Snowmaking Technician

A snowmaking technician is a field-based role focused on the maintenance and reliability of snowmaking

equipment, including fan guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems. While they

don't direct snow production, they ensure all equipment is properly positioned, functioning, and ready to

perform before, during, and after snowmaking operations. Technicians work closely with shift leads,

supervisors, and the snowmaking manager to keep the operation running safely and efficiently in

demanding outdoor conditions.

Job Description

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on all snowmaking equipment, fan

guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems

Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues across all snowmaking

components

Respond rapidly to equipment failures during active production windows to minimize downtime

Identify and address wear, leaks, malfunctions, and safety hazards before they impact operations

Service equipment regularly, including lubrication, nozzle replacement, valve checks, hose

management, and seasonal repairs

Coordinate with controllers and supervisors to respond to alarms and system anomalies through

the automated control system

Operate snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles to access repair sites across rugged

mountain terrain

Assist with seasonal setup and teardown, ensuring all equipment is correctly placed and fully

operational

Train Snowmaker IIs and motivated Snowmaker Is on maintenance fundamentals and proper

equipment handling

Coordinate with grooming, lift ops, and ski patrol to maintain safe work zones during repairs

Maintain accurate records of all maintenance performed, parts used, and equipment issues

reported

Comply with all safety protocols, lockout/tagout, PPE, and safe handling of pressurized air and

water systems

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

Perform weekly pumphouse inspections both on the mountain and on the supply line to ensure

proper functionality and identify any issues in a timely manner

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age

Valid driver's License with a clean driving record

High School Diploma or equivalent

1-2 years of experience in on-hill snowmaking operations, mechanical maintenance, or similar

fieldwork

Basic to intermediate mechanical aptitude with the ability to use hand and power tools safely and

effectively

Familiarity with snowmaking systems and equipment, fan guns, hydrants, valves, high-pressure

hoses, and pumps

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and fix mechanical issues

independently or with minimal supervision

Commitment to safety protocols, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and radio procedures

Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to work 10-12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; longer shifts may be

required

Capable of lifting up to 80 lbs and performing strenuous physical tasks on steep, icy, or uneven

terrain

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of 480V-powered fan guns

Experience with plumbing, hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems

Technical training or certifications in mountain operations or equipment maintenance

Comfortable operating snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles (training provided as

needed)

On-call availability during active snowmaking windows

Experience working at high altitude (Flagstaff sits above 9,000 ft)

CPR/First Aid certification

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

Flashlights, radios, a 1/2-ton pickup truck, 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 the hill.

Frequently using far acuity, depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision.

Frequent exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards. Occasional hazards include exposed

work sites, burns, and frostbite from extreme cold, as well as sleep deprivation from shift hours.