Mountain Operations Manager

Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round Reports To: General Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mountain Operations Manager to lead all on-mountain operations at a small Pennsylvania ski resort. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for snowmaking, grooming, lift operations, ski patrol, and mountain safety.

The ideal candidate is a working manager who thrives in marginal weather, understands East Coast snowmaking realities, and is comfortable making real-time operational decisions that directly impact guest experience, safety, and season length.

Core Responsibilities

Snowmaking & Grooming

Lead all snowmaking operations, including system start-up, shutdown, and production including overnight production

Maximize limited cold weather windows to build and maintain durable snow surfaces

Manage water, air, and electrical usage efficiently

Manage and train staff to operate all @types of snowmaking equipment at highest efficiency possible and as practical

Move snow with grooming equipment to maximize snow coverage with available snow

Coordinate grooming plans to preserve base, manage surface conditions, and recover from wet, warm, ice and very cold weather conditions

Work directly with and schedule staff for snowmaking and grooming crews during production periods

Maintain and repair or supervise repair of snow grooming equipment (Pisten Bully), snowmobile fleet, side by sides, quads, excavator, vehicles and other equipment

Maintain and repair or supervise repair of snowmaking equipment including, pumps, compressors, airless snow guns, air water snow guns, hydrants, electrical disconnects and switch gear and supply lines for water, air and electric.

Lift Operations & Maintenance

Oversee daily lift operations, staffing, and inspections

Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Labor and Industry inspections in accordance with AMSI B77

Coordinate annual inspections, testing, and required documentation required from state and insurance program for lifts and haul lines

Work with third-party contractors for maintenance and repairs as required

Troubleshoot mechanical issues as needed

Oversee fixed-grip chairlifts (Borvig & Partek), surface lifts (Magic Carpet & SunKid) including maintenance and repair of mechanical, electronic and technology related components

Maintain and repair safety circuits and drives for all lifts

Maintain and repair the communication lines on all lifts

Maintain and prepare all unloading and loading areas of all lifts

Maintain and repair Axess gates at lifts

Ski Patrol & Mountain Safety

Supervise with General Manager ski patrol operations (paid and/or volunteer)

Ensure safe trail setup, signage, fencing, and night skiing visibility

Lead emergency response coordination with Patrol, Mountain operations staff, local EMS and fire departments a required

Review incidents and maintain accurate safety documentation

Staff Leadership & Scheduling

Hire, train, and supervise seasonal and year-round mountain operations staff

Develop and continue training in place for all outside mountain operations

Develop supervisors and lead by example on the hill

Manage scheduling with limited staffing and fluctuating weather

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork

Planning, Budgeting & Off-Season Work

Assist in seasonal operating and capital planning

Manage departmental budgets and control operating costs

Prepare for inspections, audits, and seasonal start-up

Qualifications & Experience

Required

5+ years of ski area operations experience

Strong background in snowmaking, grooming, lift operations, heavy equipment operation, general construction and equipment mechanics

Proven leadership experience with small teams

Solid mechanical and troubleshooting skills

Ability to work long, irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Comfortable with operating in cold, wet, and physically demanding environments

Preferred

Prior experience at a small East Coast or Pennsylvania ski area

Knowledge of freeze--thaw snow management

Lift operations, snowmaking and grooming experience

First responder or emergency management training

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $75,000 -- $95,000 (commensurate with experience)

Performance-based incentives tied to season length, snowmaking efficiency, and safety

Season pass and family benefits

Equipment and food discounts

Continuing education through industry associations, national, state and regional seminars and conferences and other training as needed.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Reliable, consistent snow surfaces despite variable weather

Safe, efficient mountain operations

Maximized skiable days each season

Strong morale among operations staff

Positive guest feedback related to conditions and safety

Strong and Professional Leadership skills

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter to Lori@ski-bigbear.com outlining relevant ski area operations experience and leadership background.

Ski Big Bear

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Mountain Operations Manager