Grooming Manager

Job Summary: 
 

The Grooming Manager oversees all management duties, including departmental supervision, adhering to the budget, safety protocols, training, and staffing for the Grooming and Trail Maintenance Departments. This involves planning, assigning, and directing tasks; evaluating performance; recognizing and disciplining employees; handling complaints and resolving issues. This is a full-time, year-round position responsible for trail maintenance and mowing during the summer. Direct supervision is provided by the Senior Manager of Snow Surfaces. Additionally, the manager is responsible for planning, budgeting, and executing summer trail maintenance within the resort's operational boundaries. They receive direct supervision from the Senior Manager of Mountain Operations and the Director of Mountain Operations. 

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $77,968.80 - $92,552 + annual bonus 

• Employment Type: Year Round 

• Shift Type: Full Time hours available 

• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 

• Housing Availability: Yes  

• Outlet: Stevens Pass Mountain Resort 
   

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide direction, leadership, and expertise to the Stevens Pass grooming operation. The Stevens Pass grooming team primarily works overnight shifts. 

• Hire, train, and develop the team in coordination with the fleet maintenance team. 

• Organize and delegate daily workload to the lead groomers to provide clear direction. 

• Communicate daily work updates to Great Resorts Mountain Operations (groomingreports, Mountain Operations, Resort Operations) 

• Oversee performance management and conduct evaluations of the grooming team 

• Ensure compliance with all company and department policies and procedures, including safety guidelines. 

• Manage early-season base area snowmaking operations (very limited 2-guns) 

• Create and oversee departmental budgets while tracking performance to expectations. 

• Occasionally operate heavy equipment as required, such as snow removal equipment, 
  excavators, forklifts, and mowing equipment. 

• Lead staff meetings and promote effective communication within the grooming, fleet, and 
  terrain park maintenance teams. 

• Collaborate closely with grooming operations to support fleet functionality and achieve resort grooming goals. 

• Ensure compliance with VRI Company policies regarding property loss, workers’ compensation, regulations, industry standards, and equipment operation. 

• Maintain current training, OSHA standards, Hazmat protocols, SDS documentation, and fuel storage procedures for year-round operation. 

• Plan and manage departmental and capital budgets to keep the department well-prepared. 

• Manage the team—hiring, training, enforcing policies, managing performance, documenting, and following safety protocols. 

• Provide talent recruitment, hiring, training, and leadership for the team. 

• Develop and review training requirements for operators. 

• Oversee goal setting, development plans, and performance reviews for all departmental 
  staff. 

• Coordinate employee scheduling to ensure resort readiness throughout the week and season. 

• Build strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders outside direct reports, including the mountain operation team, resort leadership, and senior leadership. 

• Actively participate in the Stevens Pass Mountain Operations Team. 

• Manage or assist the snow removal winter equipment operator team. 

• Lead and train all equipment operators—snow cats, snow removal, terrain park, summer operators—in proper use and maintenance. 

• Lead and manage environmental initiatives, such as alternative fuels, fuel conservation, and efficiency improvements. 

• Promote the grooming culture and overall Vail Resorts culture to maximize employee engagement—creating a memorable experience for staff and ensuring they deliver it to guests. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager of Operations, Director of Mountain Operations, and General Manager. 

 
Job Requirements: 

• High School education or equivalent 

• Previous experience as a groomer or winch cat operator 

• Previous mechanical or heavy equipment experience 

• Advanced knowledge of resort trail network, snow characteristics and grooming equipment 

• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather 

• Minimum 3 years in supervising staff in some type of capacity 

• Must have basic computer skills 

• Advanced skier/snowboarder with the ability to inspect all terrain