Keep the mountain moving—build your skills maintaining the lifts that make every run possible.

Job Title: Lift Technician (I, II, III-Senior) 

Department: Operations 
Reports To: Mountain Maintenance Manager 

Location: (Lutsen Mountains, Snowriver, Granite Peak) 
Status: Full-Time, Year-Round 

Regular Schedule: Weekends and holiday coverage expected 

Compensation: $22.00-$36.00per hour (pending proven experience)

Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | FTO (Flexible Time Off) | Sick Time | Season Pass

Seat Overview 

The Lift Technician is responsible for maintaining the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of the resort’s lift systems through inspection, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and technical response. Working across chairlifts, surface lifts, conveyors, and related systems, Lift Technicians help ensure equipment is maintained in accordance with regulatory, manufacturer, and resort standards while minimizing downtime and supporting dependable daily operations. 

This is a hands-on technical seat performed in a dynamic mountain environment where safety, precision, and responsiveness are essential. Lift Technicians work closely with Lift Operations, Patrol, Grooming, Snowmaking, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, and other Mountain Operations teams to respond to changing operational needs and keep the mountain running safely and efficiently. 

Technicians may be placed at the Lift Technician I, Lift Technician II, or Senior Lift Technician level based on demonstrated experience, technical proficiency, independence, judgment, and ability to consistently perform the expectations of the seat. 

 Seat Purpose 

Maintain lift system safety, reliability, and operational readiness through skilled maintenance, technical response, and coordinated support of mountain operations. 

Core Accountabilities 

1. Preventative Maintenance Execution: Perform and document scheduled inspections, testing, preventative maintenance, and seasonal service of lift systems to ensure regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and long-term asset reliability. 

1. Operational Reliability & Technical Repair: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, control, and structural lift system issues to safely restore service, minimize downtime, and prevent recurring failures. 

1. Safety, Compliance & Emergency Response: Execute all work in accordance with ANSI B77, manufacturer requirements, PPE, fall protection, lockout/tagout, and established safety procedures while maintaining readiness to respond to lift stoppages, incidents, and evacuations. 

1. Operational Support & Cross-Department Coordination: Coordinate effectively with Lift Operations, Patrol, Grooming, Snowmaking, Fleet Maintenance, and Facilities by communicating lift status, responding to operational needs, and providing qualified support to maintain safe and uninterrupted mountain operations. 

1. Execution Coverage & Operational Continuity: Provide flexible maintenance and operational coverage during peak periods, staffing gaps, PTO, weather events, seasonal transitions, and other high-demand conditions to maintain lift readiness and continuity across Mountain Operations. 

1. Worksite Standards & Asset Care: Maintain lift terminals, facilities, tools, parts, equipment, and work areas in safe, organized, and service-ready condition to protect resort assets and support efficient maintenance execution. 

1. Technical Development & Team Contribution: Continuously develop technical proficiency across lift systems, actively participate in training and knowledge sharing, and contribute to team capability, quality workmanship, and the development of less-experienced technicians.  

Technician Level Expectations 

Lift Technician I — Developing Technician: Builds foundational lift maintenance knowledge while completing routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic repairs with appropriate guidance. Demonstrates safe work practices and progressing technical proficiency. 

Lift Technician II — Independent Technician: Independently performs routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across lift systems. Demonstrates sound technical judgment, dependable operational response, and the ability to identify and resolve common system issues. 

Senior Lift Technician — Advanced Technician: Independently handles complex diagnostics, repairs, and technical issues while serving as a resource and mentor to developing technicians. Supports advanced maintenance, problem-solving, and operational continuity without formal supervisory responsibility. 

Qualifications & Competencies 

Required 

• Mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to safely work with hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment. 

• Ability to understand and follow technical procedures, maintenance instructions, and established safety requirements. 

• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a maintenance and Mountain Operations team. 

• Ability to work independently at the level appropriate to assigned technician classification. 

• Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, equipment issues, and operational demands. 

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record when operation of company vehicles or equipment is required. 

Preferred 

• Previous experience in lift maintenance, industrial maintenance, millwright work, mechanical repair, electrical systems, or a related technical trade. 

• Experience with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, control, or drive systems. 

• Ski resort or mountain operations experience. 

• Familiarity with ANSI B77 standards and passenger ropeway maintenance practices. 

• Experience reading electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic schematics and technical documentation. 

• Welding, fabrication, machining, or related trade experience. 

• Experience working at heights and utilizing fall protection systems. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and perform physically demanding maintenance work throughout the shift. 

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs independently and heavier components with appropriate assistance or equipment. 

• Ability to safely climb lift towers, ladders, platforms, and other elevated structures while using required fall-protection equipment. 

• Ability to work in confined or restricted spaces and maintain body positioning necessary to access and service lift components. 

• Ability to safely navigate steep, uneven, snowy, icy, and mountainous terrain on foot and while operating authorized resort vehicles or equipment. 

• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and other equipment required to perform lift maintenance duties. 

Specific experience and technical proficiency requirements will vary based on placement at the Technician I, Technician II, or Senior Technician level. 

Schedule & Work Environment 

Lift Maintenance operates year-round to support daily lift operations, preventative maintenance, inspections, testing, seasonal transitions, projects, and long-term asset care. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors across the mountain, including lift terminals, towers, maintenance facilities, and remote terrain in changing weather conditions such as cold, snow, ice, wind, rain, heat, and other seasonal conditions. 

Schedules vary based on operating hours, weather, maintenance priorities, projects, and seasonal demands. This seat requires flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts during peak or critical operating periods. Technicians may also be required to respond to lift stoppages, severe weather, emergencies, staffing gaps, or other time-sensitive operational needs outside of their typical schedule. 

The work environment includes exposure to heights, moving machinery, electrical and hydraulic systems, fuels, lubricants, noise, and other hazards associated with lift and mountain maintenance. Required PPE, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and established safety practices must be followed at all times. 

Disclaimer: The statements above describe the general nature of the seat but they are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required.