaking strategy and maximize snow quality and output Assist in planning, setting up, relocating, monitoring, and shutting down snow guns and related equipment across the mountain Demonstrate full knowledge of the mountain's snowmaking system layout, including pumphouses, hydrants, valves, electrical boxes, and terrain Operate and maintain all snowmaking equipment, including snow guns, hoses, compressors, tracked vehicles, trucks, UTVs, snowmobiles, and pumps Conduct daily vehicle inspections and coordinate repairs with Arizona Snowbowl mechanics Monitor and maintain gun run conditions, including shoveling snow, clearing hoses, and applying proper padding

Enforce all snowmaking safety standards, including PPE, lockout/tagout compliance, and resort safety programs Prevent damage to trees, lifts, buildings, vehicles, and environmentally sensitive areas Train and mentor snowmakers on snow production techniques, safety procedures, and resort protocols; provide ongoing real-time coaching and performance feedback Monitor crew performance and address safety violations and workplace infractions in coordination with the snowmaking manager Collaborate with Grooming, Lift Operations, Terrain Parks, and Ski Patrol to maintain safe and effective mountain operations Assist the snowmaking manager with seasonal planning, resource scheduling, and production goal-setting Promote responsible use of water, fuel, and electricity in line with resort sustainability goals Maintain accurate daily production, maintenance, and safety documentation Record time in Paycom at the start and end of every shift, verify entries daily, and confirm your timecard at the close of each pay period Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Job Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Required Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age Valid driver's License with a clean driving record High School Diploma or equivalent 35 years of on-hill snowmaking experience with demonstrated competence 24 years of hands-on knowledge of pump operations, automated systems (SmartSnow 7 or equivalent), and associated snowmaking equipment Ability to ski or snowboard in all terrain types upon completion of an annual ski/snowboard evaluation Must pass written and driving tests for snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, tracked UTVs, and snowcats Intermediate to advanced mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot minor and major equipment malfunctions Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with snowmaking crews and other mountain operations departments Knowledge of environmental and energy-efficient snowmaking practices Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; longer shifts may be required Preferred Qualifications Prior supervisory or crew leadership experience Experience training or mentoring snowmaking staff Snowcat or heavy equipment operating experience Technical training or certifications in mountain operations or equipment maintenance CPR/First Aid certification

Material and Equipment Directly Used: Flashlights, radios, 1/2-ton pickup trucks, UTVs, tracked UTVs, snowmaking guns, snow hoses with couplers, wrenches, hammers, shovels, picks, digging bars, trailers, confined space rescue equipment, and other related industrial tools and supplies. Working Environment/Physical Activities: The majority of the workday is spent outdoors at night in a mountain environment, in constantly changing weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, and wetness. 25% of the time is spent sitting (riding in a tracked vehicle), 55% walking and hiking, and 20% standing. Must have the ability to hike for sustained periods of time at a high elevation and in inclement, unpredictable, and cold weather conditions at night Frequently bending, kneeling, handling, reaching, grasping, and performing repetitive motions like climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, handling, operating controls, and feeling objects Noise levels can reach 100 decibels (without hearing protection) for six hours of the workday. With hearing protection, noise levels reach approximately 71 decibels. Wearing ear protection is required when making snow on the hill Frequently using far acuity, depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision Frequent exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards