Mechanic – Mountain Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time / Seasonal as Applicable
Department: Mountain Operations / Vehicle Maintenance
Position: Mechanic

Position Summary

The Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of vehicles and equipment used throughout resort and Mountain Operations.

This position supports the safe and reliable operation of the resort’s fleet, which may include snowcats, loaders, excavators, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, trucks, trailers, small engines, and other specialized mountain equipment.

The Mechanic performs preventative maintenance, diagnoses mechanical and electrical problems, completes repairs, and responds to equipment breakdowns both in the maintenance shop and in the field.

The ideal candidate is mechanically skilled, safety-conscious, dependable, and capable of troubleshooting a wide variety of equipment in a demanding mountain environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair resort vehicles and equipment.

• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations and resort maintenance schedules.

• Perform oil changes, fluid services, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections, and other routine maintenance.

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, cooling, and other equipment-related problems.

• Repair and maintain gasoline and diesel-powered equipment.

• Inspect, maintain, and repair hydraulic systems including hoses, fittings, cylinders, pumps, and related components.

• Diagnose and repair basic electrical systems including batteries, charging systems, starting systems, wiring, lighting, switches, and related components.

• Inspect and service brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrain, tracks, tires, wheels, and other vehicle systems.

• Maintain and repair snowcats and grooming equipment, including attachments and implements, when trained and authorized.

• Maintain and repair snowmobiles, utility vehicles, snowcats, trucks, loaders, and other Mountain Operations equipment.

• Perform maintenance and repairs on small engines, generators, pumps, compressors, and other support equipment as assigned.

• Use diagnostic equipment, service manuals, schematics, and manufacturer information to troubleshoot equipment problems.

• Perform welding and basic fabrication when trained and authorized.

• Respond to equipment breakdowns and perform field repairs throughout the ski area when necessary.

• Safely recover, tow, or assist disabled equipment when trained and authorized.

• Conduct pre-service and post-repair inspections to verify equipment is safe and operating correctly.

• Identify developing mechanical problems and communicate recommended repairs or maintenance to supervisors.

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, parts, and services performed.

• Complete assigned work orders and document completed work as required.

• Maintain appropriate inventory of commonly used parts, fluids, filters, hardware, and maintenance supplies.

• Notify supervisors when replacement parts, specialized tools, or outside repairs are required.

• Maintain the maintenance shop, tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

• Properly store and handle fuels, oils, lubricants, batteries, chemicals, and other maintenance materials.

• Follow established lockout/tagout, lifting, jacking, welding, chemical handling, and equipment safety procedures.

• Properly use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Coordinate with Grooming, Snowmaking, Facilities, Lift Operations, and other resort departments regarding equipment maintenance and repair needs.

• Assist with seasonal equipment preparation, inspections, and shutdown procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

This is a physically demanding position. Employees must be able to:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crawl, climb, reach, push, and pull throughout the workday.

• Lift, carry, position, and maneuver tools, parts, tires, components, and equipment.

• Work underneath, inside, and around vehicles and heavy equipment.

• Safely use ladders, jacks, lifts, hoists, and other maintenance equipment.

• Perform repetitive mechanical tasks and use hand and power tools for extended periods.

• Work in confined or restricted equipment spaces when necessary.

• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Walk and work on snowy, icy, steep, uneven, or slippery terrain.

• Perform field repairs in winter mountain conditions when necessary.

• Work at elevations and in environmental conditions typical of a mountain ski resort.

• Perform physically demanding work throughout the scheduled shift.

Qualifications

• Previous automotive, diesel, heavy-equipment, fleet, powersports, or equipment maintenance experience preferred.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

• Knowledge of gasoline and diesel engines preferred.

• Experience with hydraulic systems strongly preferred.

• Basic understanding of 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems preferred.

• Experience maintaining heavy equipment, snowcats, snowmobiles, UTVs, or similar equipment is highly desirable.

• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, diagnostic equipment, jacks, lifts, and other shop equipment.

• Welding and fabrication experience preferred.

• Ability to read and understand service manuals, wiring diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and technical documentation.

• Ability to diagnose problems systematically and determine appropriate repair solutions.

• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions during equipment breakdowns.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to performing safe, reliable repairs.

• Ability to communicate effectively with equipment operators, supervisors, and other departments.

• Dependable attendance and punctuality.

• Valid driver's license required or preferred based on assigned duties.

• Automotive, diesel, heavy-equipment, welding, or other relevant technical certifications are preferred but not required unless necessary for specific assigned work.

Work Environment

Work is performed in maintenance shops, garages, equipment yards, parking areas, and throughout the ski area.

Employees may be exposed to moving machinery, heavy equipment, fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, batteries, chemicals, exhaust, welding operations, electrical systems, hot components, pressurized systems, loud noise, and other hazards associated with vehicle and equipment maintenance.

Field repairs may require working outdoors during freezing temperatures, snow, wind, darkness, and other adverse mountain conditions.

Mechanics are expected to maintain awareness of their surroundings and follow established safety procedures at all times.

Work Schedule

Mechanics may be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts depending on resort operations and equipment maintenance needs.

During winter operations, equipment availability is critical to Grooming, Snowmaking, Lift Operations, and other Mountain Operations departments. Mechanics may be required to respond to unexpected equipment failures or urgent repair needs.

Work schedules may vary during peak operating periods, storms, seasonal transitions, and other periods of increased operational demand.

Safety Expectations

Safety is an essential responsibility of this position. Mechanics must inspect and evaluate equipment before beginning repairs and use appropriate tools, PPE, lifting equipment, blocking, and safe-work procedures for each task.

Employees must follow established procedures for lockout/tagout, stored hydraulic pressure, electrical systems, vehicle lifting and support, welding and cutting, battery service, chemical handling, and other maintenance activities.

Equipment must not be returned to service when a known condition could compromise the safety of the operator, employees, guests, or equipment.

Mechanics must not perform specialized work beyond their training, authorization, or any legally required licensing or certification.

Unsafe equipment, significant mechanical failures, and other safety concerns must be immediately communicated to the appropriate supervisor.

All employees are expected to contribute to a safety-focused Mountain Operations culture and help ensure resort vehicles and equipment remain safe, reliable, and ready for operation.