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Snowmaking Team Leader - Mt Hutt
Job description
The Snowmaking Team Leader plays a critical leadership role within the Snowmaking Department, ensuring the safe and effective operation of snowmaking systems and crews. This position is responsible for maintaining high operational standards, supporting team development, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of snowmaking processes. As a key member of the leadership team, the Team Leader actively supports the Head of Department in delivering world-class snow surfaces, overseeing summer maintenance, and contributing to a positive and professional team culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Crew Leadership & Safety
Monitor and promote crew safety, reporting incidents and concerns to the Head of Department
Communicate safety issues promptly and clearly to ensure cohesive team response
Enforce safety standards, appropriate behavior, and professional conduct
Ensure shift staffing aligns with fatigue management policies and operational needs
Operational Excellence
Operate snowmaking systems according to Head of Department defined objectives and priorities
Monitor and maintain snow quality to meet or exceed guest expectations
Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, current, and legible (e.g., shift sheets, equipment logs, training logs, pumphouse and Snomax records)
Investigate snow gun issues and take corrective action or escalate when needed.
Enforce high standards in the care, cleanliness, and presentation of staff areas, equipment, and vehicles
Leadership & Culture
Embrace a leadership mindset: speak and act as part of the management team
Support the Head of Department in fostering a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture
Challenge inappropriate behavior promptly and lead by example in all areas.
Contribute to the ongoing refinement of policies and procedures to improve safety and efficiency
Training & Development
Train new and returning staff, sharing knowledge and identifying training needs
Encourage continuous learning and professional growth within the team
Support the Head of Department with seasonal recruitment by identifying talent, assisting with onboarding, and contributing to building a strong seasonal crew
Resource & Equipment Management
Oversee snowmobile usage and enforce safe operating practices
Ensure all tools and spare parts are accounted for and returned after use
Monitor vehicle and equipment servicing requirements, ensuring logs are completed and accurate
Support roster adjustments in line with operational and financial objectives
Summer Maintenance & Projects
Participate in off-season maintenance and capital projects under the guidance of the Head of Department
Assist with servicing of snowmaking infrastructure, including pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and electrical systems
Contribute to trail and system upgrades to support long-term snowmaking capability and reliability
Ensure all summer tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high professional standard
Company & Guest Focus
Understand and support the financial and operational implications of snowmaking decisions
Promote safe skiing/riding and model responsible on-snow behavior
Support a leadership culture that contributes positively to the wider organization
Look beyond day-to-day tasks to drive meaningful improvements across the department
Key Skills & Attributes
Proven leadership experience in snowmaking or mountain operations
Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills
High level of personal responsibility, professionalism, and initiative
Sound mechanical aptitude and understanding of snowmaking systems
Ability to lead a team safely and effectively in challenging alpine conditions
Committed to continuous improvement and team development
Licensing Requirements
Clean class 1 driver license – required
Class 2 and tracks endorsements – advantageous
Work Conditions
Shift-based work including nights, weekends, and public holidays (in-season)
Physically demanding work in extreme alpine weather conditions
Off-season work includes indoor/outdoor maintenance, repairs, and project support
This role is ideal for an experienced and motivated Snowmaker looking to take the next step into leadership. The successful candidate will bring energy, professionalism, and a team first attitude - contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and excellence, year-round.
Key Responsibilities:
Crew Leadership & Safety
Monitor and promote crew safety, reporting incidents and concerns to the Head of Department
Communicate safety issues promptly and clearly to ensure cohesive team response
Enforce safety standards, appropriate behavior, and professional conduct
Ensure shift staffing aligns with fatigue management policies and operational needs
Operational Excellence
Operate snowmaking systems according to Head of Department defined objectives and priorities
Monitor and maintain snow quality to meet or exceed guest expectations
Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, current, and legible (e.g., shift sheets, equipment logs, training logs, pumphouse and Snomax records)
Investigate snow gun issues and take corrective action or escalate when needed.
Enforce high standards in the care, cleanliness, and presentation of staff areas, equipment, and vehicles
Leadership & Culture
Embrace a leadership mindset: speak and act as part of the management team
Support the Head of Department in fostering a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture
Challenge inappropriate behavior promptly and lead by example in all areas.
Contribute to the ongoing refinement of policies and procedures to improve safety and efficiency
Training & Development
Train new and returning staff, sharing knowledge and identifying training needs
Encourage continuous learning and professional growth within the team
Support the Head of Department with seasonal recruitment by identifying talent, assisting with onboarding, and contributing to building a strong seasonal crew
Resource & Equipment Management
Oversee snowmobile usage and enforce safe operating practices
Ensure all tools and spare parts are accounted for and returned after use
Monitor vehicle and equipment servicing requirements, ensuring logs are completed and accurate
Support roster adjustments in line with operational and financial objectives
Summer Maintenance & Projects
Participate in off-season maintenance and capital projects under the guidance of the Head of Department
Assist with servicing of snowmaking infrastructure, including pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and electrical systems
Contribute to trail and system upgrades to support long-term snowmaking capability and reliability
Ensure all summer tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high professional standard
Company & Guest Focus
Understand and support the financial and operational implications of snowmaking decisions
Promote safe skiing/riding and model responsible on-snow behavior
Support a leadership culture that contributes positively to the wider organization
Look beyond day-to-day tasks to drive meaningful improvements across the department
Key Skills & Attributes
Proven leadership experience in snowmaking or mountain operations
Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills
High level of personal responsibility, professionalism, and initiative
Sound mechanical aptitude and understanding of snowmaking systems
Ability to lead a team safely and effectively in challenging alpine conditions
Committed to continuous improvement and team development
Licensing Requirements
Clean class 1 driver license – required
Class 2 and tracks endorsements – advantageous
Work Conditions
Shift-based work including nights, weekends, and public holidays (in-season)
Physically demanding work in extreme alpine weather conditions
Off-season work includes indoor/outdoor maintenance, repairs, and project support
This role is ideal for an experienced and motivated Snowmaker looking to take the next step into leadership. The successful candidate will bring energy, professionalism, and a team first attitude - contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and excellence, year-round.
Required skills
initiative
electrical systems
communication
safety
leadership
operational excellence
problem-solving
continuous improvement
team development
professionalism
coaching
mechanical aptitude
pumps
valves
capital projects
personal responsibility
compressors
hydrants
fatigue management
snowmobile
system reliability
snowmaking
crew leadership
class 1 driver license
trail upgrades
roster adjustments
summer maintenance
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Company information
- Company
- Nzski
- Location
-
New Zealand, South Island, Canterbury, Methven
New Zealand - Posted
- 7 months ago
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