Snowmaking Team Leader - Mt Hutt - Christchurch

As a key member of the leadership team, the Team Leader actively supports the Head of Department in delivering world-class snow surfaces, overseeing summer maintenance, and contributing to a positive and professional team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and promote crew safety, reporting incidents and concerns to the Head of Department
• Communicate safety issues promptly and clearly to ensure cohesive team response
• Enforce safety standards, appropriate behavior, and professional conduct
• Ensure shift staffing aligns with fatigue management policies and operational needs

• Operate snowmaking systems according to Head of Department - defined objectives and priorities
• Monitor and maintain snow quality to meet or exceed guest expectations
• Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, current, and legible (e.g., shift sheets, equipment logs, training logs, pumphouse and Snomax records)
• Investigate snow gun issues and take corrective action or escalate when needed.
• Enforce high standards in the care, cleanliness, and presentation of staff areas, equipment, and vehicles.

• Embrace a leadership mindset: speak and act as part of the management team ("us and we," not "them").
• Support the Head of Department in fostering a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture.
• Challenge inappropriate behavior promptly and lead by example in all areas.
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement of policies and procedures to improve safety and efficiency.

• Train new and returning staff, sharing knowledge and identifying training needs.
• Encourage continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
• Support the Head of Department with seasonal recruitment by identifying talent, assisting with onboarding, and contributing to building a strong seasonal crew.

• Oversee snowmobile usage and enforce safe operating practices.
• Ensure all tools and spare parts are accounted for and returned after use.
• Monitor vehicle and equipment servicing requirements, ensuring logs are completed and accurate.
• Support roster adjustments in line with operational and financial objectives.

• Participate in off-season maintenance and capital projects under the guidance of the Head of Department.
• Assist with servicing of snowmaking infrastructure, including pumps, compressors, hydrants, valves, and electrical systems.
• Contribute to trail and system upgrades to support long-term snowmaking capability and reliability.
• Ensure all summer tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high professional standard.

• Understand and support the financial and operational implications of snowmaking decisions.
• Promote safe skiing/riding and model responsible on-snow behavior.
• Support a leadership culture that contributes positively to the wider organization.
• Look beyond day-to-day tasks to drive meaningful improvements across the department.

• Proven leadership experience in snowmaking or mountain operations
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills
• High level of personal responsibility, professionalism, and initiative
• Sound mechanical aptitude and understanding of snowmaking systems
• Ability to lead a team safely and effectively in challenging alpine conditions
• Committed to continuous improvement and team development

• Clean Class 1 Driver License - Required
• Class 2 and Tracks Endorsements - Advantageous

• Shift-based work including nights, weekends, and public holidays (in-season)
• Physically demanding work in extreme alpine weather conditions
• Off-season work includes indoor/outdoor maintenance, repairs, and project support

This role is ideal for an experienced and motivated snowmaker looking to take the next step into leadership. The successful candidate will bring energy, professionalism, and a team first attitude - contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and excellence, year-round.