Grooming Manager

Grooming Manager

The Grooming Manager leads the daily operation of the resort's grooming fleet and staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality grooming of trails, terrain parks, tubing hills, and other mountain facilities. This year-round position works closely with Mountain Operations, Snowmaking, Ski Patrol, and Lift Operations to align grooming priorities with weather conditions, guest expectations, and resort objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all grooming department personnel, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management.
• Plan and execute nightly grooming operations to maintain optimal snow conditions and trail presentation.
• Coordinate grooming strategies with Snowmaking, Ski Patrol, Terrain Parks, and Mountain Operations departments.
• Monitor weather forecasts, snowpack conditions, and mountain usage to develop grooming plans.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of grooming equipment and associated machinery.
• Ensure established preventative maintenance schedules and equipment repair priorities are completed.
• Plan and execute summer projects and trail maintenance including coordination and oversight of outside vendors performing work.
• Work closely with other departments outside of Mountain Operations to meet their objectives regarding snow surfaces.
• Monitor departmental budgets, labor costs, fuel usage, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and enforce safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate operational records and reports.
• Respond effectively to changing weather conditions and operational challenges.
• Participate in strategic planning related to grooming operations, fleet management, and capital improvements.
• Support special events and resort initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mountain grooming operations.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of snowcat and winching operations, snow management, and trail preparation.
• Strong understanding of mountain safety practices and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with heavy equipment maintenance.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience managing a fleet of Prinoth, PistenBully, or comparable grooming equipment.
• Other heavy equipment operating skills.
• Experience building terrain Parks and terrain-based learning features.
• Knowledge of GPS-assisted grooming technologies.
• Experience working in a four-season resort environment.
• Budgeting and departmental financial management experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varied winter and summer weather conditions.
• Ability to traverse uneven mountain terrain.
• Availability to work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and during severe weather events as operational needs require.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Resort privileges and employee discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• The opportunity to contribute to one of the East Coast's most recognized family ski destinations