Snowmaking Pumphouse Ops I

Pumphouse Operator I

General Purpose: 

The Pumphouse Operator I is responsible for the safe and reliable operation and monitoring of Purgatory Resort’s snowmaking pumphouse, booster system, and associated water and compressed-air systems during active snowmaking operations. This position operates and monitors pumps, compressors, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), cooling systems, controls, automation, and related equipment to maintain stable system pressure and flow while supporting snowmaking production across the mountain. 

Pumphouse Operator I employees perform routine system startup and shutdown procedures, monitor equipment and operating conditions, respond to changing snowmaking demand, maintain required operational logs and readings, and communicate closely with the Snowmaking Foreman, Snowmaking Maintenance & Operations Supervisor, Snowmaking Crew Leads, and field crews regarding equipment changes, system conditions, and production needs. Operators are responsible for recognizing alarms, abnormal equipment behavior, pressure or

flow concerns, and other developing conditions and taking appropriate action within established procedures and their level of training. 

This position requires strong situational awareness, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, communication, and the ability to remain focused while independently monitoring multiple pieces of operating equipment and changing system conditions. Pumphouse Operator I employees must successfully complete required department training and demonstrate competency with pumphouse controls, equipment limitations, operating pressures, radio communication, emergency procedures, and system startup and shutdown requirements before operating independently. 

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: 

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

●Perform routine snowmaking system startup, operation, shutdown, and secure procedures according to established SOPs and level of training. 

●Monitor system pressure, flow, equipment status, temperatures, alarms, and other operating conditions throughout the shift. 

●Adjust pumps, compressors, and other system equipment as required to safely respond to changing snowmaking demand and field conditions. 

●Maintain stable system operation while remaining within established equipment and system operating limits. 

●Maintain clear and professional radio communication with Snowmaking Crew Leads, Snowmakers, and department leadership regarding system status, equipment changes, operating conditions, and production needs. 

●Coordinate system changes with field personnel to ensure pumps, compressors, hydrants, and snowmaking equipment are operated safely and in the proper sequence.●Recognize and respond appropriately to alarms, abnormal readings, equipment behavior, pressure or flow changes, loss of power, communication failures, and other developing operational concerns. 

●Perform routine visual inspections of pumphouse, booster, compressor, cooling, and related equipment and identify leaks, vibration, unusual noise, overheating, or other abnormal conditions. 

●Perform basic troubleshooting and corrective actions within established procedures and the employee’s level of training, and promptly escalate conditions requiring additional technical support.

● Monitor, mix, handle, and document snowmaking additive treatment in accordance with established procedures, including monitoring treatment-system operation, product usage, mixture or concentration, and required operating records. 

●Complete required operating logs, equipment readings, inspections, shift documentation, and other department records accurately and consistently.●Maintain awareness of active snowmaking terrain, system demand, equipment availability, and operational changes throughout the shift. 

●Perform routine housekeeping and basic operator-level maintenance necessary to maintain clean, safe, and reliable pumphouse and booster facilities. 

●Communicate equipment problems, maintenance needs, abnormal operating conditions, and outstanding issues during shift turnover and to Snowmaking leadership.●Follow established department procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE standards, emergency procedures, and other applicable safety requirements at all times. 

Other Responsibilities: 

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

●Assist Snowmaking maintenance personnel with routine preventative maintenance, repairs, testing, and troubleshooting as directed and within the employee’s level of training. 

●Maintain clean, organized, and safe pumphouse, booster, compressor, control, chemical-treatment, and equipment areas. 

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

●Assist with inventory, organization, and storage of pumphouse tools, parts, supplies, chemicals, and maintenance materials. 

●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: 

Foundational knowledge of snowmaking systems, pumps, compressors, controls, and pressurized water and compressed-air systems is preferred but not required. Candidates must demonstrate strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, situational awareness, communication, and the ability to safely follow established operating procedures. 

This role requires: 

●Ability to learn pumphouse and booster system equipment, controls, operating procedures, terminology, and system limitations. 

●Basic understanding of pumps, compressors, valves, VFDs, cooling systems, controls, and related mechanical equipment.

●Ability to monitor multiple equipment readings, controls, alarms, and operating conditions simultaneously while maintaining attention to changing system conditions.●Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize abnormal pressures, temperatures, vibration, noise, leaks, alarms, equipment behavior, or other developing concerns.●Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability. 

● Ability to learn established procedures for the safe handling, mixing, monitoring, and documentation of snowmaking additives and associated treatment equipment.●Ability to follow detailed startup, shutdown, operating, emergency, and safety procedures accurately and consistently. 

●Ability to understand how changes in field snowmaking demand affect pumphouse and booster system operation. 

●Ability to make routine equipment and system adjustments within established procedures and level of training. 

●Sound judgment and willingness to stop, stabilize, or escalate operations when conditions fall outside established procedures or the employee’s level of training.●Clear and effective verbal and radio communication skills. 

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

●Ability to remain focused and attentive during extended periods of system monitoring, including overnight shifts. 

●Ability to work independently after qualification while maintaining effective communication with Crew Leads, field crews, and Snowmaking leadership.●Dependability, initiative, accountability, and strong attention to detail. 

Special Certifications/Licensing: 

Valid Driver’s License 

Education or Formal Training: 

● High school diploma or equivalent required. 

● Technical, mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, equipment operation, or snowmaking-related training preferred. 

● Successful completion of required Purgatory Snowmaking pumphouse operator training and demonstrated competency is required before independent operation. 

Experience: 

Previous pumphouse or snowmaking system operation experience is not required. Experience with snowmaking, pumps, compressors, mechanical equipment, industrial systems, utilities, facilities maintenance, equipment operation, or similar technical work is preferred. 

Candidates must demonstrate the mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, communication, judgment, and ability to follow detailed operating procedures necessary to safely learn pumphouse operations. Advancement to independent operation is based on successful

completion of department training and demonstrated competency with equipment operation, system monitoring, startup and shutdown procedures, emergency response, and established safety requirements. 

Working Environment/Physical Activities: 

Work is performed primarily indoors in the snowmaking pumphouse and booster facilities during active winter operations, with occasional outdoor work in mountain conditions. This position works around high-pressure water and compressed-air systems, pumps, compressors, electrical equipment, rotating machinery, chemical-treatment systems, and other industrial equipment and may be exposed to elevated noise levels, vibration, heat, cold, moisture, water, chemicals, and slippery surfaces. Employees must be able to remain alert and attentive while monitoring equipment and changing system conditions for extended periods, including overnight and 12-hour shifts. 

Work may require prolonged standing and walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs or ladders, reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping, and safely navigating wet, icy, snowy, or uneven surfaces. Employees must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier equipment, parts, hoses, or materials when necessary. Sufficient vision and hearing are required to read gauges, displays, controls, warning indicators, and equipment labels and to recognize alarms, abnormal equipment sounds, radio communications, and changing operating conditions. Employees must be able to safely wear required PPE and work nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and changing schedules based on weather, snowmaking conditions, and operational needs.