Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Position: Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Internal Title: Mountain Mechanic
Department: Mountain Operations
Location: Lutsen Mountains
Direct Report: Director of Mountain Operations
Type: Full-time Year-round
Compensation: based heavily on experience and skill level
- $25-$30 - an hour based on experience (entry)
- $30-$35 - an hour based on experience (intermediate)
- $35-$40 - an hour based on experience (advanced)
Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | PTO (Paid Time Off) | Season Pass
TO APPLY, EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: Caitlin@midwestfamilyskiresorts.com
Company Overview:
Lutsen Mountains is a part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, a multi-generational family-owned and operated mountain resort with 3 of the oldest and largest resorts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our company culture reflects family focused values due to our family ownership, our management team, and our guests, who are primarily Midwest families. We rely on team members who are excited about taking ownership of their role, adapting to change, and working collaboratively with our family of team members.
Position Overview:
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic plays a critical role in keeping the resort equipment and vehicle fleet running safely and efficiently throughout all seasons and is responsible for the inspection, servicing, repair, and ongoing maintenance of a broad range of heavy-duty equipment and resort vehicles. The ideal candidate will have experience diagnosing and repairing a wide range of gas, diesel, and hydraulic-powered equipment, and a strong understanding of operations in alpine environments. This role supports snowmaking, grooming, lift maintenance, summer projects, and vehicle operations across the resort.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance
Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance
- Perform routine preventative maintenance and service on all resort-owned vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to:
- Pickup and light-duty trucks
- Forklifts, pay loaders, and tractors
- Snowcats (PistenBully, Prinoth)
- Snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, and four-wheelers
- Gas and diesel-powered engines
- Lawn and trail maintenance equipment (e.g., mowers, chainsaws)
- Hydraulic and hydrostatic systems
- 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems
- Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues to restore equipment functionality quickly and effectively.
- Conduct regular inspections, replace fluids, lubricate parts, and adjust or replace worn components.
- Maintain thorough service logs and documentation for each piece of equipment.
- Perform in-field repairs and mobile troubleshooting during emergency breakdowns in all weather conditions.
- Assist with welding, fabrication, and component rebuilding as needed.
Operational & Departmental Support
- Support lift, snowmaking, and trail crews with maintenance tasks and project-based initiatives.
- Assist snowmaking teams during early season operations including operating equipment, repositioning snow guns and hoses, and monitoring water and air lines.
- Respond to on-hill mechanical issues quickly to limit downtime.
- Assist with lift maintenance and participate in emergency lift and gondola evacuations as trained.
- Operate various resort vehicles and machinery including snowmobiles, trucks, and ATVs across rugged terrain.
- Additional duties as assigned
Workplace Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, Hazmat, SPCC, and resort-specific safety protocols.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.
- Routinely inspect and test safety systems and components.
- Accurately document safety incidents, repairs, and inspections.
- Notify the manager of any safety risks, equipment abnormalities, or unusual conditions.
Tools and Equipment Use
- Routinely use hand tools, pneumatic tools, and electric-powered equipment in maintenance and repair procedures.
- Operate and maintain equipment lifts and diagnostic tools.
- Support ordering and inventory of parts and consumables.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualifications
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid Class D Driver’s License required; Class A CDL preferred
- 3–5 years’ experience in heavy equipment, diesel, or fleet mechanic work (preferably in outdoor or resort environments)
- Experience working with hydraulic systems, diesel/gas engines, and electrical troubleshooting
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to read technical manuals and schematics
- Ability to use diagnostic tools and maintain accurate service records
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays during peak seasons
- Certification in heavy equipment, diesel mechanics, or related field preferred (but not required)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary operations team
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.
- Comfortable working at heights, in tight spaces, and on uneven terrain
- Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme cold and snow
- Able to bend, kneel, climb, and perform physical labor daily
- Physical presence at the resort is required for all shifts
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
