MB - Trail Crew Manager at Moonlight Basin – Big Sky, Montana

SUMMARY

There’s a side of Big Sky, Montana that speaks to those seeking something special. A vast 8,000-acre landscape where stunning natural beauty and an endless array of alpine adventures blend to create a private club and mountain living experience like no other.

Whether it’s winter or summer, Moonlight Basin is something you won’t soon forget. The mountain scenery, the direct access to some of the finest skiing at Big Sky Resort, the hiking, the golf and so much more all add up to the perfect place to work and enjoy Montana.

Moonlight Basin is located right in the middle of the best things to see and do in Montana. You can visit Yellowstone National Park. Explore the national forest and wilderness lands. Come down to the town of Big Sky and shop, eat, and catch some music. Bozeman is a short drive to another gateway to adventure.

THE OPPORTUNITY

SUMMER

The Trail Crew Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of trail maintenance and trail construction activities throughout Moonlight Basin. Under the direction of Moonlight leadership, the Trail Crew Manager supervises a 2–3 person Trail Crew, ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Moonlight Basin standards, sustainable trail-building practices, and environmental stewardship goals.

WINTER

The Snowcat Operator – Nordic & Access Trails is responsible for the safe and effective operation of snowcats, snowmobiles, and related grooming equipment to prepare and maintain high-quality Nordic ski trails. In addition to grooming Nordic ski trails, this position is also responsible for grooming home access ski trails and individual home ski access backup routes as assigned. Grooming may be performed using a snowcat and/or a snowmobile with grooming implements during low snow conditions or when terrain access is limited

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Trail Crew Leadership and Management

• Supervise and lead Trail Crew Members in daily trail operations and assignments.
• Communicate project goals, safety protocols, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Train crew members on trail maintenance and building techniques, tools, equipment usage, and safety.
• Provide coaching, performance oversight, and mentorship during the season.
• Coordinate crew logistics including transportation, work schedules, and field operations.
• Timeclock and payroll management, seasonal team member reviews.

Project Planning and Coordination

• Assist in developing seasonal trail plans and weekly project priorities.
• Conduct site assessments and prepare recommendations for trail improvements.
• Track project progress, document trail conditions, and complete trail reporting.
• Coordinate material, tool, and equipment needs for trail projects.
• Collaborate with other Moonlight Basin departments on trail-related operations and access.
• Communicate via email and phone, produce drawings, schematics, and reports, as needed.

Trail Building and Maintenance

• Perform hands-on trail work as needed including brushing, lopping, tread repair, corridor clearing, and drainage improvements using loppers, chainsaws, McLeod’s, Pulaski’s, pick mattocks, and shovels.
• Construct new trails using sustainable trail techniques and dry stone masonry.
• Control noxious weeds along trail corridors utilizing motorized weed spray equipment.
• Maintain tools and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure work quality remains consistent and meets Moonlight Basin standards.
• Adhere to safety protocols to ensure safety of self and others in the field.
• Follow all employee handbook and safety guidelines.

Snowcat Operator

• Operate snowcats and snowmobiles equipped with grooming implements to groom Nordic ski trails.
• Groom and maintain home access ski trails and individual home ski access backup routes.
• Adjust grooming techniques based on snow depth, terrain, and weather conditions.
• Inspect trails for hazards before, during, and after grooming.
• Perform basic equipment checks, complete log books, fuel equipment, and report maintenance issues.
• Communicate trail conditions to supervisors.
• Follow all safety and operational procedures

QUALIFICIATIONS

Required Skills & Certifications

• 2+ years of trail work experience required; 1+ year of field supervision preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Saw Certification – A or higher, or equivalent experience (training may be provided).
• First Aid & CPR required or ability to obtain prior to season start.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supervising small field crews.
• Knowledge of sustainable trail design and construction techniques.
• Familiarity with dry stone masonry and hand/ power tool operations.
• Experience operating machinery including mini excavator, skid steer, motorized wheelbarrows.
• Experience working in remote field environments.
• MT Department of Agriculture Right of Way Pesticide/Herbicide applicator license
• Experience in operating snowmobiles, snowcats, and/or heavy equipment is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

SUMMER

• Physically demanding field work environment, generally 4 day, 10 hour work days per week.
• Work with moving mechanical equipment (i.e. tools, chainsaws, mcleods,
• pulaskis, pick mattocks, shovels).
• Operate equipment such as mini excavator, skid steer, motorized wheelbarrow, and other large, mechanized equipment.
• Requires travel by foot to remote job sites.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment with unpredictable weather at high elevation
• Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time
• Work in an indoor office environment with controlled climate

WINTER

• Work hours typically occur overnight or early morning. Conditions are typical of those found at a Nordic ski area and residential access trail system, including cold temperatures, snow, wind, darkness, and variable terrain. Must be able to perform physical tasks at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by

an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential

functions.

• Work 8-10 hours a day with time spent in all weather conditions commonly found in southwest Montana.
• Ability to use various hand tools and non-motorized equipment to assist in maintaining trails, trail signs and activity equipment.
• Physically demanding work environment
• Work with moving mechanical equipment (i.e. tools, chainsaws, mcleods,
• pulaskis, pick mattocks)
• Ability to hike 1-5 miles carrying work equipment to and from trail job sites
• Ability to work in an environment with unpredictable weather
• Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Use of hands to manipulate, handle or feel objects and tools
• Reach with hands and arms
• Walk, climb, or balance and stoop
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 75 pounds
• Ability to converse and exchange accurate information while working in the field and in an office environment.
• Vision ability requirements include the ability to inspect, identify, observe, and assess situational work environments both close up and at a distance.
• Endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions
• Ability to carry up to 75 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in all summer and winter field conditions including rain, snow, high winds, and heat and or cold temperatures.
• Ability to work in an indoor office environment utilizing standard office equipment

BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Competitive salary
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Heath, dental, vision insurance
• Matching 401(k) with match and no vesting schedule.
• Short & Long Term Disability and Life Insurance paid for by the company
• Matching 401(k) with match and no vesting schedule.
• Complimentary meal per shift
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness program that can be used for a Big Sky season ski pass or a gym membership.
• End-of-season discounts on our retail store items.
• End-of-season employee celebration.
• Employee housing is available.