Snowmaker II

Description

(FT or PT, Winter Seasonal Position) 

General Purpose

Competently operate snowmaking equipment, safely, in order to make machine-produced snow to provide the highest quality skiing experience for Arizona Snowbowl guests, as a part of the snowmaking team. This position is weather dependent and has a fluctuating schedule based on necessary work and conditions.

Qualifications

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Know the area of the mountain covered by the snowmaking system - locations of pumphouse, hydrants, valves, boxes, layout of the snowmaking system, and the general terrain
• Properly operate and care for all equipment used, such as trucks, snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, pumps, snow guns, hoses, valves, hydrants, radios and lights.
• Maintain snowmaking closures and padding around all snowmaking equipment.
• Operate high-voltage equipment and high pressure water systems utilizing appropriate safety precautions.
• Ensure no damage to trees, lifts, buildings, or vehicles.
• Practice appropriate snowmaking procedures to produce the best quality of snow, safely. Know the various types of man-made snow, when and how each type is used, gun placement and articulation, hose movement, and operation of different guns.
• Set up, assist in moving, monitor and adjust snowmaking guns.
• Proper shutdown of equipment and move equipment to new site.
• Dismantle and put equipment away.
• Check safety equipment daily for proper function. Use all safety equipment and procedures at all times
• Report to work wearing appropriate cold weather clothing and footwear.
• Comply with all Mountain Operations and Snowmaking safety procedures.
• Working with and assisting various Mountain Operations departments such as Grooming Terrain Park and Lift Operations.
• Keep the lines of communication open with other mountain team members, such as Grooming, Lift Operations, and Ski Patrol to avoid hazards and maintain safe ski area operations.
• Complete daily work, maintenance and safety logs
• Operate snowmobiles as directed by the Arizona Snowbowl Snowmobile Manual

Other Responsibilities

• Complete necessary paperwork such as fuel logs, repair orders, timecards, in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Basic mechanical skills.
• Alertness, precision, initiative, ingenuity, common sense, decision-making, problem-solving, analytic ability, judgment, patience, concentration, spatial perception, creativity, auditory, tactile, and visual  are necessary mental abilities.
• 6 months to 1 year of job-specific work experience with demonstrated competence. Previous skiing knowledge of the area and snowmaking systems is helpful. 
• Must have the mechanical ability to troubleshoot and/or recognize minor snowmaking equipment malfunctions.
• Must be able to learn basic operating skills for Smart Snow and the automated component of the snowmaking system (i.e. Smart Snow)
• Must be able to pass a written and driving test for snowmobiles.
• Must be able to learn how to operate pumping facilities
• Requires interpersonal skills to work closely with other snowmakers.

Education or Formal Training: 

• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record is required to operate vehicles on roads on Snowbowl property.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Other Specific Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as well as swing and/or night shifts.
• Must be able to work up to 12 hour shifts

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

Flashlights, radios, 1/2 ton pick-up truck, UTV’s, Tracked UTV’s, 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:

90% of the workday is spent outdoors at night in mountain environment, in constantly changing

weather conditions to include extreme cold, snow, and wet. 35% of the time is spent sitting (riding in a tracked vehicle), 45% walking, 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 pushing and/or pulling objects weighing up to 150 pounds, and lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 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) six hours of the workday. With hearing protection noise levels reach approximately 71 decibels. 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 due to extreme cold and sleep deprivation from shift hours. Ability to ski or snowboard preferred.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.