A snowmaking technician is a field-based role focused on the maintenance and reliability of snowmaking
equipment, including fan guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems. While they
don't direct snow production, they ensure all equipment is properly positioned, functioning, and ready to
perform before, during, and after snowmaking operations. Technicians work closely with shift leads,
supervisors, and the snowmaking manager to keep the operation running safely and efficiently in
demanding outdoor conditions.
Job Description
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on all snowmaking equipment, fan
guns, pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and control systems
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues across all snowmaking
components
Respond rapidly to equipment failures during active production windows to minimize downtime
Identify and address wear, leaks, malfunctions, and safety hazards before they impact operations
Service equipment regularly, including lubrication, nozzle replacement, valve checks, hose
management, and seasonal repairs
Coordinate with controllers and supervisors to respond to alarms and system anomalies through
the automated control system
Operate snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles to access repair sites across rugged
mountain terrain
Assist with seasonal setup and teardown, ensuring all equipment is correctly placed and fully
operational
Train Snowmaker IIs and motivated Snowmaker Is on maintenance fundamentals and proper
equipment handling
Coordinate with grooming, lift ops, and ski patrol to maintain safe work zones during repairs
Maintain accurate records of all maintenance performed, parts used, and equipment issues
reported
Comply with all safety protocols, lockout/tagout, PPE, and safe handling of pressurized air and
water systems
Record time in Paycom at the start and end of every shift, verify entries daily, and confirm your
timecard at the close of each pay period
Perform weekly pumphouse inspections both on the mountain and on the supply line to ensure
proper functionality and identify any issues in a timely manner
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age
Valid driver's License with a clean driving record
High School Diploma or equivalent
1-2 years of experience in on-hill snowmaking operations, mechanical maintenance, or similar
fieldwork
Basic to intermediate mechanical aptitude with the ability to use hand and power tools safely and
effectively
Familiarity with snowmaking systems and equipment, fan guns, hydrants, valves, high-pressure
hoses, and pumps
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and fix mechanical issues
independently or with minimal supervision
Commitment to safety protocols, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and radio procedures
Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to work 10-12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; longer shifts may be
required
Capable of lifting up to 80 lbs and performing strenuous physical tasks on steep, icy, or uneven
terrain
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of 480V-powered fan guns
Experience with plumbing, hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems
Technical training or certifications in mountain operations or equipment maintenance
Comfortable operating snowmobiles, snowcats, UTVs, and tracked vehicles (training provided as
needed)
On-call availability during active snowmaking windows
Experience working at high altitude (Flagstaff sits above 9,000 ft)
CPR/First Aid certification
Material and Equipment Directly Used:
Flashlights, radios, a 1/2-ton pickup truck, UTVs, tracked UTVs, 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:
The majority of the workday is spent outdoors at night in a mountain environment, in constantly
changing weather conditions that include extreme cold, snow, and wetness. 25% of the time is
spent sitting (riding in a tracked vehicle), 55% walking and 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 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) for six hours of the workday.
With hearing protection, noise levels reach approximately 71 decibels. Wearing ear protection is
required when making snow on the hill.
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 from extreme cold, as well as sleep deprivation from shift hours.