Rope/Handle Tow Operations

Department: Mountain Operations
Reports To: Lift Supervisor / Area Manager
Employment Type: Winter Seasonal
Schedule: Full-Time (5 shifts/week) or Part-Time; must be available weekends and holidays

Job Overview

The Rope / Handle Tow Operator is responsible for safely monitoring and operating Seven Oaks' surface lifts. Unlike a chair lift operator, this position is primarily stationed inside a lift shack where the operator must remain alert and continuously watch guests using the rope or handle tow.

The operator must be prepared to immediately stop the tow when a guest falls, experiences difficulty, or another unsafe condition occurs. When necessary, the operator will leave the shack after stopping the tow to assist the guest, clear the tow path, and restart the lift once it is safe to do so.

This position requires strong attention to detail, good judgment, dependability, and the ability to remain focused while monitoring guests for extended periods.

Essential Job Functions

Other duties may be assigned.

Rope / Handle Tow Monitoring & Operation

• Remain stationed in the designated lift shack while the rope or handle tow is operating, except when assisting a guest or performing assigned operational duties.
• Continuously and attentively monitor guests using the rope or handle tow.
• Watch for falls, unsafe behavior, equipment concerns, obstructions, or other situations requiring the tow to be stopped.
• Immediately stop the rope or handle tow when a guest falls, needs assistance, or an unsafe condition occurs.
• When necessary, safely exit the shack after stopping the tow to assist guests who have fallen or are having difficulty.
• Ensure the tow path and surrounding area are clear before restarting the rope or handle tow.
• Restart the tow only after determining that it is safe to resume operation.
• Learn and follow all operational, safety, emergency, stop/start, and equipment procedures associated with rope and handle tow operations.
• Perform required safety inspections of tow paths, load areas, and unload areas.
• Immediately report equipment concerns, unsafe conditions, accidents, or guest incidents to management.
• Check and verify guest lift tickets and passes as required.
• Remain attentive and ready to respond throughout the entire operating shift.

Area Maintenance

• Maintain safe load, unload, and tow areas by shoveling, raking, leveling, and removing excess snow as needed.
• Keep the lift shack and surrounding areas clean and organized.
• Assist with fencing, signage installation or replacement, and other mountain projects as assigned.
• Assist with other operational duties when the rope or handle tow is not operating or as directed by management.

Guest Service

• Greet guests in a welcoming, positive, and professional manner.
• Provide clear instructions on the proper and safe use of the rope or handle tow.
• Assist guests, particularly beginners, who may have difficulty using the tow.
• Remain patient and courteous when assisting guests who have fallen or need additional help.
• Become familiar with Seven Oaks skiable terrain, facilities, and services to accurately answer guest questions and provide directions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be dependable, trustworthy, safety-minded, and punctual.
• Must be able to remain attentive and focused while continuously monitoring guests, even during slower periods of operation.
• Must be able to recognize potentially unsafe situations and respond quickly and appropriately.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written safety and operating procedures.
• Ability to appropriately operate stop/start controls and follow established emergency procedures.
• Must have a positive attitude and strong customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently while remaining in communication with supervisors and other mountain staff.
• Must be comfortable working both inside a lift shack and outdoors in winter weather.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while continuously observing tow operations.
• Ability to quickly leave the lift shack and respond to a guest or situation when necessary.
• Ability to regularly shovel, rake, push, pull, bend, stoop, and perform other physical tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in cold temperatures, snow, ice, wind, and changing winter weather conditions.
• Must be able to safely walk and perform duties on snow-covered, icy, uneven, and slippery surfaces.
• Regular exposure to moving tow equipment and active ski and snowboard areas.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Employees may be required to perform additional duties outside of their normal responsibilities as business needs dictate. Management reserves the right to modify or assign duties as necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Seven Oaks Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Seven Oaks Recreation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment.