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GROUSE MOUNTAIN

  /  GROUSE MOUNTAIN

OVERVIEW

  • Season: Late November through April
  • Province: British Columbia
  • Accommodation: No
  • Jobs: Lift Operator, Ice Rink Attendants, Sleigh Drivers, Rental Techs, Guest Services, Baristas & Cooks
  • Interview Locations: Online

Grouse Mountain is a unique four-season destination close to downtown Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Our snow school is among the oldest and most well respected in North America, with a staff of 120+ dedicated ski-and snowboard professionals. We offer day and night skiing and snowboarding seven days a week with drop-in lessons, private lessons, kids camps and adult clinics.

JOB VACANCIES

Grouse Mountain has the highest of expectations for their seasonal staff as they receive thousands of applications yearly. This resort is situated literally minutes from downtown Vancouver and easily accessible to the two other local ski mountains… and Whistler is under two hours away! Grouse Mountain offers a challenging and enjoyable work environment with a world of career opportunities.

Applicants need to be at least 19 years of age, and some roles do require previous experience. Here are just a few that are currently available:

STAFF ACCOMMODATION

Due to its proximity to the city, staff accommodation is not required by those who work at Grouse Mountain Resort. Grouse Mountain is located just across the bridge from downtown Vancouver, a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride, and housing options first in, first serve in North Vancouver and Vancouver.

A Vancouver orientation sheet will be supplied to you to assist you in locating potential housing options for the duration of your employment and other essential need . You may also choose to wait and meet your new colleagues and find a place together, this may give you more options as to the type of accommodation you are looking to secure.

There are many hostels in the city, and you can extend your stay in the Sameson Hostel if you wish until you find a suitable place or other roomies. Grouse Mountain and TWHC will provide as many resources as possible.  Do your research before you arrive so you know the pricing and availability on the types of accommodation you are looking at.

STAFF BENEFITS

All staff members are extended a wide range of perks that include, but are not limited to:

  • Complimentary seasons pass
  • Complimentary seasons pass for your dependant family members (ie spouse/common-law partner and children) for full-time year-round staff or full-time seasonal staff after four consecutive winters or summers
  • Complimentary recreational opportunities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking and access to seasonal activities such as the Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion, scenic chairlift rides and more
  • A Grouse Mountain employee passport to use for a complimentary zipline tour, a tour of the Eye of the Wind, dining discounts and more
  • 40% discount on food items in The Observatory, Altitudes Bistro, Lupins Café, The Grouse Grind™ Coffee Bar, The Rusty Rail BBQ (does not apply to alcohol)
  • 40% discount on Starbucks food and beverage items, 20% discount on merchandise (Grouse Mountain Starbucks location only)
  • Complimentary coffee and tea while on shift when using your reusable cup – a $1.00 fee is charged without a cup that goes to fund sustainability projects on the mountain
  • Complimentary hot chocolate in the chalet and in staff rooms
  • Complimentary fountain drinks in Altitudes Bistro and Lupins while on shift.
  • 20% discount off regular priced merchandise in the retail stores Outfitters, the Spirit Gallery and Essentials
  • 40% discount for ski, board, skate and snowshoe rentals
  • $125 staff price for Tandem Paragliding (regular is $229)
  • Access to the inter-mountain ski day exchange (Mountain Interchange) program
  • Participation in our organised sports and events such as Seek the Peak and the Grouse Grind Mountain Run
  • 15% off Yyoga Memberships – check out yyoga.ca
  • Complimentary Whistler Water through our Waterperks program provided in all staff rooms
  • Discounts from our corporate sponsors

Helpful Statistics on Grouse Mountain

Size of resort: Employs almost 800 staff during the winter season.

Staff Housing: No staff housing – As this location is a local Vancouver resort, all staff source their own accommodation in Vancouver. Housing is not provided by the resort or TWHC you would need to source this yourself.

Nightlife: Lots of nightlife and extra curricular options as this resort is just 20 min drive from downtown Vancouver

Staff Housing: While we do not currently provide staff housing, we are located on the doorstep of North Vancouver and only a 20-minute drive from Vancouver and Burnaby. Many of our international visiting staff team up to find a close place to rent, car, pool, car share, or take transit.

