Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Reports To: General Manager

Position Type: Seasonal Full Time (November-April)

Help Create the Next Generation of Cochran's Kids

Cochran's Ski Area is more than a ski hill. We are a nonprofit community dedicated to providing affordable skiing and riding opportunities while helping young people build confidence, responsibility, independence, and lifelong connections through outdoor recreation.

We are looking for energetic, dependable, team-oriented individuals who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Whether you're interested in working outdoors, helping guests, making snow, grooming trails, teaching skiing, supporting events, operating lifts, serving in the lodge, or growing into a future leadership role, we'd love to meet you.

What Makes Cochran's Different?

At Cochran's, everyone contributes.

Unlike larger ski resorts where employees often work in a single department, our team members work together across many areas of mountain operations. A typical day may include helping guests, operating a lift, supporting an event, making snow, cleaning the lodge, assisting with lessons, stocking supplies, moving fencing, shoveling snow, or helping prepare the mountain for opening.

We hire people for their attitude, work ethic, and commitment to our mission. Training is provided, and opportunities for advancement are available for individuals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to our values.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager serves as the primary operational leader during the winter season. This position manages daily operations, staff scheduling, operational execution, employee supervision, safety plan administration, and Ski Patrol coordination.

This is a working supervisor role that operates alongside staff in snowmaking, grooming, lift operations, maintenance, guest services, events, volunteer activities, and other mountain operations.

Daily Mountain Operations

· Manage daily mountain operations.

· Coordinate opening and closing procedures.

· Monitor mountain conditions, staffing levels, guest needs, and operational priorities.

· Adjust daily operating plans as needed based on weather, snow conditions, staffing, events, and safety considerations.

· Support smooth coordination between snowmaking, grooming, lifts, guest services, snack bar, facilities, volunteers, and Ski Patrol.

Staff Scheduling & Supervision

· Create and manage staff schedules.

· Supervise seasonal employees and volunteers.

· Coordinate training and safety expectations for seasonal staff.

· Provide operational coverage during staffing shortages.

· Help create coverage plans that allow staff to take needed time off during the busy winter season.

Safety Plan Administration

· Assist the General Manager with developing, implementing, and enforcing the Cochran's Ski Area Safety Plan.

· Conduct routine safety checks of operational areas, trails, lifts, facilities, public spaces, and employee work areas.

· Ensure employees and volunteers follow established safety procedures.

· Identify and report unsafe conditions and help coordinate corrective action.

· Support incident response, incident documentation, follow-up, and communication with the General Manager.

· Assist with emergency preparedness, safety training, and operational readiness.

Ski Patrol Coordination & Scheduling

· Serve as the day-to-day operational liaison for Ski Patrol.

· Develop and manage Ski Patrol schedules to ensure appropriate mountain coverage.

· Coordinate Ski Patrol coverage for regular operating hours, races, events, programs, and special activities.

· Communicate daily mountain conditions, operational changes, and safety concerns with Ski Patrol personnel.

· Monitor Ski Patrol coverage and work with the General Manager to address gaps or additional staffing needs.

· Support Ski Patrol volunteers and help ensure they have the resources and information needed to perform their duties.

Hands-On Mountain Operations

· Participate directly in snowmaking operations.

· Participate directly in grooming operations.

· Assist with lift operations, maintenance, guest services, and event support as needed.

· Help troubleshoot operational issues during storms, peak periods, and staffing shortages.

· Work alongside staff and volunteers to maintain safe, efficient, and mission-focused operations.

Qualifications

· Supervisory experience preferred.

· Strong leadership skills.

· Ability to perform physical work in winter conditions.

· Strong communication, scheduling, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to lead calmly and effectively during changing weather, staffing, and operating conditions.

· Experience with ski area operations, safety procedures, Ski Patrol coordination, snowmaking, grooming, or lift operations preferred.

Pay: $5,000.00 - $8,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person

Salary : $5,000 - $8,000