Mountain Operations Manager - Giants Ridge

Compensation Amount:

68,000.00 USD Annual

Job Summary:

The Mountain Operations Manager oversees the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of the mountain at Giants Ridge. This position manages all aspects of lift operations, lift maintenance, snowmaking, grooming, trail maintenance, vehicle and equipment maintenance. The Mountain Operations Manager works closely with other Directors and Managers across the facility to ensure a safe, efficient, and guest-focused mountain environment. This position reports directly to the Director of Mountain Operations.

Job Description:

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and maintains maintenance plans and logs for all Mountain Operations areas.
• Ensures seasonal maintenance is completed well before operational start dates.
• Provides supervisors and managers with resources, tools, and staffing needed to meet operational goals.
• Prepares, monitors, and manages operational and long-range capital budgets.
• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, and evaluates year-round and seasonal Mountain Operations staff.
• Coordinates with accounting to purchase equipment, materials, and supplies in alignment with budget guidelines.
• Review and approves payroll for accuracy and timely submission.
• Oversees employee safety compliance and partners with Risk Management to ensure guest safety across all mountain areas.
• Collaborates with contractors, municipalities, trail organizations, and other public entities as needed.
• Participates in industry training, conferences, and events to maintain current knowledge and best practices.
• Works with the Director of Mountain Operations to plan and manage capital improvement projects.
• Partners with the Director of Recreation to ensure facilities and terrain are prepared for both daily guests and special events.
• Serves as Manager on Duty, as scheduled.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skill and Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or three (3) to five (5) years related experience and/or training related to snowmaking, fleet maintenance, lift maintenance, grooming and mountain safety; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Graduated from an accredited Ski Area Management Program, preferred.
• Three (3) years supervisory experience in mountain operations or related field.
• Proven leadership skills in the area of staff development, organization and collaboration. 
• Reading and writing work-related documents in English.  Ability to read and understand technical manuals, diagrams and instructions. 
• Extensive knowledge of detachable and fixed grip chair lifts.
• Industry qualification including but not limited to Cutter Camp and Lift Maintenance Certification.
• Experience with OSHA compliance as well as extensive mountain safety experience.
• Knowledge of mountain bike park maintenance and operation.
• General construction experience.
• Basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Suite.  Ability to learn and implement new computer program systems. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lead people, manage time and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effective present information and respond to question from groups of supervisors, clients, guests and the general public.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid State of Minnesota Class D Driver’s License.
• Self-motivated and able to work outdoors in all types of weather. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work extended hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.
• Must have the ability to walk, hike, stand, climb and balance on variable, uneven terrain.
• Ability to safely operate snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles on difficult, uneven terrain.
• Lifting, carrying and pushing up to twenty-five (25) pounds regularly, thirty (30) to fifty (50) pounds frequently, and up to seventy-five (75) pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays as business needs dictate.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties. 

Equipment Used

• Mechanical Tools
• Telephone
• Two-way radio
• Company Vehicle(s)
• Snowmobile and ATV
• Pool safety and rescue equipment
• Various office equipment including computers
• Specialized electronics and related software.

Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services, Inc., is Minnesota’s premier year-rou