What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grooming Manager position at Smugglers' Notch Resort?
The Grooming Manager leads the daily operation of the resort's grooming fleet and staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality grooming of trails, terrain parks, tubing hills, and other mountain facilities. This year-round position works closely with Mountain Operations, Snowmaking, Ski Patrol, and Lift Operations to align grooming priorities with weather conditions, guest expectations, and resort objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and supervise all grooming department personnel, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management.
- Plan and execute nightly grooming operations to maintain optimal snow conditions and trail presentation.
- Coordinate grooming strategies with Snowmaking, Ski Patrol, Terrain Parks, and Mountain Operations departments.
- Monitor weather forecasts, snowpack conditions, and mountain usage to develop grooming plans.
- Ensure safe operation and maintenance of grooming equipment and associated machinery.
- Ensure established preventative maintenance schedules and equipment repair priorities are completed.
- Plan and execute summer projects and trail maintenance including coordination and oversight of outside vendors performing work.
- Work closely with other departments outside of Mountain Operations to meet their objectives regarding snow surfaces.
- Monitor departmental budgets, labor costs, fuel usage, and operational efficiencies.
- Develop and enforce safety standards, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain accurate operational records and reports.
- Respond effectively to changing weather conditions and operational challenges.
- Participate in strategic planning related to grooming operations, fleet management, and capital improvements.
- Support special events and resort initiatives as needed.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mountain grooming operations.
- Previous supervisory or management experience.
- Extensive knowledge of snowcat and winching operations, snow management, and trail preparation.
- Strong understanding of mountain safety practices and risk management.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to adapt and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with heavy equipment maintenance.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Preferred
- Experience managing a fleet of Prinoth, PistenBully, or comparable grooming equipment.
- Other heavy equipment operating skills.
- Experience building terrain Parks and terrain-based learning features.
- Knowledge of GPS-assisted grooming technologies.
- Experience working in a four-season resort environment.
- Budgeting and departmental financial management experience.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in varied winter and summer weather conditions.
- Ability to traverse uneven mountain terrain.
- Availability to work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and during severe weather events as operational needs require.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Resort privileges and employee discounts
- Professional development opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
- The opportunity to contribute to one of the East Coast's most recognized family ski destinations
Salary : $23 - $35