Snowmaking Pumphouse Operator III

Pumphouse Snowmaking Operator III

General Purpose: 

The Pumphouse Operator III is an advanced technical position responsible for the safe, reliable, and highly independent operation of Purgatory Resort’s snowmaking pumphouse, booster system, and associated water and compressed-air systems. This position operates, monitors, and optimizes pumps, compressors, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), cooling systems, controls, automation, snowmaking additive treatment systems, and related equipment while managing system pressure, flow, equipment loading, and overall system performance in response to changing snowmaking demand and field conditions. 

Pumphouse Operator III employees independently perform system startup, operation, shutdown, and advanced operational adjustments; monitor and interpret equipment and system performance; diagnose and troubleshoot complex operating conditions; and coordinate closely with the Snowmaking Crew Leads and field crews regarding system conditions, equipment performance, and production needs. Operators are expected to recognize

developing problems before they significantly affect production or equipment, take appropriate action to stabilize system operation, perform advanced troubleshooting within their training and authorization, and recognize when conditions require escalation. 

This position requires advanced technical knowledge of pumphouse operations, pumps, compressors, water and compressed-air systems, controls, automation, mechanical systems, snowmaking additive treatment, equipment limitations, and the relationship between field demand and overall system performance. Pumphouse Operator III employees serve as advanced technical resources during active operations, assist with diagnosis and repair of equipment and system problems, and train and mentor less-experienced Pumphouse Operators while maintaining established operating procedures, equipment protections, and department standards. 

This is a seasonal position. Dates are subject to change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and the needs of the business. This role comes with a free season pass for you and your dependents. For a full list of benefits, visit the Purgatory employee benefits page.https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/ 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

●Independently operate, monitor, and optimize snowmaking pumphouse and booster equipment, including pumps, compressors, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment within established operating procedures. 

●Independently perform snowmaking system startup, operation, shutdown, and equipment-securing procedures, including advanced operational adjustments and equipment sequencing. 

●Monitor, interpret, and evaluate system pressure, flow, equipment status, temperatures, alarms, operating trends, and other conditions to maintain safe and efficient system performance. 

●Optimize pump, compressor, VFD, and related equipment operation in response to changing snowmaking demand, field conditions, equipment availability, and production priorities. 

●Maintain stable and efficient system operation while managing equipment loading, operating capacity, system limitations, and equipment protection requirements.●Monitor and manage snowmaking additive treatment, including product mixing and 

handling, treatment-system operation, dosage and concentration adjustments, product usage, troubleshooting, and accurate documentation in accordance with established procedures. 

●Maintain clear and professional radio communication with Snowmaking Crew Leads, field crews, and other personnel regarding system status, equipment changes, operating conditions, and production needs. 

●Coordinate system startup, shutdown, equipment sequencing, and significant operational changes with field personnel to ensure safe and efficient operation of pumps, compressors, hydrants, and snowmaking equipment.

●Recognize, evaluate, and respond to alarms, abnormal readings, equipment failures, pressure or flow fluctuations, loss of power, communication failures, and other complex or developing operational conditions. 

●Independently diagnose and troubleshoot advanced pumphouse, booster, compressor, mechanical, electrical, control, automation, and system operating issues within the employee’s level of training and authorization. 

●Identify developing equipment or system problems, evaluate potential causes and operational impacts, and take appropriate corrective action to stabilize operations, protect equipment, and minimize production interruptions. 

●Perform detailed inspections of pumphouse, booster, compressor, cooling, control, and related equipment to identify mechanical deficiencies, abnormal operating conditions, developing failures, and maintenance needs. 

●Assist with advanced troubleshooting, diagnosis, maintenance, testing, and repair of pumps, compressors, valves, cooling systems, controls, automation, and associated snowmaking infrastructure. 

●Maintain awareness of active snowmaking terrain, system demand, equipment availability, operating capacity, and changing production priorities while anticipating potential system limitations or operational conflicts. 

●Complete and review operating logs, equipment readings, inspections, treatment records, shift documentation, and other department records for accuracy and completeness. 

●Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to Pumphouse Operator I and II employees in equipment operation, troubleshooting, system monitoring, emergency procedures, and safe work practices. 

●Serve as an advanced technical resource during complex troubleshooting, abnormal system conditions, equipment failures, and other significant operational challenges.●Communicate equipment deficiencies, maintenance priorities, recurring problems, recommended corrective actions, and outstanding operational concerns during shift changes and to Snowmaking Crew Leads or Snowmaking Leadership. 

●Follow established department procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE standards, emergency procedures, equipment limitations, and other applicable safety requirements at all times. 

Other Responsibilities: 

●Assist with preseason system preparation, equipment inspections, testing, and operational readiness activities as directed. 

●Assist with postseason shutdown, winterization, inspection, cleaning, and organization of pumphouse and associated equipment. 

●Support Snowmaking maintenance personnel with preventive and corrective maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, repairs, testing, and equipment inspections within the employee’s level of training and authorization. 

●Assist with diagnosis, repair, and performance evaluation of pumps, compressors, cooling systems, valves, controls, automation, and related snowmaking infrastructure.

