Director of Mountain Operations

Director of Mountain Operations

Job Description

Wage Class/Range: Group 1, Salaried, Exempt

Pay Range: $83,200.00 - $104,000.00/Annually

Reports to:  General Manager

Supervises:  Mountain Operations Departments

Status:  Year Round, Full Time

Seek first to help - Dedicated to results - Optimism in action - Solution seekers

DIRECTOR OF MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Mountain Operations is a key member of the Mission Ridge senior management team and leads all outside operational departments, including Lift Operations, Lift Maintenance, Grooming, Snowmaking, Terrain Park, Vehicle Maintenance, Ski Patrol, and summer trail and slope construction. The position serves as the central coordination and communication link between mountain operations, revenue departments, company leadership, and supports all company departments and managers.

This role acts as Mission Ridge's liaison to outside and governmental agencies on matters related to ski area operations, including the US Forest Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Parks, Chelan and Kittitas County Sheriff's Offices, local EMS, Chelan County, and local utility companies.

The ideal candidate brings broad, hands-on knowledge of ski area operations, strong planning and budgeting skills, and a steady, solutions-focused leadership style. During winter operations this position works five or more days per week, including weekends, holidays, and some nights, with extended hours as needed. The Director must be available and on call as operations require.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Operational Readiness: Prepare and uphold the on-mountain product so that operations open and run on planned dates and times at established levels of quality, safety, and guest service.
• Operating Plan and Agency Relations: Prepare the annual Mission Ridge Operating Plan and submit it to the appropriate agencies on time. Maintain productive working relationships with the US Forest Service and other agencies listed above.
• Daily Coordination: Coordinate daily on-mountain operations through regularly scheduled operational meetings and thorough communication, planning, and organization across all areas of the resort.
• Budgeting: Work with each operational department to establish operating and capital budgets, and support department managers in meeting their budget goals. Monitor performance against budget throughout the year.
• Policies and Procedures: Establish, prepare, and maintain policies and procedures that meet the needs of the company, employees, and guests.
• Safety and Risk Management: Promote a strong safety culture across all mountain departments and support risk management, emergency response, and incident reporting programs.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and evaluate department managers. Support hiring, training, and staff development across Mountain Operations.
• Records and Reporting: Establish and maintain daily operational records and data that support reporting, marketing, and guest services functions.
• Capital Projects: Manage capital projects and on-mountain construction as required, including summer trail and slope projects.
• Planning and Strategy: Actively participate in short-term strategies and long-term company planning, including future mountain development projects.
• Conflict Resolution: Serve as a resource for employee and guest conflict resolution.
• Industry Engagement: Continue education on products, equipment, and industry trends, and represent Mission Ridge at local, regional, and national industry seminars and functions.
• Leadership Support: Attend weekly senior team meetings, set and deliver quarterly goals, report weekly Mountain Operations measures, and contribute to company-wide planning 

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Communication and Organization: Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills are essential for coordinating multiple departments and outside agencies.
• Ski Area Operations Knowledge: Working knowledge of all aspects of ski area operations allows the Director to plan, troubleshoot, and support every mountain department.
• Budgeting and Spreadsheets: Ability to build spreadsheets and produce accurate, realistic budgets supports sound financial planning.
• Computer Proficiency: Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (including Excel) is needed for planning, reporting, and communication.
• Guest Service and Conflict Resolution: Strong guest service and conflict resolution skills help resolve issues quickly and positively for guests and staff.
• Problem Solving: Common sense, sound reasoning, and problem-solving ability lead to practical, positive solutions.
• Project Management and Time Management: The ability to manage time well and carry projects from concept to completion is critical for capital projects and seasonal readiness.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Associate of Arts (AA) degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; higher education is preferred. Minimum of five years of ski area operations experience, including at least three years as a department manager. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Valid driver's license and the ability to operate a snowmobile and other mountain equipment preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position combines office work with outdoor mountain work. The Director must be an intermediate or better skier and able to travel the mountain in winter conditions. The ability to ride a snowmobile and operate equipment is helpful. Must be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds. The role requires close attention to detail, strong reading and writing ability for plans, budgets, and agency documents, and clear communication with staff, guests, and agency partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in an all-season mountain environment. Outdoor work may involve exposure to severe weather, snow, cold, wind, and heat, as well as noise from lifts, snowmaking, and heavy equipment. Indoor work consists mostly of office duties, meetings, and planning. The pace is fast during winter operations and summer construction, and the role works closely with the senior team and all mountain department managers. Some travel outside the area is required at different times of the year.

The Director of Mountain Operations is a Group I position with benefits as outlined in the Mission Ridge Employee Handbook.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Rarely (0-12%), Occasionally (12-33%), Frequently (34-66%), Regularly (67-100%)

Seeing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to read reports, plans, and budgets, use a computer, and observe mountain conditions.

Hearing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers, guests, and agency partners, including by radio.

Standing/Walking: FREQUENTLY

-Standing and walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sloped terrain while overseeing operations.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: OCCASIONALLY

-The position requires the ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch as needed in the field.

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: OCCASIONALLY

-Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds.

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: FREQUENTLY

-Must be able to write, type, and use phone and radio systems.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. The final candidate may be subject to a background screening.