Equipment Operator

Summary There’s a side of Big Sky, Montana that’s unlike anywhere else - and at Moonlight Basin, you’ll experience it firsthand. Spanning over 8,000 acres of breathtaking alpine landscape, Moonlight offers a truly unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and elevated private club living. As part of our team, you’ll work in one of the most scenic and inspiring environments in the country - where towering peaks, endless trails, pristine forests, and direct access to world-class skiing at Big Sky Resort are just the beginning. Whether it’s a powder-filled winter or a sun-drenched summer, Moonlight Basin is a place where work and lifestyle come together in unforgettable ways. Our team members enjoy the opportunity to grow professionally while being immersed in a culture rooted in excellence, hospitality, and the spirit of the mountains. From golf and hiking to fly fishing, biking, and exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park, Moonlight Basin puts you at the heart of everything that makes Montana special. Located just minutes from the town of Big Sky and within easy reach of Bozeman, Moonlight offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and community. If you're passionate about the outdoors, driven by service, and looking to be part of something exceptional, Moonlight Basin could be the place for you.

The Opportunity Moonlight Basin is seeking dependable, safety-minded Equipment Operators to join our Field Operations snow removal team. When the snow flies in Big Sky, our operators keep the community moving, clearing roads, driveways, parking areas, and grounds so members, guests, and staff can get where they need to go safely. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or have some equipment experience and want to build on it, we’d like to hear from you. New team members are placed as an Equipment Operator I or II based on experience. Operator I team members build skills on a range of machinery alongside experienced crew members, while Operator II team members run the full range of equipment independently and help guide newer operators.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate snow removal equipment safely and efficiently, including loaders, Bobcat Toolcats, plow trucks, and similar machinery.
• Plow, haul, and move snow, and widen roadways and view sheds, during both daytime and overnight shifts.
• Shovel snow by hand around entryways, walkways, and areas equipment can’t reach.
• Complete daily pre-operation inspections, fueling, and cleaning of equipment.
• Read gauges and instruments, recognize mechanical issues, and report them promptly.
• Identify obstacles and hazards across varied mountain terrain.
• Communicate work completed, areas covered, and any irregularities to fellow operators and supervisors.
• Respond to requests from homeowners and property managers in a courteous, professional manner.
• Follow all Risk Management, health, and safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Proficient in English reading, writing, and comprehension; additional language skills are a plus.
• Clear communication with crew members, supervisors, homeowners, and property managers.
• Prioritizes the safe operation of equipment and awareness of people, vehicles, and property at all times.
• Works well independently and as part of a crew to accomplish daily goals.
• Dependable and punctual, with reliable attendance during storms and early-morning call-outs.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and strong attention to detail.
• Comfortably adapts to changing weather, priorities, and variable volume across the season.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience operating heavy or light equipment required; snow removal experience in a mountain or resort setting preferred.
• Experience operating loaders, Toolcats, or plow trucks preferred.
• Basic equipment maintenance knowledge preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays, including 3:00–4:00 AM starts after overnight snowfall.
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) (preferred).

Supervisory Responsibilities None.

Benefits of Employment

• Competitive Salary
• Annual bonus
• Complimentary meal per shift
• End-of-season discounts on our retail store items
• Employee housing options available (depending on availability)

Working Conditions Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions typical of a mountain ski resort and residential community, including snow, rain, hail, mud, cold temperatures, and uneven or slippery surfaces. Shifts typically start between 6:00 and 7:00 AM; after overnight snowfall, snow removal begins as early as 3:00–4:00 AM. Weekend and holiday availability is required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch, and perform repetitive tasks with typical breaks.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while operating equipment.
• Ability to grip and operate hand tools, power tools, and vibrating equipment.
• Ability to hear verbal communication and equipment sounds, and to read equipment manuals and safety documents.
• Ability to perform physical tasks at elevation (approximately 7,500+ ft.) in varying weather and temperature conditions.

Disclaimer The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Team members need to request reasonable accommodation from their manager and/or human resources.