JOB TITLE: Lift Operations Manager
DEPARTMENT: Lift Operations
REPORTS TO: Director of Mountain Operations
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-Exempt, Seasonal
COMPENSATION: $24.00 - $30.00 hourly, DOE
WORKDAYS: Full-time, coordinated with a 7 days/week operation, must have weekend and holiday availability
WORK LOCATIONS: Sunlight Mountain Resort (10901 County Road 117, GWS, CO)
REMOTE WORKING: Not Available
BENEFITS: Sick Pay, Employee Sunlight Season Pass – real deals with participating resorts; Retail, Food & Beverage discounts
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Lift Operations Manager at Sunlight is responsible for the overall leadership, safety, and operational performance of the resort's lift operations department. This position oversees all daily lift operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of guests while delivering exceptional customer service. The Lift Operations Manager adheres to department procedures; manages staffing, scheduling, training, and budgets; and works closely with Lift Maintenance, Ski Patrol and other resort departments to support seamless lift operations. This position is responsible for fostering a strong safety culture, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting employee development and accountability.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee all daily lift operations to ensure lifts operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations and company standards.
- Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Lift Supervisor, Lift Leads, Lift Operators, and Maze Attendants.
- Hire, onboard, train, schedule, evaluate, and discipline lift operations staff in accordance with company policies.
- Develop department staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage during peak and non-peak operating periods.
- Ensure all pre-opening, operational, and closing procedures are completed accurately and documented daily.
- Monitor lift performance throughout the day and respond proactively to operational challenges, weather impacts, and guest needs.
- Coordinate daily with Lift Maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with all ANSI B77 standards, Colorado Tramway Board regulations, OSHA requirements, and company safety policies.
- In coordination with Ski Patrol, lead emergency response procedures related to lift evacuations and operational incidents.
- Investigate operational incidents, guest concerns, and employee accidents while ensuring accurate documentation and follow-up.
- Establish and maintain department training programs, including new employee orientation, annual certifications, emergency procedures, and ongoing skills development.
- Promote exceptional guest service by ensuring employees consistently provide friendly, professional, and safe interactions with guests.
- Collaborate with Ski Patrol, Mountain Operations, Snowmaking, Grooming, Guest Services, and other departments to support efficient resort operations.
- Develop department goals, monitor operational performance, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage departmental inventory, equipment, uniforms, radios, signage, and operational supplies.
- Prepare and maintain departmental documentation including operating procedures, inspections, training records, schedules, incident reports, and performance records.
- Participate in preseason planning, budgeting, and long-term operational improvements.
- Manage departmental labor expenses and operating budgets while maintaining service and safety standards.
- Occasionally perform the duties of Lift Supervisors, Lift Leads, Lift Operators, or Maze Attendants when operational demands require.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of three to five years of lift operations experience with progressive leadership responsibilities.
- Previous management or supervisory experience preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of aerial lift operations, safety regulations, and industry best practices.
- Strong understanding of risk management and emergency response procedures.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
- Excellent decision-making abilities in dynamic operating conditions.
- Ability to prioritize multiple operational demands while maintaining a high level of safety.
- Strong conflict resolution and guest service skills.
- Ability to analyze operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with scheduling software, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, regulatory agencies, and guests.
- High attention to detail with a commitment to safety and operational excellence.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Lift Manager works in both outdoor and indoor environments. Outdoor work includes monitoring lift operations throughout the resort in varying weather conditions, including snow, wind, cold temperatures, and other inclement weather. Indoor responsibilities include scheduling, budgeting, reporting, training, meetings, and other administrative functions. The position requires frequent movement throughout the mountain, responding to operational issues, supporting staff, and interacting with guests. The work environment is fast-paced and requires flexibility, sound judgment, and calm decision-making during emergencies and high guest volume periods. Employees are required to wear appropriate clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions, including layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and other protective gear as necessary. Sunlight provides specific uniform items that must be worn during shifts.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the resort for extended periods.
- Ability to climb stairs, ramps, and access lift terminals safely.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods.
- Adequate vision and hearing to monitor lift operations and respond to safety concerns.
- Ability to safely operate department vehicles and equipment as required.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Develop and manage the annual Lift Operations department budget.
- Monitor labor costs, overtime, and staffing levels to meet budget expectations.
- Manage departmental purchasing and inventory within approved budget parameters.
- Recommend capital improvements and equipment purchases.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of departmental resources and assets.
POSITIONS SUPERVISED
- Lift Supervisor
- Lift Leads
- Lift Operators
- Maze Attendants
NOTE - This position description is intended to indicate the basic nature of position allocated to this class and provide examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
