Lift Operations Lead Hand

Role Responsibilities

Do you enjoy operating large equipment and snow machines, winter outdoor work and working with a passionate team?  If you like the idea of developing and maintain ski trails, operating grooming equipment, working with a strong & passionate team and are looking for a unique winter work experience, apply today!

We are currently looking to hire:

• 1 Lift Operations Lead Hand (MSW2).

As part of the Hill Operations Team, duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assist with implementing the Winter Grooming Program through the operation of snowcats and snowmobile grooming machines to maximize trail grooming production on the ski trails for recreation and performance skiing, to efficiently cut, shape, and groom ski runs at Hidden Valley.
• Inspect, maintain and clean the grooming equipment.
• Work closely with the Snowmaking Supervisor and Operations Supervisor, to coordinate grooming and snow-making operations in a safe and timely manner.
• Respond to public inquires and address any safety concerns.
• Perform daily operational checks; assist and support departments with equipment troubleshooting and repairs.

To also be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Be familiar with and practicing all pertinent occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies, procedures and protocols; and with the Facility Emergency Response Plan and protocols.
• Have a mechanical aptitude and equipment operating experience including the ability to troubleshoot equipment and the ability to work outdoors in the winter for long periods of time.
• Completing administrative tasks such as timesheets, expense claims, commencement and termination paperwork, and online courses.
• Responding to public concerns and complaints regarding facility maintenance issues.
• Assist with facility inspections on an ongoing basis to identify concerns, deficiencies, and hazards.
• Fix identified maintenance deficiencies and providing supervisor with regular progress updates.
• Operate medium and heavy equipment (OHVs, skidsteers, loaders, graders, excavators, groomers etc.) where trained and where applicable.
• Onsite lead for a crew of MSW staff.  Accountable for the direct site operations, and for leading the task of scheduling for other staff.
• Assist with formal inspections, maintenance and servicing of equipment.
• Conducts trail maintenance projects.
• Maintains roads and parking lot areas.
• Assists with staff training and staff performance reviews.

This position primarily works outdoors in variable winter weather conditions and cold temperatures and requires you have great physical stamina. Working across departments may be required to fulfil operation needs.

All positions will require you to work various shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. You have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours per week and will be paid for the number of hours worked. You must have good physical stamina to be able to perform manual duties outdoors and in any time of weather conditions, rain or shine.

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.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Agility – Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment. You will demonstrate self-initiative to take on additional tasks when conditions do not allow for maximized grooming or snow production operations.

Build Collaborative Environments – Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes. You will work with different department Supervisors, your direct Supervisor and Management team to meet program outcomes.

Drive for Results –  You will be responsible to meet timelines and objectives for grooming and snow production delivery programs.

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. You will use your skills to plan shift work, grooming routes and address equipment mechanical or functional challenges.

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience required:

Park Maintenance Worker 2 – (Maintenance Service Worker 2)

• Some high school education and 1 year of related experience

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; OR 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Additional requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation to and from place of work.
• A valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent.
• Final candidates will be required to provide an acceptable 5-year Commercial Driver’s Abstract prior to commencement (will be reimbursed).
• A recognized current intermediate Standard First Aid and CPR Level "C"/AED Certificate is needed prior to commencement.
• Adherence to Alberta Parks Uniform Policy; all personal protective equipment is provided. Certified Safety footwear is not provided but candidates will be reimbursed for a portion of the cost.
• This position will require outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.

Additional Assets to be successful in any of the roles:

• 500-1000 hrs. experience in operating and maintaining grooming equipment.
• Experience with snowmaking and lift operations, ideally in an Alpine setting.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Good mechanical and troubleshooting skills to identify mechanical or operational issues.
• Completion of, or experience with, current GOA supervisory and 1GX training.
• Well-developed oral and written English skills to effectively communicate with others.
• Familiarity with Cypress Hills Region and surrounding area, including Hidden Valley Ski Resort.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Terms of Employment:

• Training sessions at the beginning of employment are mandatory (Early January).
• Shifts are 8 hours a day, up to 40 hours a week.
• Candidates must be willing to work weekends and holidays, varying start dates from January 2026, until March 31, 2026, pending end of ski season and operational needs.
• Various low-cost accommodations 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 min from Elkwater and about 40 min from Medicine Hat.

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.

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:

• Include date ranges (month and year) associated with all education and work experience – we are unable to assess resumes without this information.
• Indicate whether your work experience was casual, part-time or full-time.
• Example: Camp Counsellor: Jan 2016 – June 2019 (PT, 3 eight-hour shifts per week).

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.
• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Mentorship Programs.

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/