 

Getting Here: There are also several public transit options to get you to Grouse Mountain from throughout Metro Vancouver.

The public transit system offers regular service to and from the base of Grouse Mountain every half hour. Catch Bus 232 – Phibbs Exchange or Bus 236 – Lonsdale Quay to arrive at the base of Grouse Mountain.

Aussie saturation: Saturation of Aussies is moderate

Temperature: Given the location of this resort to the west coast, this is one of the warmest resorts, rarely suffering cold temps (anything below -10C is rare and only lasts for a couple weeks). But lots of precipitation off the ocean that results in lots of snow.

Job roles on offer: Grouse has a range of outdoor and indoor roles. Lift Operations, Base Operations (Skyride, parking, grounds and building upkeep and cleanliness), Retail, Rentals, Guest Services, Food & Beverage – both front and back of house.

Career progression: For those looking to climb the management ladder, you will need to stick around for back-to-back seasons. Staff are also welcome to stay through the busier Summer Season.

The TWHC will assist with your first season’s contract. The ball is in your court – we help you get the job; you need to work hard to keep it. Ongoing extension of contracts are based on seasonal performance and at the determination of management. If in doubt – ask your manager. Grouse operates all year round.

Ski Pass: This resort offers a ski pass with your employment.

Size of Terrain: This resort is 212 acres of skiable terrain. 

Reciprocal pass options: Grouse Mountain has reciprocal agreements with dozens of other mountains in BC and Alberta offering 25% – 50% off lift tickets and even free days at a select few resorts.

Why go here? This location offers the opportunity to work in a ski resort but live in a beautiful city, full of nature, nightlife, world renowned concerts, and sporting events including Vancouver Canucks Ice Hockey Team! Not many locations world wide can offer this situation. Grouse Mountain regularly runs the longest ski season in BC due to its heavy snow fall of up to 10 meters annually and massive snow making fleet.

Challenges: While this resort does not offer staff housing and city life can be more expensive than other areas – life here is doable, just ask the 2.6 million residents in the Metro Vancouver area!

Many of our international visiting staff team up to find a close place to rent, car pool, car share, or take transit.

RENTAL ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION

  • Craigslist vancouver.craigslist.org/apa/
  • Apartment Guide apartmentguide.ca
  • Rent BC rentbc.com
  • House Hunting househunting.ca
  • Pad Mapper padmapper.com
  • Hollyburn Properties rentersguide.com
  • Advent Vancouver adventvancouver.ca
  • KiJiJi vancouver.kijiji.ca

Lift Ops – 15

Job Title: Winter Lift Operator

Location: North Vancouver

Department: Mountain Operations

Reports to: Duty Manager & Supervisor, Lift Operations

Role Status: Full Time – Seasonal – Hourly

Start Date: Early November

Scope of the Job:
As a Winter Lift Operator, you are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the mountain chairlifts; including start up and shut down procedures, greeting guests, and providing physical assistance when required. The Winter Lift Operator is expected to deliver a safe and exceptional experience for all mountain guests.

 

 Key Responsibilities:

  • Greeting every guest with a smile and friendly welcome
  • Providing physical assistance to guests loading or unloading from the chairlift
  • Listening and reacting to guests; seeking additional information from lead hand or supervisor in order to answer guest inquiries
  • Communicating to guests using “Sure We Can” philosophy
  • Maintaining a high quality, friendly and cooperative relationship with guests and mountain staff
  • Operating conveyor, fixed-grip and detachable lifts safely and efficiently following guidelines established by the supervisor and Z98 code (aerial lift code book) and the lift operators manual
  • Notifying lead hand or supervisor in the event of unsafe, unusual, abnormal situations or incidents
  • Preparing and completing documentation required by BC Safety Authority
  • Controlling line-ups by directing guests to appropriate queues
  • Shoveling snow from load/unload ramps, raking and grooming ramps
  • Assisting transport with manual labour tasks; digging in winter signage
  • Keeping lift stations clear of snow and ice, and keeping lift huts, tools and loading/unloading areas clear of clutter
  • Providing lift passengers with dry, de-iced seats and maintaining them during periods of precipitation
  • Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position reports directly to the Mountain Operations Duty Manager and the Lift Operations Supervisor with no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Skiing or Snowboarding experience preferred
  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to provide excellent guest service at all times, especially during periods of inclement weather
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Able to work morning and evening shifts as well as some holidays
  • Must enjoy working outdoors in varied weather conditions
  • On-the-job training provided

