Ski Patrol Supervisor

Whitefish Mountain Resort (Winter Sports, Inc.)

Title: Ski Patrol Supervisor
Department: Ski Patrol
Status: Full-Time Seasonal (FTS)
FLSA: Non-Exempt, Hourly
 

Job Summary:
 The Ski Patrol Supervisor assists the Ski Patrol Manager and Assistant Manager in managing the ski patrol program at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Key responsibilities include directing work priorities, assigning duties, leading and supporting daily operations, managing avalanche mitigation work, enforcing safety standards, and performing all regular ski patrol duties. Additionally, the Ski Patrol Supervisor organizes and executes pre-season and ongoing training efforts and documentation. In the absence of the Ski Patrol Manager or Assistant Manager, the Ski Patrol Supervisor is responsible for operational decision-making and delegation of duties to the ski patrol team.

Job Relationships:

• Reports to: Patrol Manager and Assistant Patrol Manager
• Employees Supervised: Ski Patrol staff

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; college or trade education preferred.
• AED/CPR certification at the Basic Life Support level.
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or comparable/higher medical certification.
• Ski Patrol Level 3 status preferred.
• 1-year supervisory experience preferred.
• Minimum of Avalanche II (rec); preferred Avalanche Pro 1, AVPRO, Avalanche III (Rec), or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Whitefish Mountain Resort and/or ski area operations and avalanche mitigation preferred.
• Advanced skiing skills with the ability to competently ski all types of terrain.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in weather and avalanche forecasting.
• Ability to pass an ATF-E background check for “Responsible Person” clearance.
• Expert proficiency in skiing, with backcountry travel experience.
• Expert proficiency in avalanche rescue and the Incident Command System.
• Experience in all aspects of avalanche mitigation, including explosives use, storage, cap and fuse detonation, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A minimum of 5 years of previous ski patrol experience or comparable work experience preferred.

Job Specifications:

• Must remain calm and effectively handle various emergency situations, including medical incidents, transports, avalanche mitigation and rescue, and lift incidents and evacuations.
• Must maintain professional communication with guests and employees in various situations.
• Ability to effectively and thoroughly complete incident reports and collect information for investigations.
• Ability to operate a snowmobile consistent with WMR Snowmobile Operator training and WMR Snowmobile policy.
• Ability to train employees on patrol-specific snowmobile operations and components.
• Ability to transport patients in a rescue toboggan across all terrains and conditions.
• Proficiency in dispatch operations and ability to dispatch at any time.
• Knowledge of chairlift operation, evacuation procedures, and the ability to identify abnormalities.
• Knowledge of WMR sweeps, trail closures, and avalanche routes.
• Knowledge of ALERT protocols and landing zone procedures, with the ability to create a landing zone as needed.
• Knowledge of explosives handling and avalanche mitigation, with the ability to lead most routes.
• Knowledge of technical rescue and technical hardware.
• Proficiency in using an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe for avalanche rescue.
• Per WSI Vehicle Insurance standards: must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to be added to WSI’s vehicle insurance policy.

Specific Duties:
Supervision

• Assist the Ski Patrol Manager or Assistant Manager with daily mountain operations, including delegation of responsibilities, job assignments, and avalanche mitigation programs.
• Direct and communicate work priorities, prepare work assignments, and coordinate resources to expedite workflow.
• In the absence of the Ski Patrol Manager or Assistant Manager at the summit, serve as the primary point of contact for ski patrol staff.
• In the absence of the Ski Patrol Manager or Assistant Manager at the summit, serve as the primary point of contact with the mountain operations director and other resort management.
• Provide constructive feedback on-site if work is not being done correctly; formal performance discussions are conducted by the Manager/Assistant Manager.
• Assign duties and assess productivity and performance for safety, quality control, and adherence to standards.
• Supervisory responsibilities may include appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
• Communicate department and resort goals and objectives to team members to meet or exceed standards.
• Provide leadership and support for daily operations while fostering a collaborative work environment within the Ski Patrol department and across all departments.
• Disseminate information from weekly and daily meetings to all team members to ensure a positive work environment.
• Approve and adjust timecards in ADP.

Training

• Motivate and organize staff to provide pre-season and ongoing patrol training and documentation.
• Suggest and coordinate continuing education for patrol staff.
• Coordinate educational events for groups (schools, FS, programs).
• Ensure patrol staff training adheres to standards and policies and procedures.
• Assist in managing online OEC tracking, training curriculum, crew certifications, and payment.

Snow Safety Coordination

• Attend meetings with patrol management, mountain operations director, and other resort management as needed.
• Assist in transporting, storing, and using explosives, including weekly cache inspections and monthly inventory in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist in documenting avalanche mitigation efforts seasonally, weekly, and daily.
• Assist in pre-season and ongoing snow safety, avalanche, and rescue training.
• Assist in maintaining weather stations.

Patrol Operations

• Assist with avalanche hazard assessment and mitigation.
• Identify and mark hazards for changing conditions.
• Inspect and clear toboggans and components of ice/rime/snow.
• Perform morning duties, including inspecting and maintaining rope lines, boundaries, and signage.
• Place fog balls and other marking bamboo/signage as needed for conditions.
• Check all lifts for abnormalities, appropriate tower pad conditions and adjustments, and other conditions that could affect skier safety.
• Conduct speed control and educate guests who violate the Skier Responsibility Code or act irresponsibly.
• Know all mountain runs and areas, including local/patrol names for specific areas.
• Keep all patrol rooms and stations clean and orderly.

Incidents

• Respond to all incidents/medical emergencies at the ski area and mountain-owned facilities.
• Initiate 911/ALERT notification when appropriate based on circumstances and protocols.
• Thoroughly complete incident reports and collect information.
• Be familiar with all medical equipment used by WMR Ski Patrol.
• Participate in ongoing medical, technical, and procedural training.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.

Rescue and Evacuation

• Be familiar with avalanche procedures, including explosives, routes, snow conditions, and rescue techniques.
• Know and practice with all rescue equipment (sleds, snowmobiles, ropes, climbing/belay gear).
• Know and practice standard lift evacuation procedures.
• Patrollers must carry mountain-issued rescue equipment while on duty.

Public Relations

• Maintain a neat, clean appearance, and wear uniforms.
• Assist with skier/rider education, crowd control, and speed control.
• Be courteous and helpful to the skiing/riding public, presenting a professional attitude and manner at all times.
• Provide guest information at the Summit and other mountain areas.

Race, Events, and Programs:

• Be familiar with and ready to assist with event and race support (string-lines, safety, etc.).
• Have basic knowledge of terrain park and event layouts.

Safety & Wellness:
 All team members are expected to remain vigilant and identify, mitigate, or report occupational or public hazards to the appropriate WMR supervisor, manager, or employee. This involves periodic inspections of work and public areas, with follow-up notifications to correct conditions or practices as soon as possible.

Work Environment:

• Ski with/lift/carry up to 50 pounds of weight, often in awkward positions and variable ski conditions.
• Lifting may be up to 150 pounds and may require lifting while twisting at the torso and bending at the knees while wearing ski boots.
• Expected to lift smaller weights from 25 to 50 pounds, often in awkward positions.
• Skiing is moderate to strenuous and frequent overall.
• Required to continuously twist, stoop/bend, squat, kneel, grasp with both hands, and ski throughout the shift.
• Occasionally climb lift towers, stairs, and work above ground (heights); walk uneven ground; and push or pull weights of 150-200 pounds (1 hour total, up to 15 minutes continuous).
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions, often extreme in nature.
• Job requires working weekends, holidays, and overtime during peak demand times.
• Non-smoking environment.
• Required to wear a helmet during all on-snow activities (skiing, riding, operating a snowmobile, or any other time head injury or overhead hazard is present).

This job description is a general outline of the duties and responsibilities and is subject to changes and revisions by Winter Sports, Inc. management at any time. Responsibilities are listed as guidelines only, and the job is not necessarily limited to these specifications.