Snow Cat Operator

  • Pincher Creek
  • Castle Mountain Resort Inc.

Who We Are : Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alberta, in the rugged and legendary Canadian Rockies, Castle is as authentic as it gets. Hard-working, hospitable, and here for the powder is what we’re all about. With less than 200 employees we’re a small, passionate team of winter enthusiasts. Here, we’re all family and you will quickly find you are right at home. If this sounds like you, then we want you to join us.

Our resort is not owned or operated by a large ski conglomerate; rather by a bunch of local skiers and riders who are passionate about steep terrain and great snow. Operational decisions are made here (head office = the basement of the day lodge) and our long-term direction is plotted by a group of passionate, volunteer board of directors who represent more than 200, predominately local shareholders.

Snow Cat Operator : About The Position : Castle Mountain Resort is well known for having some of the best skiing/snowboarding terrain in the Canadian Rockies. CMR has a wide variety of groomed trails, with most of the trails being intermediate to advanced. Grooming these trails takes skill, patience, and passion for making a top-quality product for our guests.

We are looking to hire individuals who are keen to create a top-quality grooming product on our groomed trails that complement our legendary off-piste terrain. Also looking for people who are keen to be part of a team and always ready to learn.

This position is responsible for grooming the trails using Prinoth snowcats. In addition to grooming, there are routine duties and maintenance that are all regular practice throughout the season. Operators will be able to operate the snowcats in a safe, effective, and consistent manner. There is in-depth training provided with mid-season performance reviews. With this training, one can expect to finish the season with a host of new skills.

What We Offer You :

  • Full mountain ski/snowboard pass
  • $18.00/hour starting wage and up depending on experience
  • Prinoth Snowcats
  • Startup package includes uniform.
  • Several employee discounts around the resort
  • Opportunity to work in the beautiful Southern Alberta Rocky Mountains

Core Competencies :

  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Decision Making
  • Leadership
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork
  • Punctuality

Job Duties :

  • Perform trail grooming in a reasonable, well-directed manner on a nightly basis, following the grooming plan.
  • Perform and be accountable for safe slope grooming at night.
  • Operating in adverse weather conditions on rough, uneven and steep terrain.
  • Assist in loading and unloading of goods when machines are used for transport.
  • Perform pre and post inspections of snowcat and report unusual sights, smells or sounds that may indicate a mechanical malfunction.
  • Receive reports of any defects, accidents, or damage to snowcat and ensure appropriate maintenance is performed.
  • Maintain good communications utilizing radios and reports as required with operators, other managers, and other departments.
  • Accountable for skills required and staying current on new developments in the safe and proper operation of snowcats.
  • Working with the Snowmaking department to move snowguns, set up snowguns, moving mobile generators.
  • Perform routine maintenance like greasing and cleaning.
  • Ensure all applicable safety standards are always upheld.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Requirements :

  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Ready to Ski/Snowboard every day.
  • Experience with shift work is preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Previous machine operating skills preferred.
  • Positive and proactive approach to teamwork and working with others required.
  • Ability to respond quickly in a dynamic and changing environment.
  • Able to utilize time effectively for the jobs assigned.

Work Conditions :

  • Manual dexterity is required to use heavy equipment and hand tools.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Outdoor work in extreme winter conditions.
  • Weekend, holiday, and overnight shifts are required.
  • Overtime if required.

Period of Employment :

  • From Mid-November to Mid-April
  • Note this is a seasonal position

Where We Are : Castle Mountain Resort is located at the end of Highway 774, near Pincher Creek, AB. This is a remote work location with no mobile coverage or public transit. There is a communal living Staff Accommodation building on-site for new and returning non-supervisory, seasonal employees. More information on our location and our resort can be found at skicastle.ca