Trail Maintenance Project Team

Description

Trail Maintenance Project Team

General Purpose:

This year-round position is responsible for constructing, maintaining, and improving both ski and downhill bike trails during the summer season (anticipated season length April 1 – November 1), performing duties such as heavy equipment operation, vegetation clearing, sawyer work, trail building, and various improvement tasks that align with wildland firefighting, forest service, and trail maintenance techniques. During the winter season (anticipated season length November 1 – April 1), the role transitions to winter operations, supporting departments such as Lift Maintenance, Trails/Slopes Maintenance, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Engineering, and Grounds Maintenance. The employee will ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations in all assigned duties, adhering to both resort policies and relevant legal requirements throughout the year.

Compensation & Benefits:
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 **Summer Pay Rate (April 1 – October 1):** \$21.00 – \$30.00 per hour (DEO)
 **Winter Pay Rate (November 1 – April 1):** \$16.00 – \$30.00 per hour (DEO)

•  Overtime is calculated in compliance with federal and state (Colorado) wage laws, using either a blended rate or the highest applicable rate.
• This is a Full-Time, Year-Round position that offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K options , and a free season pass  for you and your dependents.
• All full-time, year-round positions are eligible for an annual bonus in addition to regular wages.
• For a full list of benefits, visit [https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/](https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/).

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:  

Summer Trails Maintenance (April 1 – November 1)

• Construct, maintain, and improve ski, hiking, and downhill bike trails and snowmaking systems
• Remove and clear trees, pick up and remove rocks, and address other trail debris.
• Maintain and repair wooden features on trails.
• Build and maintain water diversion structures (e.g., water bars) to protect trails from erosion.
• Skid felled trees from trails, pile slash in preparation for burn, and properly dispose of debris.
• May Operate heavy equipment for earthmoving and erosion control.
• Re-vegetate hillsides by planting grasses or spreading seed.
• Check and maintain safety equipment daily; report hazards to the supervisor.
• All other duties as assigned.

Winter Operations (November 1 – April 1) During the winter season, you will work in **one** of the following departments based on operational needs and your skill set:

• Lift Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance checks and repairs on ski lifts, ensuring safe transport of guests
• Trails/Slopes Maintenance: Maintain slopes for winter sports, including grooming and managing snow features.
• Ski Patrol: Support Mountain safety, enforce ski area policies, assist with medical/rescue operations and monitor snow conditions.
• Lift Operations: Operate ski lifts, monitor loading/unloading zones, and provide guest assistance while adhering to safety standards.
• Engineering: Assist with engineering projects, troubleshooting resort  infrastructure, and conducting preventative maintenance.
• Grounds Maintenance: Clear snow around walkways, parking lots, and resort facilities, and perform general winter maintenance tasks.
• All winter roles require:
  • Familiarity with cold-weather safety practices and personal protective equipment.
  • Compliance with resort policies, including guest services and safety protocols.
  • Collaboration with other departments to ensure smooth daily operations.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Familiarity with trail maintenance procedures, heavy equipment operation, or related wildland/forest service tasks (summer).
• Basic mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining chainsaws, brush saws, and small construction/farming equipment. Flail mower, skidder, loaders, telehandlers and bulldozers experience a plus.
• At least 1 year of chainsaw operation experience preferred
• Ability to identify and mitigate safety hazards in outdoor, high-noise environments.
• Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and field conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Education and Experience: ​​

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Previous experience in wildland firefighting, logging, landscaping, or trail maintenance strongly preferred (summer).
• Winter operations experience (e.g., ski patrol, lift maintenance, grooming) is highly desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License (Colorado or ability to obtain).
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
• S-212 or equivalent Chainsaw Certification preferred.

Working Environment/Physical Activities:

• The majority of summer work occurs outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, high altitude).
• Winter work may involve prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions.
• Frequent standing, bending, walking, kneeling, and lifting objects (up to 50–100 lbs.) on uneven terrain.
• Potential exposure to mechanical hazards, vibration, fumes, dust, and other environmental factors.
• Must be physically capable of hiking, operating machinery, and following safety protocols in remote or mountainous locations.

Salary : $21 - $30