Hill Operations (Snowmakers and Lift Operators)

Role Responsibilities

Do you enjoy winter outdoor work?  Are you interested in supporting the snowmaking program or the skill hill lift operations at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Southern Alberta? We are looking to hire Hills Operations Staff (Snowmakers and Lift Operations) for the 2026 - 2027 ski and snowboard season.

As a Snowmaker, your duties will include, but are not limited to:
•    Operating snowmaking equipment for creating manufactured snow from water resources.
•    Producing quality snow through the use of air, water, and fan equipment.
•    Constantly relocating guns and hoses to various areas around the mountain.
•    Adjusting, turning or moving snow guns, sometimes by hand, to maintain snowmaking efficiency.
•    Adjusting the water and/or air flow to snow guns.
•    Changing nozzles on snow guns when necessary to maintain efficiency.
•    Conducting regular maintenance checks on equipment, including checking water pipes, fluid levels and volume, temperature controls, energy consumption, and diesel fuel systems.
•    Documenting and reporting mechanical/safety issues, completing maintenance logs and checklists.
•    Performing light maintenance or repairs on equipment.
•    Shoveling snow, removing snow around snowmaking equipment and other areas around the resort as needed.
•    Maintaining all safety barriers, padding, and guards around snowmaking equipment.
•    Working safely in close proximity to heavy equipment, high voltage, and high water pressures.
•    Performing other duties as assigned while waiting for optimum snowmaking weather.
•    Testing the quality of snow as it is made, reporting findings and conditions to the supervisor.
•    Driving snowmobiles, trucks and ATVs as necessary.

Continued Role Responsibilities

As a Lift Operator within the Hills Operations role, your duties will include but are not limited to: 
•    Setting up lift area for public use, including putting up signs, maze equipment, garbage and cleanup of the area at the end of the day. 
•    Providing excellent customer service and creating positive memories for the guests. 
•    Checking guest tickets or passes ensuring they are current and valid.
•    Operating the assigned lift safely and efficiently according to regulations and guidelines. 
•    Providing physical assistance to guests as required.
•    Safely and efficiently helping guests load and unload the lifts while following all safe work procedures. 
•    Completing daily safety checks and record on lift logs.
•    Constant snow removal and snow work. This includes sweeping, shoveling, ice chipping, and raking.
•    May be required to assist in other departments as needed.

This position primarily works outdoors in variable winter weather conditions and cold temperatures and requires you to have great physical stamina. You will be required to work days, nights and evenings as scheduled by the supervisor. Working across departments may be required to fulfil operational needs.

Maintenance Workers may encounter emotionally challenging situations, participate in conflict resolution, interact with irritated or difficult visitors or provide support during emergencies events or incidents. Applicants should be prepared to manage these circumstances with composure, sound judgment, and effective communication skills.  Support resources are available through our employee assistance programs.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.

Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.

Systems Thinking: Understands how the work done is part of a larger integrated environment.  Looks beyond own area and considers how own work impacts the work and success of others.

Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Develop Self and Others: A commitment to learning and the desire to invest in the development of the capability of yourself and others.

Qualifications

Required: 
•    Some high school education. High School Diploma is an asset but not required.
•    Prior to hire, recognized current Intermediate Standard First Aid and CPR Level “C”/AED Certificates are needed, and must be maintained as current for the entire period of hire by the employee.
•    WHMIS 2015 Certificate.

Additional Assets to be successful in the role:
•    Ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 35 kg.
•    Experience operating and maintaining equipment, including snowmaking equipment, snowmobiles, UTV’s as well as general ski hill experience. 
•    Knowledge of park facilities/services, especially Hidden Valley Ski Resort or at least familiarity with ski hill operations.
•    Mechanical skills to assist with maintaining lifts or equipment. 
•    Good judgment and ability to work well as part of a team.
•    Excellent communication skills.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Terms of employment:

•    These positions will require outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
•    Shifts are 8 hours a day, up to 40 hours a week (days, nights and evenings as scheduled by the supervisor).
•    Candidates must be willing to work weekends and holidays, varying start dates from October 2026 until March 2027, pending end of ski season and operational needs. 
•    Multiple positions are available.
•    Various low cost housing options are available for rent in Elkwater.
•    There is no public transportation to the Ski Resort. You must have reliable transportation to and from work. The Ski Resort is located about 10 minutes from Elkwater and about 40 minutes from Medicine Hat.
•    Adherence to Alberta Parks Uniform Policy; all personal protective equipment is provided.
•    You must be able to provide the following documents prior to commencing employment:

o    Recognized current Standard First Aid Certificate
o    Current CPR Level "C" Certificate / AED
o    WHMIS 2015 Certificate.

Any initial costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted will be the responsibility of the candidate. However, some reimbursements may occur. Interview travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Instructions for your Resume:

For Employment Experience:
Please indicate duration of employment (month, year)
Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time)
E.g.: Administrator, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three, 8 hour shifts/week)

For any Post-Secondary Education:
Please specify your major and length of program
Please specify the year you graduated
E.g.: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017)

Continued Notes

What we offer: 
•    Cultural Awareness and Support: We recognize the significance of Indigenous cultural practices and will work with employees to ensure they have the flexibility and support needed to participate in ceremonies, traditions, and other cultural commitments.
•    Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Alberta Parks is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx 
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Professional learning and development

Resources for applicants:
•    https://www.alberta.ca/apply-for-jobs-with-the-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx
•    https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/