From snowcats to loaders, keep the machines that move the mountain running!

Position: Heavy Equipment Mechanic (I, II, III-Senior)

Department: Mountain Operations

Location: Lutsen Mountains

Direct Report: Mountain MX Manager

Type: Full-time Year-round

Compensation: based heavily on experience and skill level

• Mechanic I:  $25-$30 - an hour based on experience (entry)

• Mechanic II: $30-$35 - an hour based on experience (intermediate)

• Mechanic III (senior): $35-$40 - an hour based on experience (advanced)

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

Seat Overview 

The Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the resort's fleet of heavy equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation throughout the year. Working with equipment such as snowcats, loaders, tractors, plow trucks, and other heavy machinery, this seat plays a critical role in supporting grooming, snowmaking, snow removal, and broader mountain operations. 

This is a hands-on technical seat that requires mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and responsiveness to changing operational needs. Heavy Equipment Mechanics work both in the shop and in the field, performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, and responding to breakdowns in demanding mountain environments. The seat also works collaboratively with other maintenance and operational teams to minimize downtime and maintain equipment readiness. 

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

Seat Purpose 

Maintain heavy equipment safety, reliability, and operational readiness through skilled maintenance, technical repair, and coordinated support of mountain operations. 

Core Accountabilities 

1. Equipment Reliability & Readiness: Maintain snowcats, loaders, tractors, plow trucks, and other heavy machinery in safe, reliable, and ready-to-operate condition to support grooming, snowmaking, snow removal, and year-round resort operations. 

2. Preventative Maintenance Execution: Perform and document scheduled inspections, preventative maintenance, testing, and seasonal service of heavy equipment to minimize failures, extend equipment life, and maintain operational readiness. 

3. Diagnostics & Technical Repair: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical components, powertrains, and other mechanical systems to restore equipment functionality, minimize downtime, and prevent recurring failures. 

4. Operational Response & Field Repairs: Respond to equipment breakdowns and mechanical issues across the resort, performing safe and effective field repairs during active operations, weather events, and other time-sensitive conditions. 

5. Safety & Compliance: Perform all maintenance and repair work in accordance with manufacturer requirements, OSHA, environmental, and applicable equipment safety standards while maintaining accurate documentation and safe work practices. 

6. Operational Support & Cross-Department Coordination: Collaborate with Grooming, Snowmaking, Lift Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, and other Mountain Operations teams by communicating equipment status, responding to operational needs, and providing qualified technical support to maintain safe and efficient operations. 

7. Shop Standards & Asset Care: Maintain tools, parts, equipment, fabrication resources, and maintenance workspaces in safe, organized, and service-ready condition while supporting efficient repairs, inventory management, and long-term asset care. 

Mechanic Level Expectations 

• Heavy Equipment Mechanic I — Developing Mechanic: Builds foundational heavy equipment maintenance knowledge while performing routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic repairs with appropriate guidance. Demonstrates safe work practices, mechanical aptitude, and progressing technical proficiency across heavy equipment systems. 

• Heavy Equipment Mechanic II — Independent Mechanic: Independently performs routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across heavy equipment systems. Demonstrates sound technical judgment, proficiency with diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems, and dependable field response to maintain equipment reliability. 

• Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic — Advanced Mechanic: Independently handles complex diagnostics, major repairs, and advanced equipment issues while serving as a technical resource and mentor to developing mechanics. Supports equipment reliability improvements, complex field repairs, and operational continuity without formal supervisory responsibility. 

Qualifications & Competencies 

Required 

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

• Working knowledge of engines, hydraulic systems, electrical components, and mechanical repair practices appropriate to assigned mechanic level. 

• Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair equipment with the level of independence appropriate to assigned classification. 

• Experience using hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and maintenance resources. 

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

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work based on operational needs. 

• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with maintenance and operational teams. 

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

Preferred 

• Previous experience in heavy equipment, diesel, agricultural, construction, or industrial equipment maintenance. 

• Experience maintaining snowcats (PistenBully, Prinoth), loaders, tractors, plow trucks, or similar equipment. 

• Ski resort or mountain operations experience. 

• Advanced knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical diagnostics, and powertrain systems. 

• Welding, fabrication, machining, or component rebuilding experience. 

• Familiarity with preventative maintenance programs, equipment tracking systems, and service documentation. 

• Technical training, trade certifications, or manufacturer-specific equipment training. 

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

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, 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 work in confined or restricted spaces and maintain body positioning necessary to access and service heavy equipment 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, lifts, and other equipment required to perform maintenance and repairs. 

• Ability to perform repetitive mechanical tasks requiring manual dexterity, coordination, and sustained physical effort. 

Schedule & Work Environment 

Heavy Equipment Maintenance operates year-round to support grooming, snowmaking, snow removal, seasonal preparation, preventative maintenance, equipment repairs, and long-term asset care. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, including maintenance shops, equipment storage areas, mountain terrain, and remote locations throughout the resort. 

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

The work environment includes exposure to heavy machinery, moving mechanical components, electrical and hydraulic systems, fuels, lubricants, noise, welding activities, and varying weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, ice, rain, and heat. Required PPE, equipment safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and established maintenance standards 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.