Snowmaker​/Hill Maintenance

As a Snowmaker with Durango Parks & Recreation, you will help create the winter experience at Chapman Hill by producing and maintaining high-quality snow for skiing and snowboarding. You’ll operate snow making equipment, monitor weather conditions, and keep systems running safely and efficiently. This outdoor role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment—often at night or in the early morning—while playing an important part in bringing winter fun to the community.

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

• Set up, operate, adjust, and maintain snow making equipment including hoses, hydrants, compressors, pumps, and snow guns.
• Manually move, connect, and disconnect high-pressure hoses and water lines throughout the snow making system.
• Inspect and maintain snow making equipment for leaks, damage, or ice buildup. Perform basic maintenance and/or report to supervisor.
• Monitor weather conditions (temperature, humidity, wind) and adjust snow making operations accordingly to achieve desired snow quality as well as start up and shutdown of snow making operations.
• Regularly shovel, drag, and reposition hoses and guns to ensure proper coverage and efficient snow making.
• Perform physically demanding work including carrying heavy hoses, climbing terrain, and operating valves and nozzles in slippery conditions.
• Maintain safe work areas by clearly marking hoses, electrical cords, other potential hazards and following safety protocols.
• Communicate regularly with the Snow making and Grooming Team as well as supervisor to coordinate production and coverage areas.
• Maintain accurate records of snow making operations and weather data.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to hill maintenance, facility preparation, or winter operations.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in snow making, outdoor maintenance, or parks operations (preferred).
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.

• Hands‑on, outdoor work and reliable focus through cold, wet, and changing conditions.
• Strong work ethic, practical mechanical skills, and flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Good communication and ability to work independently and as part of a small team while following safety procedures.

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area.
• Free transit pass.
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.