Snowmaking Manager

Position Summary

(FTYR, Benefitted Position) The Snowmaking Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational execution of Arizona Snowbowl's snowmaking program. This position oversees all snowmaking personnel, infrastructure, automation systems, and capital improvements to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective snow production aligned with resort goals.

The snowmaking manager collaborates closely with grooming, lift operations, ski patrol, mountain operations, and resort leadership to meet terrain opening targets and operational priorities.

.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Execute seasonal and long-term snowmaking strategy, including terrain opening timelines, production goals, and infrastructure modernization planning.
• Oversee snowmaking equipment operations and maintenance, including safe startup, shutdown, and relocation across terrain, and preventative maintenance programs for pumps, compressors, guns, and vehicles.
• Manage the department's operational software and automation systems, including fleet/trail/metrics tracking, weather data integration, and production efficiency dashboards (water usage, energy consumption, cost per acre-foot).
• Monitor weather conditions (wet-bulb temperature, humidity, and wind) and adjust production plans accordingly.
• Own the department's people strategy: design org structure and staffing plans, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate crew, and build out training curriculum and labor budget proposals for resort leadership.
• Enforce all snowmaking safety protocols, including PPE usage, confined space procedures, and lockout/tagout compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and organize a formal Standard Operating Procedure library for snowmaking operations and infrastructure maintenance, including document standards and a master indexing system.
• Assist with planning and oversight of capital improvement projects, including pipeline expansions, hydrant installations, pump upgrades, and electrical infrastructure.
• Coordinate closely with Grooming and Mountain Operations to align snow depth targets and terrain priorities.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Respond to emergency equipment failures and provide leadership during critical operational situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 5+ years of snowmaking experience with demonstrated leadership progression.
• Strong knowledge of high-pressure water systems, compressed air systems, pump station operations, and automated snowmaking systems.
• Advanced understanding of wet-bulb temperature and snow production metrics.
• Experience managing multi-shift operations (24-hour production environment preferred).
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), GIS mapping, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting software.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills (pumps, valves, hydrants, automation controls).
• Budget management and financial oversight experience.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to make sound operational decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Alertness, decision-making, analytic ability, judgment, concentration, and spatial perception are required.

Education or Formal Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Technical training in snowmaking, industrial maintenance, project management, mechanical systems, or mountain operations preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning and managing capital improvement projects, including utility infrastructure, electrical systems, and mechanical upgrades.
• OSHA, confined space, lockout/tagout, or other industrial safety training.
• Experience developing operational software, dashboards, or digital reporting systems.
• Ability to ski or snowboard in all terrain types

Other Specific Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be available to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations during snowmaking operations.
• Must be able to work outdoors for prolonged periods in severe winter weather
• Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders, work from elevated platforms, and access confined spaces while following established safety procedures.
• Must possess the physical ability to walk long distances over snow-covered and uneven terrain.