Director of Mountain Operations

Director of Mountain Operations

Job Description Wage Class/Range:
Group 1, Salaried, Exempt Pay Range: $83,200.00 - $/Annually

Reports to:

General Manager Supervises:
Mountain Operations Departments Status:
Year Round, Full Time Mission Ridge exists to improve the lives of our guests – to fill their hearts with unexplainable joy, freedom, fun, excitement of exploration - all while enhancing and strengthening our community.

Seek first to help
- Dedicated to results
- Optimism in action
- Solution seekers DIRECTOR OF MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Mountain Operations is a key member of the Mission Ridge senior management team and leads all outside operational departments, including Lift Operations, Lift Maintenance, Grooming, Snow making, Terrain Park, Vehicle Maintenance, Ski Patrol, and summer trail and slope construction. The position serves as the central coordination and communication link between mountain operations, revenue departments, company leadership, and supports all company departments and managers.

This role acts as Mission Ridge's liaison to outside and governmental agencies on matters related to ski area operations, including the US Forest Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Parks, Chelan and Kittitas County Sheriff's Offices, local EMS, Chelan County, and local utility companies.

The ideal candidate brings broad, hands-on knowledge of ski area operations, strong planning and budgeting skills, and a steady, solutions-focused leadership style. During winter operations this position works five or more days per week, including weekends, holidays, and some nights, with extended hours as needed. The Director must be available and on call as operations require.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

Operational Readiness:
Prepare and uphold the on-mountain product so that operations open and run on planned dates and times at established levels of quality, safety, and guest service.

Operating Plan and Agency Relations:
Prepare the annual Mission Ridge Operating Plan and submit it to the appropriate agencies on time. Maintain productive working relationships with the US Forest Service and other agencies listed above.

Daily Coordination:
Coordinate daily on-mountain operations through regularly scheduled operational meetings and thorough communication, planning, and organization across all areas of the resort.

Budgeting:
Work with each operational department to establish operating and capital budgets, and support department managers in meeting their budget goals. Monitor performance against budget throughout the year.

Policies and Procedures:
Establish, prepare, and maintain policies and procedures that meet the needs of the company, employees, and guests.

Safety and

Risk Management:

Promote a strong safety culture across all mountain departments and support risk management, emergency response, and incident reporting programs.

Staff Leadership and Development:
Lead, mentor, and evaluate department managers. Support hiring, training, and staff development across Mountain Operations.

Records and Reporting:
Establish and maintain daily operational records and data that support reporting, marketing, and guest services functions.

Capital Projects:
Manage capital projects and on-mountain construction as required, including summer trail and slope projects.

Planning and Strategy:
Actively participate in short-term strategies and long-term company planning, including future mountain development projects.

Conflict Resolution:
Serve as a resource for employee and guest conflict resolution.

Industry Engagement:
Continue education on products, equipment, and industry trends, and represent Mission Ridge at local,…