Snowmaking Crew Lead

Job Details:

Job Location:

Purgatory Resort - DURANGO, CO 81301, Position Type:
Seasonal, Salary Range: $27.00 - $28.00 Hourly, Snow making Crew Lead

The Snow making Crew Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating snow making crews in the safe and efficient production of machine-made snow across assigned areas of the mountain. This position provides direct field leadership to Snowmaker I, II, and III employees and is responsible for crew organization, terrain assignments, equipment deployment, safety, communication, and execution of daily snow making objectives.

Snow making Crew Leads work closely with Snowmakers, Pumphouse Operators, the Snow making Foreman, and the Snow making Maintenance & Operations Supervisor to coordinate system startup and shutdown, changing production priorities, equipment operation, and field response to changing weather and system conditions. Crew Leads are expected to maintain strong situational awareness across assigned terrain, make sound operational decisions, identify and respond to developing problems, and ensure employees are following established procedures and safety requirements.

This position requires strong snow making knowledge, leadership, communication, organization, mechanical aptitude, and independent decision‑making. Crew Lead must be capable of leading crews in challenging and rapidly changing conditions while balancing employee safety, equipment protection, snow quality, production efficiency, and operational priorities. Previous professional snow making experience and demonstrated leadership ability are required.

This is a seasonal position. Dates are subject to change based on weather, snow making needs, applicant availability, and the needs of the business. This role comes with a free season pass for you and your dependents. For a full list of benefits, visit the Purgatory employee benefits page. https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

• Lead and coordinate Snowmaker I, II, and III employees across assigned terrain to safely and efficiently meet daily snow making objectives.
• Assign personnel, terrain, equipment, and work priorities within assigned crews based on the established snow making plan, weather conditions, system availability, and operational needs.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate production goals, terrain assignments, system conditions, safety concerns, and changing priorities to the crew.
• Coordinate snow making system startup, shutdown, and operational changes with Pumphouse Operators and Snow making leadership.
• Monitor weather conditions, wet‑bulb temperature, wind, snow quality, coverage, system conditions, and equipment performance and adjust field operations as necessary.
• Maintain awareness of crew locations, work progress, equipment status, and operating conditions across assigned terrain throughout the shift.
• Ensure proper operation, adjustment, draining, shutdown, and freeze protection of snow making equipment.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and coordinate response to equipment, hydrant, hose, and other field operational problems.
• Recognize abnormal system conditions and promptly communicate pressure, flow, air, equipment, or other system concerns with Pumphouse Operators and Snow making leadership.
• Make sound field decisions regarding equipment deployment, snow production, crew movement, and changing operating conditions within established procedures and department priorities.
• Enforce department safety procedures, PPE requirements, radio protocols, and established operating procedures.
• Stop or modify work when conditions present an unacceptable safety risk to employees, equipment, or mountain…