Ski Patrol Operations Coordinator
Manages the logistical, administrative, and emergency communication frameworks for ski resort safety operations.
Overview
This role bridges the gap between the physical demands of mountain safety and the administrative requirements of resort management. Daily life involves monitoring radio traffic, coordinating with medical services, and maintaining meticulous records of avalanche mitigation and injury reports. The rhythm is dictated by the weather and guest volume, often requiring rapid shifts from routine data entry to high-pressure emergency coordination during incidents.
Success in this career depends on a high degree of emotional regulation and organizational precision in high-stakes environments. The position attracts individuals who possess deep knowledge of mountain operations but prefer the logistical and strategic elements over full-time field labor. It requires a mastery of communication protocols and the ability to synthesize complex field reports into actionable data for resort executives and regulatory bodies.
Responsibilities
- Manage the daily dispatch operations to ensure rapid response times for on-mountain incidents.
- Maintain comprehensive logs of avalanche control activities and explosive inventory in compliance with federal regulations.
- Coordinate the scheduling and resource allocation for a diverse team of professional and volunteer patrollers.
- Monitor and analyze safety data to identify high-risk areas on the mountain for proactive intervention.
- Act as the primary liaison between ski patrol, local emergency medical services, and law enforcement.
- Oversee the procurement and maintenance of medical supplies and technical rescue equipment.
- Track departmental budgets and facilitate the training documentation for annual certifications.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in ski patrol operations or emergency dispatch services is required.
- Certification as an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technician or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is mandatory.
- Proficiency in incident management software and complex radio communication systems is essential.
- Advanced knowledge of alpine safety protocols and mountain geography is necessary for effective dispatch.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records for legal and insurance compliance.
Nice to have
- A Bachelor's degree in recreation management or a related field is preferred.
- Professional certification in avalanche forecasting or explosives handling provides a significant advantage.
- Experience with GIS mapping for trail and incident tracking enhances operational efficiency.
Work environment
- Work is primarily conducted in a mountain dispatch center with frequent transitions to field environments.
- The role requires working weekends, holidays, and early mornings to align with resort operations.
- Collaboration occurs across multiple departments including lift operations, guest services, and marketing.
- High-pressure situations are common during peak season or during severe weather events.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation often includes season passes for the employee and their immediate family.
- Professional development paths lead toward Assistant Patrol Director or Mountain Operations Manager roles.
- Resorts typically offer access to specialized technical training and mountain safety certifications.
- Health benefits and seasonal or year-round contract stability are standard for coordinator-level positions.
See how Ski Patrol Operations Coordinator fits you
Take the free Apt quiz for a personalized match score, salary insights, and AI career coaching.
Take the free quiz