Winch Snowcat Operator

This is a seasonal position. Hours are variable up to 40 per week depending on department need. Final Day

To Apply:

10/02/2026 It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs! Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction. Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

GENERAL PURPOSE Operates winch snowcats and other grooming equipment to build, groom, and maintain ski jumps, steep terrain, and competition surfaces at Howelsen Hill. Performs highly skilled, technical snow grooming tasks in support of Alpine, Nordic, freestyle, and special event operations. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Howelsen Hill Supervisor and Grooming/Slope Foreman. SUPERVISION EXERCISED May occasionally provide guidance or oversight to less experienced grooming staff.

• Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds City values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while practicing safety at all times.
• Operates winch snowcats safely and in accordance with Parks & Recreation and City Fleet Department standards.
• Builds, grooms, and maintains all jumps within the ski jump complex, ensuring surfaces meet FIS standards.
• Performs technical grooming on steep terrain including the Face of Howelsen Hill and additional runs as needed.
• Moves and shapes machine‑made snow to create skiable surfaces and training features.
• Builds freestyle mogul courses, jumps, and additional snow features for training and competition purposes.
• Operates other snowcats to support Alpine and Nordic grooming tasks when required.
• Works daytime, nighttime, weekend, and holiday shifts to support the operational needs of Howelsen Hill.

Seasonal position requiring availability for daytime, nighttime, weekend, and holiday shifts.

• Eligible for either a $1.50/hour end-of-season bonus or a Steamboat Resort Merchant Pass for employees averaging 20+ hours weekly (employee choice).
• All Howelsen Hill employees may participate in the Real Deal, allowing skiing at most Colorado ski areas.

• Education and Experience:
  
  High school diploma or GED equivalent; and Three (3) years of experience related to grooming and winch cat operations.
• Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Knowledge of winch cat operation, grooming techniques, and snow feature construction. Skill in operating various types of snowcats, particularly in steep terrain and jump construction. Ability to operate grooming equipment safely; follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively; and maintain strong working relationships with co-workers, other departments, and the public.

• Valid State of Colorado driver’s license.

• Winch snowcats, Alpine and Nordic snowcats, grooming implements, snow feature tools, radios, and winter protective gear.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, and use hands to operate tools and machinery.
• Frequently lifts up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts more than 100 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to work on steep, slippery terrain and occasionally ski or snowboard as part of operational duties.

• Work is performed outdoors in extreme winter weather, including snow, cold, ice, wind, and nighttime conditions.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, wet/humid conditions, and loud noise.
• May work at heights, near fumes or airborne particles, and around electrical hazards.
• Weekends and holidays frequently required.

Formal application; rating…