Winter Lead Lift Operator - Giants Ridge

Compensation Amount:

19.00 USD Hourly

Job Summary:

Operates aerial lifts, conveyors, and tows while assisting passengers in the safe loading and unloading. Provides excellent customer service through interaction with all lift passengers. Additionally, the Lead Lift Operator will be responsible for providing breaks, directions, and training for lift operators in assigned areas.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the setting up of multiple lifts each day.
• Provides daily on the job training to new and returning lift operators.
• Leads Lift Operators in the completion of tasks as assigned by the Mountain Manager, Director of Mountain Operations, and Lift Maintenance Manager.
• Trains and instructs team members in all established opening, on-shift and closing policies and procedures.
• Instructs and assists others in maintenance of lift loading / unloading areas, ramps, lift entrances, and mazes in such a manner as to ease the guests’ use of the lift.
• Monitors guests' use of lifts, including checking tickets and denying use of the lifts.
• Provides a welcoming environment for all staff and guests.
• Be knowledgeable about, follow and enforce all Giants Ridge policies, procedures and protocols.
• Conducts and legibly documents daily inspections of lifts, tows and conveyors.
• Effectively communicates problems to Supervisors and/or lift maintenance personnel.
• Instructs participants in the proper use of Giants Ridge facilities, equipment and activity offerings.
• Assists in the evacuation of a disabled lift.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• At least 1 year of previous lift operations experience is preferred.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be dependable.
• Ability to understand verbal and written instructions effectively.
• Must have strong customer service and communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work outdoors in variable, adverse weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, shovel, rake and engage in repetitive pushing and pulling motions.
• Must have the ability to stand for the entire duration of shift.
• Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
• Constantly communicate and receive verbal communication with other employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Rakes
• Shovels
• Hand tools
• Snowmobile
• ATV/UTV
• Two-way radio

Join the Giants Ridge team, managed by Guest Services, and lead the way on the slopes this winter!  We’re looking for an enthusiastic and dependable Lead Lift Operator to help deliver a safe and memorable experience for every guest who rides our chairlifts and conveyors.

As a Lead Lift Operator, you’ll work closely with the Mountain Manager and Director of Mountain Operations to keep lift operations running smoothly each day.  You’ll help train new operators, provide daily direction, assist with break coverage, and set the standard for safety, teamwork, and great guest service.  If you love being outdoors, enjoy helping others, and thrive in a fast-paced mountain environment, this role is for you!

This is a full-time, winter seasonal position, typically averaging 40 hours per week.  The schedule includes a mix of day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs, so flexibility and dependable attendance are important throughout the winter season.

What We’re Looking For:

• Must be least 18 years old.
• 1+ year of lift operations experience required.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Dependable, safety-minded, and ready to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.

Why Work at Giants Ridge? 

• Mountain Perks – Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!
• Exclusive Discounts – Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge. 
• Work with Friends – Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.
• Flexible Scheduling – We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, but some evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge.
• And More! – Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota. Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season, family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Summer features world-class golf and lift-served mountain biking, while winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking, and more. Guests and employees alike can enjoy the Pool & Sauna Haus, along with dining, lodging, and a variety of year-round recreational amenities. Employees also have access to discounted lesson opportunities to help them develop new skills and make the most of the Giants Ridge experience. Beyond the resort, the Iron Range region offers abundant outdoor recreation, including lakes and waterways for boating, fishing, and paddling, as well as extensive trail networks for hiking, snowmobiling, and other seasonal activities. Spring and fall provide the perfect transition between seasons, showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that make the region a great place to live, work, and play.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.