Ski Patrol Director

General Purpose

• Manage the daily human, financial and physical resources of the Nordic Valley Mountain Patrol, so that emergency, rescue and safety resources are provided by a competent, professional staff. Assist in developing and managing the mountain’s safety programs.
• Manage staff directly and indirectly on a daily basis. Responsible for long-term and daily scheduling, interviewing, hiring, training, performance appraisals, salary increases, promotions/transfers, disciplinary discussions and terminations.
• Responsible for department operating budget, capital expenditures, equipment leases and purchases. Conduct department operations within budget parameters.
• Set policy and establish standards for patrol operations and performance.  Provide training to ensure the highest degree of professionalism within the department.  Ensure completion of necessary accident investigations.
• Ensure that all patrol manuals, policies and procedures are up to date.  Maintain current and accurate documentation for all required patrol records.
• Ensure mountain hazards are adequately marked and barricades are erected and removed as needed. 
• Manage the design, construction, placement, maintenance and repair of the mountain trail signage.  Ensure trail information is accurate and up-to-date for the design and production of trail maps.   
• Oversee patrol risk management programs including but not limited to: Blood Borne Pathogen training, and snowmobile safety training.  Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, Code of Federal regulations 29, parts 1900 to 1910. 
• Represent Nordic Valley on the local EMS council.  
• Enforce Utah Skier Safety Act.
• Collaborate with the Risk Department in developing and implementing safety education programs.  Help to ensure departments are aware of safety procedures.  

• Communicate regularly with departments to ensure safety and patrol procedures are co-ordinated between departments.
• Assist in the development of Nordic Valley’s Crisis Management Plan.  Regularly review plans and revise as needed.  Assist in coordinating Crisis Plan training.  
• Liaison between injured guests, legal counsel and the resort utilizing company guidelines and protocol.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist other mountain operations departments as needed.  Cross-train with other mountain operations departments as requested.
• Effectively lead and supervise a unionized workforce, fostering positive labor relations while upholding company policies and operational standards.
• Collaborate with union representatives as needed to support communication, resolve issues, and maintain a respectful working relationship.
• Manage Patrol and Mountain Dispatch functions to ensure real-time communication and efficient emergency response.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Expert first aid skills. Expert skiing ability, able to ski all terrain in all conditions. Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills. Solid management, administrative, computer and accounting skills.  Basic understanding of snow physics. Able to ride all types of terrain. Alertness, precision, ingenuity, problem solving, analytic ability, spatial perception, persuasiveness, memory, creativity, concentration, judgment, aesthetic sense, reasoning, imagination, initiative, patience, visual, tactile and auditory discrimination, strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary abilities.

Education or Formal Training: 

• Current CPR and OEC or Utah EMT-B, or higher, certification.
• Accredited Avalanche course preferred.
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Competency with industry-specific software (e.g., Z Patrol, Dispatch systems).

Experience: Minimum of 5 years combined patrol, supervisory and administrative experience. 

Material and Equipment Directly Used: Skis/snowboards, lifts, toboggan, snowmobile, radio, hand tools, medical care equipment and simple office equipment.

Working Environment/Physical Activities:

• Approximately 50% outdoor work in variable mountain weather conditions
• 40% of time skiing/snowboarding (winter)
• Lifting up to 150 lbs and operating rescue toboggans with loads up to 300 lbs
• Use of avalanche control equipment, hand tools, and medical equipment
• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, explosives, poor ventilation, and mechanical hazards
• Frequent use of skis/snowboards, radios, snowmobiles, and patrol-specific equipment