Mountain Operations Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Mountain Operations Supervisor

Position Summary

The Mountain Operations Supervisor is responsible for the year-round planning, coordination, supervision, and execution of snow surface operations, grounds maintenance, and site infrastructure management. This position oversees snowmaking, grooming, snow removal, landscaping, parking operations, drainage systems, and outdoor facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality conditions for guests, employees, and community users.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Staff Management

• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate year-round and seasonal employees.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and disciplinary action when necessary.
• Develop staffing plans and work schedules to support seasonal operational demands.
• Ensure employees are trained in safe equipment operation, departmental procedures, and organizational policies.
• Promote a positive, safety-focused work environment aligned with organizational values.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, training sessions, and performance evaluations.

Snowmaking Operations

• Plan and oversee all snowmaking operations, including system startup, gun placement, production scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust snowmaking strategies to maximize production and resource utilization.
• Coordinate snow production with grooming priorities and mountain operations objectives.
• Maintain snowmaking infrastructure, including pumps, compressors, pipelines, and associated equipment.
• Track operational metrics including water usage, production data, and equipment performance.
• Assist in snowmaking system improvements, upgrades, and capital projects.
• Schedule and coordinate preventive maintenance programs and repair work to maximize equipment reliability and operational readiness.

Grooming and Terrain Management

• Develop and oversee daily and seasonal grooming plans to maintain safe and consistent snow surfaces.
• Monitor trail conditions, snow depth, coverage, and surface quality.
• Operate grooming equipment as required.
• Support terrain park construction, maintenance, inspections, and documentation in coordination with the Terrain Park Supervisor.
• Communicate trail conditions, terrain status, and operational updates to leadership and other departments.
• Oversee the coordination of preventive maintenance and equipment repair schedules with maintenance personnel.

Grounds and Landscaping Operations (Summer)

• Plan, assign, and supervise landscaping and grounds maintenance activities including mowing, trimming, pruning, vegetation management, and site beautification.
• Oversee maintenance of gardens, green spaces, trails, and public-facing outdoor areas.
• Manage drainage systems, erosion-control measures, and runoff channels.
• Conduct routine inspections of grounds and infrastructure to identify maintenance needs and safety concerns.
• Ensure cleanliness of outdoor spaces, including litter removal and appearance standards.
• Coordinate event setup and teardown, including patio arrangement, tent installation, and venue preparation.

Grounds and Snow Removal Operations (Winter)

• Oversee snow removal activities across parking lots, roads, walkways, building entrances, and public gathering areas.
• Direct operation of snow removal equipment including plow trucks, skid steers, snow blowers, loaders, and related machinery.
• Coordinate ice mitigation efforts, sanding operations, and traction control measures.
• Manage roof snow removal and ensure compliance with all safety procedures.
• Maintain inventories of sand, traction materials, and snow removal supplies.

Operational Planning and Coordination

• Evaluate weather, environmental, and site conditions to support operational decision-making.
• Participate in operational planning meetings and coordinate activities across departments.
• Collaborate with Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Snowsports, Marketing, and Terrain Park.
• Support organizational events and special projects requiring operational resources.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and management of departmental budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and support cost-control initiatives.
• Participate in capital planning for equipment replacement, facility improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of staffing, timekeeping, inspections, maintenance activities, and operational data.
• Utilize HRIS and other administrative systems for scheduling, documentation, and reporting.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce compliance with organizational policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify, document, and address hazards, incidents, and equipment issues.
• Develop and implement training programs that reinforce a strong culture of workplace safety.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in mountain operations, snowmaking, grooming, grounds maintenance, heavy equipment operations, or a related field.
• 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and snow removal equipment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of snowmaking systems, snow surface management, grooming techniques, and winter operations.
• Knowledge of landscaping, grounds maintenance, drainage management, and facility upkeep.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and employee development skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to assess weather, terrain, and environmental conditions and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in scheduling, reporting, and administrative systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as operational needs require.

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 made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to lift 50+ pounds, push, pull, or carry objects, use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue and to effectively jump, sprint, or throw an object. Excellent stamina is required. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust and asphalt. The noise level in the work environment is generally loud.

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.

Hilltop Ski Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.