Snowmaking Lead

Job DetailsJob Location: Arizona Snowbowl - FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86002Position Type: SeasonalThe Snowmaking Shift Lead is a critical on-hill leadership role responsible for directing the crew and
driving safe, efficient, high-quality snow production across the mountain. This role coordinates
workloads, responds to changing weather conditions, and communicates closely with Grooming, Lift
Operations, and other departments to keep the mountain running.
When the snowmaking supervisor is not on shift, the shift lead is in charge, owning all production
decisions, crew management, and safety enforcement, with a direct line to the snowmaking manager when
situations require escalation.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

● Lead and supervise the snowmaking crew during assigned shifts, ensuring safe and efficient
operations in line with resort standards
● Assume full operational authority on the hill in the absence of the Snowmaking supervisor,
making independent production decisions, managing crew priorities, and maintaining continuity
for the duration of the shift
● Contact the Snowmaking Manager directly for situations that exceed shift-level authority,
including major equipment failures, safety incidents, or personnel issues
● Monitor and operate SmartSnow 7 and automated/manual snowmaking systems to produce
consistent, high-quality snow
● Interpret wet-bulb temperature, humidity, and wind conditions in real time to adjust snowmaking
strategy and maximize output
● Plan, set up, relocate, monitor, and shut down snow guns and equipment based on terrain and
weather needs
● Maintain full knowledge of the mountain's snowmaking system layout: pumphouses, hydrants,
valves, electrical boxes, and terrain
● Conduct routine inspections and maintenance on all snowmaking equipment and systems
● Monitor and maintain gun run conditions, including ice buildup, hose clearance, and proper
padding
● Lead vehicle checkouts at the start of each shift; log and coordinate any issues with Arizona
Snowbowl mechanics
● Operate snowmobiles, UTVs, tracked UTVs, and snowcats per Arizona Snowbowl operating
manuals
● Enforce all safety protocols, including PPE, Lockout/Tagout compliance, and proper equipment
handling
● Prevent damage to natural and resort features, including trees, lifts, buildings, and sensitive
terrain

● Train and mentor Snowmaker IIs and Snowmaker Is on production techniques, safety procedures,
and resort protocols
● Lead shift handoffs, communicating production status, equipment conditions, terrain priorities,
and outstanding issues to the incoming crew
● Collaborate with Grooming, Lift Operations, Terrain Parks, and Ski Patrol to maintain safe and
effective mountain operations
● Promote responsible use of water, electricity, and fuel in line with resort sustainability goals
● 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.

QualificationsJob 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
● 2–4 years of on-hill snowmaking experience with demonstrated competence
● 1–2 years of hands-on knowledge of pump operations and automated systems
● Ability to ski or snowboard in all terrain types; must pass an on-hill ski/snowboard evaluation
● Must pass written and driving tests for snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, tracked UTVs, and snowcats
● Intermediate mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot minor and major
equipment malfunctions
● Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to make independent operational
decisions under pressure
● 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 crew leadership experience in snowmaking or mountain operations
● Snowcat or heavy equipment operating experience
● Technical training or certifications in mountain operations or equipment maintenance
● Familiarity with high-altitude work environments
● 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 that include 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.
● Frequently engaging in radio transmission.
● 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-hill.
● Frequently using far acuity, depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision.
● Frequent exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards.