Winter Ski Trail Groomer

Career Opportunities with Paul Smith's College

A great place to work.

Career Opportunities at Paul Smith's College

Status: Temporary/ Seasonal, Non-exempt, ON CALL

Department: Visitor’s Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: Trails and Facilities Manager

Salary: $22.00/hour

The Winter Trail Groomer position maintains and grooms 25 miles of trails for various winter activities, including recreational and competitive skiing and snowshoeing. The primary duties are operating and maintaining grooming equipment (snowmobiles, snow cats, etc.). Work hours will include weekends and night shifts. Flexibility in scheduling is essential, as work hours will vary depending on weather conditions and event needs.

• Prepare groomed trail surfaces for a variety of configurations and uses including recreational and competitive events for skate, classic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Operate grooming equipment safely and efficiently including tracked ATV’s and UTV’s, snowmobiles, drag and roller equipment, and a snow cat (Piston Bully 100) with dual track setters and a 12-way blade.
• Perform routine, daily maintenance checks on equipment prior to utilization.
• Conduct necessary repairs to equipment as needed to ensure safe and reliable equipment, and a well‑maintained trail system.
• Operate power saw and hand tools to improve trails including the use of chainsaws, pole saws, and snow shovels.
• Collaborate with college staff and others to plan and implement winter trail races and events
• Implement daily, seasonal, short and long‑term maintenance plans in coordination with supervisor for equipment, tools, snow cat barn, and trail infrastructure.
• Coordinate with supervisor for budgeting and purchasing tools, equipment, fluids, and maintenance items for equipment.
• Daily inspection of trail system mitigating safety and comfort concerns including trail surface and tree management. Assessment and repair including shoveling trailside benches and stocking trailside outhouses. Installation and monitoring of trail way finding signage and race signage as needed.
• Manage the on‑site needs of the grooming operation including general upkeep of workspace, fuel and fluids, signage, and providing a published daily grooming report.

• Demonstrated experience in operating heavy equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Nordic skiing, its various disciplines, and the varieties of groomed terrain that support it.
• Desire and ability to operate power saw and hand tools to improve trails including the use of chainsaws, pole saws, and snow shovels.
• Knowledge of and desire to maintain safety at the workplace regarding power tools, heavy equipment, and risk in the outdoor winter environment.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and evening work a must.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.

• 2-years’ experience operating and maintaining Nordic ski grooming equipment including a Piston Bully 100, snowmobiles, ATV, and UTV’s.
• Proficiency in preparation of groomed trail surfaces for a variety of configurations and uses including recreational and competitive events for skate, classic cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of event preparation including placement of appropriate signage, V-Boards, flagging and grooming to produce desired race configurations.
• Preferably certified in, or willing to obtain the following certifications:
  Wilderness First Responder, CPR and First Aid, valid driver’s license, chainsaw safety certifications, heavy equipment operator certifications.

Environmental Conditions?

The Work of this position is primarily performed outdoors. Seasonal temperatures should…