●Support equipment installations, replacements, upgrades, system modifications, and automation improvements as assigned. 

●Assist with identifying recurring equipment problems, maintenance needs, and opportunities to improve system reliability, efficiency, and equipment protection.●Maintain clean, organized, and safe pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, snowmaking additive treatment, and equipment areas. 

●Participate in required department training, safety meetings, emergency response exercises, and advanced equipment-specific training. 

●Assist with development and improvement of pumphouse operating procedures, equipment documentation, training materials, and operator qualification standards.●Assist with inventory, organization, inspection, and storage of pumphouse tools, parts, supplies, chemicals, and maintenance materials. 

●Provide technical guidance and support to less-experienced Pumphouse Operators as needed. 

●Support Snowmaking operations and maintenance activities outside the pumphouse as needed. 

●Support other Mountain Operations projects and departments as assigned.●Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

Advanced technical knowledge of snowmaking systems, pumphouse operations, pumps, compressors, controls, and pressurized water and compressed-air systems is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, situational awareness, communication, problem-solving ability, and sound independent judgment during normal snowmaking operations. 

This role requires: 

●Advanced knowledge of snowmaking pumphouse and booster operations, including water distribution, compressed-air systems, equipment sequencing, operating pressures, flow requirements, and system limitations. 

●Advanced technical understanding of pumps, compressors, valves, VFDs, cooling systems, mechanical equipment, controls, automation, and associated snowmaking infrastructure. 

●Advanced knowledge of snowmaking additive handling, mixing, treatment-system operation, dosage adjustments, usage tracking, documentation, and troubleshooting.●Ability to independently operate, monitor, and optimize snowmaking systems while managing pressure, flow, equipment loading, operating capacity, and changing production demands. 

●Ability to interpret equipment readings, alarms, operating trends, and performance data to identify developing problems, evaluate system conditions, and make appropriate operational adjustments. 

●Advanced mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, control, and operational problems, identify

probable causes, and implement appropriate corrective actions within established authorization. 

●Ability to independently perform system startup, shutdown, equipment sequencing, and advanced operational adjustments while maintaining safe operating conditions and protecting equipment. 

●Working knowledge of equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, mechanical repairs, testing, and diagnostic procedures associated with pumphouse and snowmaking infrastructure. 

●Strong understanding of department operating procedures, equipment limitations, lockout/tagout requirements, emergency response procedures, and applicable safety standards. 

●Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, respond effectively to abnormal or emergency conditions, prioritize operational concerns, and recognize when escalation is necessary. 

●Strong communication and coordination skills, including the ability to clearly communicate system conditions, technical concerns, and operational changes to field crews and Snowmaking Leadership. 

●Ability to maintain accurate and detailed operating logs, equipment readings, inspection records, treatment documentation, and shift reports. 

●Ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to less-experienced Pumphouse Operators while reinforcing safe and consistent operating practices. 

●Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain focused while independently monitoring multiple operating systems during extended or overnight shifts. 

●Dependability, initiative, adaptability, and a demonstrated commitment to equipment reliability, operational efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement. 

Special Certifications/Licensing: 

Valid Driver’s License 

Education or Formal Training: 

●High school diploma or equivalent required. 

●Technical education or training in mechanical systems, electrical systems, industrial maintenance, equipment controls, or related fields preferred. 

●Completion of required Purgatory Resort pumphouse training and demonstrated advanced competency in system operation, troubleshooting, safety procedures, and emergency response required. 

Experience: 

Previous experience independently operating snowmaking pumphouse and booster systems required. Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency operating, monitoring, and

optimizing pumps, compressors, controls, automation, and associated water and compressed-air systems during active snowmaking operations. 

Experience performing system startup and shutdown, managing changing production demands, making advanced equipment adjustments, and independently diagnosing and troubleshooting complex equipment or system problems is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, sound independent judgment, and the technical competency necessary to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable system operation without direct supervision. 

Previous experience assisting with equipment maintenance, repairs, testing, and troubleshooting is strongly preferred. Experience training or mentoring less-experienced operators is also preferred. 

Working Environment/Physical Activities: 

Work is performed primarily indoors within the snowmaking pumphouse, booster facility, and associated equipment areas, with occasional outdoor work in mountainous terrain and winter weather conditions. Employees work around high-pressure water and compressed-air systems, 

pumps, compressors, electrical equipment, rotating machinery, and snowmaking additive treatment systems. Exposure to elevated noise levels, vibration, heat, cold, moisture, chemicals, and other industrial operating conditions is expected. This position requires sustained attention and situational awareness while independently monitoring multiple operating systems during extended shifts, including overnight operations. 

Physical activities include prolonged standing and walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working in confined or restricted equipment areas. Employees must be able to inspect and access machinery, perform equipment adjustments, assist with maintenance and repairs, and safely navigate wet, icy, or uneven surfaces. Regular lifting and carrying of equipment, tools, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds may be required. Adequate vision, hearing, and communication abilities are necessary to monitor equipment, recognize alarms and abnormal operating conditions, and respond appropriately to emergencies. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as applicable. 

Employees must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and variable schedules as required by snowmaking operations, weather conditions, equipment needs, and resort priorities.