Lift Maintenance Mechanic I
Position: Lift Maintenance Mechanic I
Internal Title: Mountain Mechanic
Skill Level: Entry - Intermediate
Department: Mountain Operations
Direct Report: Mountain Operations Manager
Type: Full Time Year-Round
Wage: $18-$24
Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | PTO (Paid Time Off) | Season Pass
Company Overview:
Lutsen Mountains is a part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, a multi-generational family-owned and operated mountain resort with 3 of the oldest and largest resorts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our company culture reflects family focused values due to our family ownership, our management team and our guests, who are primarily Midwest families. We rely on team members who are excited about taking ownership of their role, adapting to change, and working collaboratively with our family of team members.
Role Overview:
Responsible for the maintenance of all lifts at Lutsen Mountain. Performs skilled work in including, maintaining and/or repairing fixed and detachable chairlifts, surface lifts, tows and conveyors and their related systems and other duties as assigned by management. Will work under the direction of the Mountain Manager but will be expected to present the knowledge and skills necessary to work independently. Duties are performed in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor environments in all weather conditions.
Duties/ Responsibilities
- Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs ski lift mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and other related systems to ensure safe operations
- Perform and document regular operational testing, preventive maintenance and trouble shoot potential problems.
- Responds to and works to determine causes of lift operational problems promptly.
- Perform a wide variety of duties at heights from 10-60+ ft. off the ground.
- Confirm at the end of the operational day that all lifts are shut down properly.
- Complete maintenance and repairs of all lifts and provide the required documentation. Review daily logs recorded for repairs and implement those that are needed.
- Efficiently communicate issues and concerns to coworkers and management.
- Comfortable working at heights and frequently climbing towers in all weather conditions.
- Operates diverse types of equipment and off-road vehicles in all types of terrain.
- Maintains and documents an inventory of materials, parts, and tools necessary to perform maintenance activities.
- Assist in lift emergency procedures and evacuations
- Maintains the shop and building grounds in a clean and safe manner
- Able to run and operate a lift as well as assist in training lift operators
- Notifies Manager of all unusual events, circumstances, or other safety or quality control issues.
- Willing to wear the required PPE as required, i.e., hardhats, safety glasses, and fall restraint harness.
- Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Manager and/or Directors.
- Assists other departments, as necessary.
Additional Duties: Each member of our Mountain Operations team is expected to work together to help each other achieve success in their primary function.
- Work alongside snowmakers during snowmaking season so we may achieve our opening goals
- Operate snowmaking equipment for creating manufactured snow from water resources
- Produce quality snow using air, water, and fan equipment
- Test the quality of snow as it is made, reporting findings and conditions to the supervisor
- Relocate guns and hoses to various areas around the mountain
- Changing nozzles on snow guns when necessary to maintain efficiency
- Conduct regular maintenance checks on equipment, including checking water pipes, fluid levels and volume, temperature controls, energy consumption, and diesel fuel systems
- Document and report mechanical/safety issues, complete maintenance logs and checklists
- Shovel/remove snow around snowmaking equipment and other areas as needed
- Maintain all safety barriers, padding, and guards around snowmaking equipment
- Work safely near heavy equipment, high voltage, and high-water pressures
- Drive snowmobiles, trucks, and ATVs as necessary
- Assist both vehicle and snowmaking maintenance on a needs and project basis
Basic Requirements:
- Willing and able to perform in severe and inclement weather conditions and terrain for sustained periods Experience working at elevated levels with little to no fear of heights
- Able to lift 50-100 lbs.
- Must have an unrestricted US Driver’s License
- High School or equivalent
- Be able to operate a snowmobile or ATV
- Able to bend, lift, carry, crawl, climb, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
- Must be able to work extended hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.
Preferred Experience
- 1 or more seasons of lift operations experience
- Mechanical and electrical maintenance knowledge
- Knowledgeable with high and low-voltage electrical drives
- Skilled at troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- An in-depth knowledge of ski industry and lift maintenance best practices and standards
- Ability to understand and interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.