Grooming Team Lead

Central Purpose

To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration.

Core Values

• Seek first to help
• Dedicated to results
• Optimism in action
• Solution seekers

Job Summary

World‑class grooming is essential to delivering a world‑class ski surface. As the Grooming Team Lead at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, you will bring extensive grooming experience, problem‑solving skills, and leadership ability to ensure the mountain is prepared daily to the highest standards. This position plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience and maintaining a strong foundation for a winter season filled with joy, freedom, fun, and exploration. You will oversee nightly grooming operations, coordinate across departments, train staff, and ensure both safety and quality standards are consistently met.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead Grooming Operations: Oversee nightly grooming activities; delegate tasks and coordinate shift priorities with the crew.
• Shift Briefings & Communication: Conduct pre‑shift meetings, provide real‑time updates, and ensure smooth handoff to the next shift lead.
• Safety & Compliance: Conduct weekly safety meetings; enforce safety protocols for personnel and equipment.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborate with snowmaking, lift maintenance, snow removal, ski patrol, and other departments to align operations.
• Snowfall Response: Execute grooming priorities during storms—lift ramps, roads, public areas, key trails—and notify appropriate departments.
• Surface Quality Control: Monitor grooming quality and adjust plans based on conditions; train and provide feedback to operators.
• Reporting: Complete accurate grooming logs, shift summaries, and communicate key surface safety information to Ski Patrol.

Skills Required

• Leadership & Supervision: Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory experience; proven ability to lead teams in dynamic conditions.
• Grooming Experience: At least 5 years operating grooming or snowmaking equipment in a mountain environment.
• Equipment Operation: Proficient with industrial grooming equipment; mechanical aptitude is a plus.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to lead crews and coordinate with multiple departments.
• Problem‑Solving: Capable of making sound decisions under pressure; detail‑oriented with strong time management.
• Work Conditions: Able to work nights, extended shifts, and overtime in severe winter weather.
• Preferred: Valid WA driver’s license; skiing/snowboarding ability preferred, but not required.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Minimum of 5 years grooming or snowmaking experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Additional related training or certifications and experience operating heavy machinery in mountain environments are highly beneficial.

Work Environment

This position requires working outdoors in a high‑alpine environment during winter conditions, including cold temperatures, wind, snow, and limited visibility. Grooming shifts typically occur overnight and can extend beyond normal working hours, especially during weather events. The Grooming Team Lead works independently and collaboratively with other departments and must be prepared to manage both physical and mental demands in a remote mountain setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift at least 50 lb (minimum 80 lb noted for occasional tasks).
• Operate grooming equipment for 10+ hours per shift.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, and crouching in snowy or icy conditions.
• Regular visual attention to detail; read reports and use a computer under varying light conditions.
• Regular hearing ability sufficient for radio communication.
• Regular ability to write, type, and use a phone system.

Pay

Pay Range: $19.75 – $24.90 per hour

Schedule

Winter Seasonal, Full‑Time or Part‑Time