Snowmaking Lead

The 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.

Job 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.