Position: Operations Manager/Lead Groomer

The Grand Mesa Nordic Council is seeking an operations manager/lead groomer for the 2023-2024 season.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Duties and responsibilities include:

-Takes direction from the Executive Director.

-Manages and coordinates equipment delivery and removal from the Mesa as directed by Executive Director and Board.

-Trains, directs and manages grooming staff to follow safe work practices.

-Schedules grooming.

-Manages the grooming budget.

-Operates the PistenBully 400.

-Operates snowmobiles with varying attachments.

-Keeps detailed maintenance and operating records on all equipment.

-Operates chain saws and other equipment to clear trails as necessary.

-Performs pre-season trail maintenance as needed.

-Performs or oversees routine maintenance tasks such as trail sign repair, digging out picnic tables, keeping the warming hut door cleared of snow, etc.

-Manages and performs equipment maintenance and fueling.

-Grooms to meet the expectations of the GMNC board and members per the guidance and direction of the executive director.

-Keeps the grooming report updated using our NordicPulse system.

-Grooms and preps the trails for special events such as races and bonfire parties.

-Coordinates and manages off-season maintenance and storage of grooming equipment.

-Works with Executive Director on long-term planning of equipment, trail improvements and personnel training and hiring.

Qualifications:

-Minimum two years experience operating a snowcat

-Knowledge and experience grooming for Nordic skiing

-Experience setting tracks

-Skill using the snowcat blade

-Attention to detail

-Willingness to take direction and work collaboratively

-Experience managing small team

-Basic skills for maintenance of snowmobiles and snowcat

This position often requires work in early morning and late evening hours in remote locations. Employee must have transportation capable of navigating winter snow conditions.

The Employee’s pay will be $25-30 per hour (depending on experience) for on-site work on the Grand Mesa, with a guaranteed minimum of 600 hours over the operations season (late Oct-late April) and end of the season bonus potential. In addition to hourly wages, the operations director will receive a flat monthly stipend for off-site management duties, including phone calls and meetings to schedule grooming operations. Groomers also receive a monthly travel stipend for trips made to the Mesa to groom.

As the GMNC grows, this position has the potential to become full time during the ski season.

For more information, email christie@gmnc.org.