Patrol 4 Hill Chief

Willamette Pass Resort is looking for an experienced leader to lead our Ski Patrol team weekdays during the 2026/2027 season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage weekday ski patrol operations, including responding to accidents, conducting rescues, and ensuring the safety of guests and staff on the mountain.
• Monitor ski patrol performance and ensure compliance with resort safety policies, industry standards, and local regulations.
• Oversee and coordinate weekday patrol coverage, assignments, and rotations to ensure optimal mountain coverage.
• Maintain accurate records of accidents, incidents, and rescues, and report findings as required by resort policies or regulatory agencies.
• Assist in evaluating incidents for lessons learned and implement improvements in safety protocols.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring ski patrol staff, ensuring they are fully trained in first aid, avalanche rescue, emergency medical protocols, and other relevant skills.
• Assist in scheduling and managing payroll for ski patrol personnel, ensuring appropriate staffing levels during peak times.
• Collaborate with resort management and other departments to implement operational plans for mountain safety, incident response, and emergency management.
• Serve as a liaison between ski patrol staff, resort management, and other departments, ensuring clear and effective communication regarding safety, operations, and incidents.
• Coordinate and participate in mountain safety meetings, debriefings, and incident reviews.
• Assist in public relations efforts related to safety programs and community outreach, including educating guests about safe skiing and snowboarding practices.
• Participate in avalanche control work, including conducting risk assessments, avalanche forecasting, and mitigation techniques, if applicable for the location.
• Maintain knowledge of and adhere to all avalanche safety procedures, equipment, and protocols.
• Patrol assigned areas on skis, vigilantly scanning for any signs of injured or distressed skiers, misplaced equipment, or hazardous conditions.
• Provide immediate first aid and emergency care as needed, administering bandages, splints, CPR or other required treatments promptly and efficiently.
• Conduct thorough and effective search and rescue operations in case of missing persons, utilizing knowledge of the terrain, advanced search techniques, and coordination with other patrol members.
• Erect and position signage, barriers, and flags to clearly delineate safe skiing areas, closed trails, and potential hazard zones, ensuring they are easily visible to skiers and snowboarders.
• Collaborate closely with the ski lift team to ensure the safe and smooth operation of all guests' loading and unloading from the lifts, performing regular safety checks and reporting any concerns immediately.
• Monitor and record changing weather and snow conditions meticulously, providing timely and accurate reports to resort management to aid their decision making in relation to trail openings and closures.

Experience/Qualifications:

• 3 or more years as an Alpine Ski Patroller is preferred
• Membership with the National Ski Patrol
• Minimum of at least 1-2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience in emergency medical care and incident response in a ski resort environment.
• Knowledge of ski patrol operations, safety procedures, avalanche control, and risk management.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills.
• Physical fitness to perform the demands of the role, including outdoor work in challenging weather conditions.

Certifications:

• Outdoor Emergency Care Technician or the ability to achieve prior to 11/01/2025
• Basic Life Support
• Outdoor Emergency Transportation
• Mountain Travel and Rescue (Preferred)
• NSP Avalanche I (Preferred)