Ski Patrol Director

Position Summary

The Ski Patrol Director is responsible for leading all Ski Patrol operations and the resort's broader risk and safety management activities for Wachusett Mountain Associates, Inc. This role oversees the Ski Patrol, EMT, and Ranger programs; emergency response; hazard mitigation; incident investigation and documentation; staff training; and daily patrol operations to support the safety of guests and staff across the mountain. The Director assists Management with general liability, property, and casualty insurance programs and provides resort-wide leadership in safety strategy, goal-setting, long-range planning, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate ski patrol staff; assign patrol coverage based on operational needs.
• Direct the Ski Patrol, EMT, and Ranger programs, including associated buildings, equipment, and activities.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and professionalism and lead risk and safety strategy, goal-setting, and long-range planning.

Safety & Emergency Response

• Oversee on-mountain emergency medical response and rescue operations.
• Ensure readiness for injuries, severe weather, and other incidents, and coordinate with local emergency services and agencies as needed.
• Maintain daily readiness for lift evacuations, trail safety, and other mountain emergencies.

Risk Management

• Manage risk mitigation, inspect and assess mountain setup, signage, conditions, equipment, and hazards; recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and enforce safety policies and procedures consistent with applicable federal and state laws, OSHA requirements, industry standards and practices, and local regulations.
• Review incident, hazard, and operational trends and recommend improvements to reduce risk.

Incident Investigation & Claims

• Conduct incident and accident investigations and manage all related follow-up, reporting, and documentation.
• Maintain complete incident files and databases, including witness statements, reports, photographs, diagrams, and other supporting records.
• Maintain liability records as required by law and Management and assist Management with general liability, property, casualty, and bonding matters.
• Serve as the primary resort contact for potential claimants, attorneys, and the resort's insurance company.

Training & Certification

• Ensure all patrol staff maintain required certifications, including first aid, CPR, OEC, or EMT credentials as applicable.
• Organize ongoing training, drills, and professional development programs.
• Support and collaborate with departmental managers in implementing resort safety procedures and training.

Operational Oversight

• Manage daily patrol operations and collaborate closely with Snowmaking, Grooming, Lift Operations, and other departments.
• Oversee the maintenance, readiness, and inventory of patrol and rescue equipment, including sleds, radios, and medical kits.
• Comfortably navigate on- and off-trail expert terrain by ski or snowboard and operate ATVs, UTVs, pickup trucks, and other mountain equipment as required.

Public Relations & Guest Services

• Maintain direct and continuous contact with guests to promote safety awareness, provide assistance, and communicate professionally during incidents.
• Interact with guests and employees in a pleasant manner and maintain positive working relationships across all departments.

Administration & Decision-Making

• Maintain accurate records, reports, compliance documentation, and detailed incident files using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Exercise independent judgment in decisions affecting risk and safety programs, employment issues, claims processing, and other financially or strategically sensitive situations.
• Evaluate staff and program performance and implement improvements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in ski patrol, mountain safety, or ski resort operations.
• Current CPR certification and current EMT or NSP Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification.
• Current Massachusetts driver's license.
• Expert ski or snowboard skills and the ability to safely navigate varied on- and off-trail expert terrain.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with excellent decision-making under pressure.
• Thorough knowledge of mountain risk management, property and casualty insurance programs, bonding, and claims processes.
• Broad knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, safety compliance programs, OSHA requirements, and ski industry standards and practices.
• A high level of diligence, proven organizational skills, and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and the ability to maintain detailed incident and liability records.
• College degree and/or progressively responsible experience in safety, insurance, risk management, or related positions.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations made as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a ski resort environment.
• Experience with incident command systems (ICS).

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in all types of weather, including extreme winter conditions.
• Irregular and variable hours, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, storm events, and special events, depending on business levels and workload.
• During ski season, scheduled hours include Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with additional nights and weekends as required.
• Physically demanding work, including expert-level skiing or snowboarding, lifting, rescue operations, and use of ATVs, UTVs, pickup trucks, and other mountain equipment.

Pay: $62,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $82,000