Lift Operations Supervisor
Seat: Lift Operations Supervisor
Department: Lift Operations
Reports To: Lift Operations Manager
Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time
Wage: $18-$21per hour
Benefits: On hill Perks for employees and their families at all MFSR (Midwest Family Ski Resorts) locations
TO APPLY: Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@snowriver.com with the subject line of Lifts Ops Supervisor Applicant
Seat Overview
The Lift Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and guest-focused execution of daily ski lift operations. This hands-on leadership role supports Lift Operators through training, coaching, daily assignments, and operational oversight while ensuring lifts and surrounding areas are prepared for public use.
The Supervisor plays a key role in maintaining appropriate staffing coverage throughout the day, coordinating employee reassignments, and addressing call-ins or unexpected staffing shortages. Working closely with Lift Operations leadership, Patrol, Lift Maintenance, and other mountain departments, this position ensures operational standards are consistently met, safety concerns are promptly addressed, and guests receive a positive mountain experience.
This position requires strong situational awareness, effective communication, sound judgment, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced outdoor environment. The Supervisor is expected to remain actively engaged in daily operations, providing hands-on support and stepping into operational duties as needed.
Seat Purpose
Ensure safe, efficient, and fully staffed daily lift operations through frontline leadership, employee training, schedule coordination, and consistent execution of operational standards.
Core Accountabilities
- Daily Operations & Lift Coverage: Ensure assigned lifts, gates, loading areas, and surrounding terrain are ready for safe operation while actively operating lifts and providing hands-on coverage as operational needs require
- Frontline Leadership & Training: Train, coach, and support Lift Operators to maintain consistent safety, operational competency, guest service, and communication standards.
- Staffing, Scheduling & Break Coverage: Coordinate daily assignments, operator reassignments, call-in coverage, and employee breaks to maintain appropriate staffing levels and ensure required rest and meal periods are provided.
- Guest Flow & Experience: Maintain safe and efficient guest movement through lift lines and loading areas while ensuring friendly service and timely resolution of guest concerns.
- Safety & Operational Compliance: Ensure accurate completion of required inspections, operational logs, signage, and safety procedures in accordance with resort and regulatory standards.
- Equipment & Area Readiness: Maintain lift areas, ramps, fencing, tools, and access systems in safe, functional, and presentable condition throughout operations.
- Operational Communication & Incident Response: Coordinate with Patrol, Lift Maintenance, and other departments on lift status, operational issues, guest incidents, and emergency response, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
Qualifications & Competencies
Required
- Previous experience in ski lift operations or a comparable safety-sensitive operational environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and support team members in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of lift operating procedures, passenger safety, and emergency response protocols, or ability to demonstrate proficiency through required training.
- Ability to coordinate staffing assignments, respond to call-ins, and make effective operational decisions under changing conditions.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and guest service skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate operational records and follow established safety and compliance procedures.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and peak operating periods.
- Ability to meet the physical and environmental requirements of the position.
Preferred
- Previous experience as a Lift Operations Supervisor, Lead Operator, or similar frontline leadership role.
- Experience training and evaluating lift operators or other safety-sensitive personnel.
- Familiarity with ANSI B77.1 standards and applicable state ski lift operating requirements.
- Experience coordinating staffing schedules, daily assignments, and operational coverage.
- Knowledge of ski resort operations, lift access systems, and mountain safety procedures.
- Experience coordinating with Ski Patrol, Lift Maintenance, Grooming, or other mountain operations departments.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in winter conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, wind, precipitation, ice, and rapidly changing mountain weather.
- Ability to stand, walk, and remain physically active throughout shifts, including navigating snow-covered, icy, sloped, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to support lift operations, equipment setup, and area maintenance.
- Ability to bend, reach, twist, shovel snow, and perform repetitive physical tasks associated with lift operations and maintenance of loading areas.
- Ability to safely operate ski lifts and assist guests with loading and unloading when operational support is required.
- Ability to maintain visual, auditory, and situational awareness in an active environment involving moving equipment, guest traffic, and changing conditions.
- Ability to respond promptly to operational issues and emergencies, including traveling between lift locations as necessary.
Work Environment & Schedule Expectations
This is a seasonal, primarily outdoor leadership position supporting winter ski operations. The Lift Operations Supervisor works in varying mountain and weather conditions and is expected to maintain an active presence throughout assigned operating areas.
Schedules are determined by resort operating needs and may include early mornings, weekends, holidays, extended operating hours, and peak visitation periods. Flexibility is required to address staffing shortages, operational changes, weather conditions, and unexpected incidents.
The Supervisor is responsible for coordinating daily staffing adjustments, including operator reassignments and coverage for call-ins, while maintaining required staffing and safety standards. When adequate coverage cannot be secured, the Supervisor must promptly escalate the concern and coordinate necessary operational adjustments with Lift Operations leadership.
This is a hands-on supervisory position. The Supervisor may be required to operate lifts, assist with loading and unloading, maintain lift areas, provide employee training, and support other operational duties as needed.
Participation in required safety training, lift evacuation exercises, unseated-passenger response training, and other departmental readiness activities is expected.
Disclaimer: The statements above describe the general nature of the seat but they are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
