Snowmaker I

Snowmaker I

General Purpose:

This team is responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality machine-made snow across the mountain to ensure consistent and safe skiing and riding conditions. Team members will operate a variety of styles of snow guns and snowmaking gear, as well as compressors, water and air hydrants, and high-pressure water and air systems in cold, challenging mountain environments—often at night and in below freezing to subzero conditions.

Snowmaking requires physical endurance, attention to detail, and teamwork. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in freezing temperatures and variable weather, on steep and icy terrain, both day and night.

This is a seasonal position from 11/6/25 to 1/15/26. Dates are subject to change based on the availability of the applicant and needs of the business. This role comes with a free season pass for you and your dependents! For a full list of benefits visit https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/ . 

Job Posting Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment including air/water snow guns, fan guns, valves, and hydrants.
• Set up and maintain snowmaking hoses and lines across mountain terrain.
• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot snowmaking equipment and hydrant systems for optimal performance.
• Work closely with supervisors/leads to meet daily production goals.
• Safely operate snowmobiles, UTVs, and 4x4 vehicles in winter conditions.
• Perform start-up and shutdown of snowmaking systems according to established procedures.
• Maintain clear communication with team members via radio during all shifts.
• Assist with snow cat operators and grooming teams as needed.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance of tools, machinery, and equipment.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist with setup and teardown of snowmaking infrastructure at season start and end.
• Maintain organized snowmaking areas, equipment storage, and workspaces.
• Support other Mountain Operations departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 
Foundational mechanical knowledge of snowmaking, pumps, compressors, and/or pressurized water/air systems preferred, but not required. This role requires physical coordination, strong situational awareness, problem-solving, focus, sound judgment, adaptability, and precision. Additional skills include memory, reasoning, initiative, integrity, an eye for detail, and the ability to identify and respond to auditory and olfactory cues.

Ability to work independently and in teams under minimal supervision. Must be dependable, safety-minded, and physically capable of demanding outdoor work.

Special Certifications/Licensing: Valid Driver’s License

Education or Formal Training: None required. Technical, mechanical, or snowmaking training preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 6 months experience in related activities strongly preferred. 

Working Environment/Physical Activities: 
99% of the workday is spent outdoors in a mountain forest environment, in changing weather conditions including but not limited to: extreme cold and heat, wind, snow, rain, thunder and lightning storms. 30% of the workday is spent standing and 60% is spent walking on uneven terrain. 10% of the workday is spent sitting. 

Frequently lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
Frequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, talking and listening, using near and far acuity depth perception, color and field of vision. Occasionally climbing, crawling, feeling, and smelling.