CNC Snowmaking Crew Leads, Snowmakers and Trail Groomers

at  Government of Alberta

JOB INFORMATION

Job Requisition ID: 61516
Ministry: Forestry and Parks
Location: Canmore Nordic Centre – Canmore
Full or Part-Time: Full-time, some are Part-time
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, some positions are casual as needed
Permanent/Temporary: Wage, Seasonal
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: Open Until Suitable Candidates Found

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Snowmaking Crew Lead - Maintenance Service Worker 2 (MSW2)

Trail Groomer - Maintenance Service Worker 2 (MSW2)

• High school education and one year of related experience including operating and maintaining equipment including some supervisory experience

Snowmaker - Maintenance Service Worker 1 (MSW)

• Some high school education

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.
Refer to
All positions require a valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a clear Driver’s Abstract.

FOR ALL ROLES:

In addition to regular wages, regular Wage employees receive 11.2% in lieu of benefits and vacation leave:

• 5.2 percent of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays
• 6 percent of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay

In addition to the regular wages and the additional pay in lieu of benefits and vacation, regular wage employees are entitled to shift premium pay:

• $3.25 per hour for weekends and holidays
• $2.75 per hour for evenings
• $5.00 per hour for nights

Provincial Parks are essential to the quality of life that Albertans enjoy. They conserve our natural landscapes and wildlife habitat and offer a broad range of nature-based outdoor recreational opportunities. Alberta’s parks inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations.
For more information on the Kananaskis Region within Alberta Environment and Parks, visit

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Do you enjoy winter outdoor work? Are you interested in supporting the trail snowmaking or trail grooming programs, which provide exceptional Nordic ski experiences to visitors and athletes within Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park?
The Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) is home to world class winter events and the Kananaskis Region of the Alberta Parks and is looking to fill seasonal Snowmaking Crew Leads, Snowmakers, and Trail Groomer positions for the winter season that runs from approximately mid-October to the end of March, 2025.
These positions work mainly outdoors and include evening, night, and weekend shifts (with shift premium pay). All positions are contract terms.

As a Snowmaking Crew Lead responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead, supervise, coach, and train seasonal snowmaking crews of three to four persons in performing snow production and related tasks
• Implement snowmaking strategy and plan
• Operate side by sides, snow machines, ATV’s and other equipment to set-up, move, operate and operate snowmaking fan guns and air/water pole guns across two stadiums and over 20 km of snowmaking serviced trails
• Perform regularly scheduled maintenance for equipment
• Monitor and operate pumps and compressors
• Track and maintain inventory of parts and supplies
• Perform support to the winter grooming program through operation of snowmobile grooming machines, especially after snowmaking is completed
• Participate in the monitoring, maintenance and safety of all designated trails
• Make snow for the Frozen Thunder program
• Assist in the set-up, running and clean-up of winter events

As a Snowmaker, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Safe operation and maintenance of snowmaking fan guns and air/water guns, pumps, compressors, valves, hoses and tools
• Operate side-by-sides, snow machines, ATV’s, trucks, and mobile machinery
• Assist with trail packing, grooming, and track setting

As a Trail Groomer, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement the Winter Grooming Program through the operation of snowcats and snowmobile grooming machines to maximize trail grooming production within the stadiums and out on the ski trails for recreation and performance skiing
• Inspect, maintain and clean the grooming equipment
• Work closely with the Snowmaking Supervisor and Crew Leaders, to coordinate grooming and snow-making operations in a safe and timely manner, including assistance to the snowmaking program as needed
• Participate in the monitoring, maintenance and safety of all designated trails
• Perform daily operational checks; assist and support Heavy Duty mechanic and Shop Supervisor with equipment troubleshooting and repairs
• Event Management: liaise with Nordic event organizers and course chiefs to meet grooming expectations and assist in the set-up, running and clean-up of winter events

As a Trail Groomer, It is also preferable to have 500 - 1,000 hrs. experience in operating and maintaining grooming equipment

To also be successful in these roles, you will need to:

• Ensure there is adherence to all pertinent policies, procedures, and protocols, including Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and following Government of Alberta guidelines
• If needed, lead and participate in emergency and evacuation protocols to provide support to visitors and staff in an emergency situations
• Have a mechanical aptitude and equipment operating experience including the ability to troubleshoot equipment and the ability to work outdoors in the winter for long periods of time
• Ability to support and work with other team members within the Kananaskis Region and at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
• Use good judgment and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Respond to public inquires and address any safety concerns
• Interact with the public in a professional manner and to create a positive visitor experienc