Heavy Equipment Operator

This job description is intended to convey information important to the scope of this position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of heavy equipment used to clear snow, maintain parking areas, and support winter operations at Mt. Baker Ski Area. This position plays a vital role in ensuring guest and employee access, safety, and overall positive experiences at the ski area. The ideal candidate has motivation to be in the mountains, strong equipment operation skills, experience in winter weather conditions, good at critical thinking, and a commitment to safety and teamwork. This position will also report to the Heavy Equipment Manager, and the Mountain Manager(s) each day along with taking direction from the lead operator of the day. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Starting Rate: $20.00/hr DOE

General Responsibilities

• Operate snow removal equipment, including but not limited to: front-end loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, and skid steers.
• Clear and maintain parking lots, access roads, and staging areas to ensure safe and accessible conditions for guests and staff.
• Perform daily pre- and post-operation inspections of equipment and report maintenance needs or safety concerns.
• Assist with hauling and relocating snow as needed.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch, base area operations, and other departments for coordinated snow management.
• Assist with setup and maintenance of parking lot signage, barriers, and traffic flow tools.
• Support other base area tasks during low-snow or downtime periods, such as basic maintenance, event prep, or infrastructure work.
• Adhere to all safety policies, operational protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Document maintenance performed as trained
• Report mechanical concerns and other unusual conditions to the vehicle maintenance manager and your supervisor in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned by management

Skills and Abilities:

Required

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in winter conditions.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed during snow events.
• Physically fit and able to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to assess and mitigate risk in variable conditions.
• Ability to think critically, work in a team or alone, be self motivated and ability to be flexible.
• Successful completion of Heavy Equipment Operator training by an authorized Mt. Baker Ski Area trainer

Preferred

• Experience working in a mountain or ski area environment.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, snow removal patterns, and mountain terrain.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Working in the mountain environment is physically demanding. You need to be in good health and in good physical condition and have the ability to perform the following:

• Bending, twisting, lifting, and moving items throughout the day
• Ability to work outside in inclement winter weather
• Ability to lift and move 60 pounds (or more depending on the task)
• Standing and or sitting for long periods
• Climbing and descending stairs
• Shoveling and moving snow
• Standing and walking on compact snow and ice
• Perform repetitive tasks as necessary
• Outdoor, physically demanding work in varying winter weather conditions including snow, wind, low visibility, and freezing temperatures.
• Use of radios and communication systems in a team environment.
• Exposure to loud equipment, uneven terrain, and fast-paced operational timelines.