What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automotive and Small Engine Mechanic position at Lutsen Mountains?
Position: Automotive and Small Engine Mechanic
Internal Title: Mountain Mechanic
Department: Mountain Operations
Location: Lutsen Mountains
Reports To: Mountain Operations Manager
Type: Full-time Year-round
Compensation: based heavily on experience and skill level
- Entry – Intermediate Wage: $22-$27
- Intermediate to Advance Wage: $27 - $32
Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | PTO (Paid Time Off) | Season Pass
Company Overview:
Lutsen Mountains is a part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, a multi-generational family-owned and operated mountain resort with 3 of the oldest and largest resorts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our company culture reflects family focused values due to our family ownership, our management team, and our guests, who are primarily Midwest families. We rely on team members who are excited about taking ownership of their role, adapting to change, and working collaboratively with our family of team members.
Position Overview:
The Auto Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the resort's fleet of vehicles to ensure safe and reliable operation in a challenging mountain environment. This includes a wide range of equipment such as trucks, vans, snowmobiles, UTVs, grooming machines, and snow removal vehicles. The Auto Mechanic plays a key role in supporting daily resort operations across departments and ensuring emergency response readiness during all seasons.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fleet Maintenance & Repair
- Perform regular preventative maintenance and repair on resort vehicles, including:
- Pickup trucks and light-duty trucks
- Passenger vans and shuttles
- Snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, and small-engine vehicles
- Groomers, plow trucks, and utility vehicles
- Fuel-powered and electric equipment
- Diagnose issues using diagnostic tools and perform mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs.
- Conduct oil changes, brake jobs, tire services, fluid checks, and engine diagnostics.
- Maintain battery systems, lighting, and accessories.
- Ensure vehicles meet DOT safety and emissions standards as applicable.
Emergency Readiness
- Respond promptly to breakdowns on-mountain or in remote areas.
- Troubleshoot and repair vehicles in-field during operating hours or weather events.
- Keep snow removal and emergency vehicles in ready-to-deploy condition during winter operations.
Shop Operations & Recordkeeping
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas and follow all safety guidelines.
- Use and maintain hand tools, lifts, diagnostic equipment, and power tools safely and effectively.
- Track all maintenance and repairs using fleet management software or logbooks.
- Assist in ordering and maintaining an adequate inventory of parts and supplies.
Cross-Department Support
- Work with departments including Lift Operations, Snowmaking, Patrol, and Transportation to meet their vehicle and equipment needs.
- Provide instruction and assistance to vehicle users on proper operation and maintenance protocols.
- Additional duties as assigned.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience as an auto mechanic or vehicle technician.
- Valid U.S. driver's license (CDL preferred or ability to obtain).
- Proficiency with gas and diesel engine repair.
- Working knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, and brake systems.
- Ability to diagnose issues using manual inspection and computerized tools.
- Comfortable working outdoors in extreme winter weather, on uneven terrain, and during early morning or overnight hours as needed.
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and work in physically demanding conditions.
Preferred
- ASE certifications or vocational training in automotive/diesel repair.
- Experience working on snowmobiles, UTVs, small engines, or snow grooming equipment.
- Familiarity with ski resort operations, equipment, and mountain driving conditions.
- Welding or fabrication experience is a plus.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $ $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $32