Night Ski Patroller

Job Description

Class/Group: Hourly/Non-Exempt, Group III or IV 

Reports to: Patrol Director

Pay Range: $19.00-$24.00/hour

Supervises: N/A

Status: Winter Seasonal, Full-Time or Part-Time

CENTRAL PURPOSE: To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration

CORE VALUES: Seek first to help - Dedicated to results - Optimism in action - Solution seekers

JOB SUMMARY:

The Night Patrol position at Mission Ridge Mountain plays a critical role in ensuring guest and employee safety during nighttime ski area operations. This role focuses on rapid response rescue care, including emergency medical support, search and rescue (SAR), lift evacuation, and public education on safe mountain practices. The ideal candidate is a skilled skier or rider with advanced medical certification, strong communication abilities, and a dependable, team-oriented mindset. Work is conducted in challenging mountain environments, requiring physical stamina and the ability to operate in low visibility and adverse weather conditions.

Team members are expected to participate in and complete all patrol-related training sessions.  Maintaining relationships with both paid and volunteer patrollers is highly encouraged.  Effective communication and collaboration with other departments, agencies and government entities is key.  Employees are expected to comply with all company policies and maintain both personal and company-issued equipment and uniforms in proper working condition

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES / TASKS:

• Emergency Response: Provide immediate and professional emergency care to injured guests or staff across the mountain.
• Search and Rescue: Participate in locating and recovering missing or injured individuals on the mountain.
• Lift Evacuation: Execute lift evacuation procedures, including climbing towers with rescue equipment when necessary.
• Skier/Rider Education: Promote safe skiing and snowboarding through guest interactions and enforcement of mountain safety policies.
• Training Participation: Complete required training programs and refreshers in medical care, avalanche safety, and rescue operations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain personal and patrol gear, including medical packs, rescue toboggans, and uniforms, in clean and working condition.
• Cross-Department Communication: Work collaboratively with all departments and external agencies to ensure a safe and coordinated mountain environment.

SKILLS PREFERRED:

• Advanced Skiing or Snowboarding Ability: Required to safely navigate all terrain types in varying snow and lighting conditions while carrying equipment.
• Rescue and Evacuation Proficiency: Critical for responding to emergencies quickly and executing lift evacuations and patient transport safely.
• Strong Communication Skills: Necessary for accurate incident documentation, clear radio use, and effective public interaction.
• Guest Service: Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on guest care and calm, respectful communication during emergencies as well as educational encounters.
• Mechanical and Situational Awareness: Ability to detect abnormal lift sounds or operations that may indicate a mechanical failure.
• Task-Oriented Work Ethic: Must be task-oriented, follow instructions, and complete responsibilities independently or within a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires significant physical and mental stamina. Night Patrollers must be able to lift and carry loads up to 50 pounds over variable terrain, often in snowy or icy conditions, and handle prolonged physical exertion during rescue operations in low-visibility and/or nighttime environments. Applicants must also be able to ski or ride in extreme terrain and weather conditions, and climb tall lift towers during lift evacuation scenarios.  Patrollers must maintain a high level of situational awareness and attention to detail, particularly when documenting incidents or assessing hazards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is primarily outdoors on mountainous terrain during nighttime operations. Patrollers are routinely exposed to extreme weather conditions, including snow, wind, ice, and cold temperatures. Visibility can often be limited, and the terrain may be rugged and unpredictable. The job involves frequent interaction with ski area guests, coworkers, volunteers, and sometimes emergency personnel or government agencies. The role is physically demanding and fast-paced, often requiring coordination with a team under time-sensitive and potentially hazardous conditions. Indoor shelter and breaks may be limited based on operational needs or emergency response requirements. Mission Ridge is a drug and alcohol free workplace and a non-smoking facility.  Seasonal fluctuations may affect hours and schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Rarely (0–12%), Occasionally (12–33%), Frequently (34–66%), Regularly (67–100%)

Seeing: FREQUENTLY

-Must be able to read reports and use computer

Hearing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers.

Standing/Walking: REGULARLY

-Consistent and constant standing and walking while in operation.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: REGULARLY

-The position requires the ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods. 

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: FREQUENTLY

-Must be able to write, type, and use phone system

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.