 

Working Conditions:

Winter Lift Operators perform most of their duties outdoors and may work in all different kinds of weather conditions. Hours of operation are weather dependent. Due to the nature of the business, this position requires flexibility in terms of your work schedule. A variety of work schedules may include rotation of shifts, day/evening shifts, and weekends and statutory holidays. Shifts require standing for long periods of time and physical assistance of guests loading the chairlift.

Mountain Crew – 5

Job Title: Winter Mountain Crew

Department: Mountain Operations

Reports to: Manager, Duty

Role Status: Full Time – Seasonal – Hourly
Start Date: Early November 2023

Scope of the job:

As a Winter Mountain Crew, you are responsible for assisting all departments with daily operations and special events and are expected to deliver a safe and exceptional experience for all mountain guests. Under direct supervision from the Mountain Crew Supervisor and Mountain Operations Duty Manager, the Winter Mountain Crew assist other departments with manual tasks, clean up and tear-down, transport, fences, snow removal, and on occasion are expected to assist with line control and other guest related duties.


 Key Responsibilities:

  • Assisting other departments with manual tasks
  • Assisting trade workers with special projects
  • Assisting with transport of goods around the mountain top area
  • Maintaining Light Walk
  • Operating snow blowers
  • Assisting events team for special events such as Peak of Christmas
  • Assisting Winter Attractions Crew with set-up and tear down of Ice Rink, Sliding Zone, covering breaks
  • Assist with lighting and maintenance of fire pit
  • Snow Removal of decks, pathways, entrances, Zipline decks
  • Conducting daily checks of all related equipment
  • Check and remove snow from all roofs where there could be a potential hazard following all safe work procedures
  • Collecting garbage
  • Other duties as required 

Supervisory Responsibility
This position reports directly to the Mountain Crew Supervisor and Mountain Operations Duty Manager, with no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Previous experience in landscaping, construction or mechanical experience an asset
  • Valid driver’s license required
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and work well with others
  • Must enjoy working outdoors and maintaining high service standards during inclement weather conditions.

 

Working Conditions

  • Winter Mountain Crew perform most of their duties outdoors and may work in all different kinds of weather conditions.
  • Hours of operation are weather dependent. Due to the nature of the business, this position requires flexibility in terms of your work schedule. A variety of work schedules may include rotation of shifts, day/evening shifts, and weekends and statutory holidays.
  • Shifts require standing for long periods of time, lifting, twisting, shoveling, and other forms of manual tasks.

Rentals – 10

Job Title: Rental Operations Associate

Department: Mountain Adventures

Reports to: Supervisors and Manager, Rentals and Mountain Adventures

Role Status: Full Time

Start Date: Early November

 

As a Grouse Mountain employee, you will be required to:

  • Demonstrate an approach to work consistent with and supportive of Grouse Mountain Resorts’ goals, values, policies and procedures
  • Have the ability to embrace all aspects of your job
  • Deliver an enthusiastic and professional level of guest service at all times, working with guests of all ages and abilities and promote guest loyalty through a fun and engaging experience
  • Be punctual, reliable and show up for work in full uniform with an enthusiastic attitude in all weather conditions. Arrive fit for work and take responsibility for your personal health and safety.
  • Adhere to all company policies regarding COVID-19.
  • Provide guests with information regarding all Grouse Mountain products, activities, events and daily mountain operations schedule. Generate sales through personalized service and strong product knowledge.
  • Be a team player, dependable and work considerately with all departments within the company
  • Show initiative in handling routine matters and have quick, thoughtful judgement in any situation.
  • Possess a willingness to learn new skills and a proactive approach to work.

 

As a Rental Operations Associate, you will be focused on but not limited to:

  • Carrying out the responsibilities of the Rental Operations Associate position in a professional and ethical manner
  • Communicate clearly in a respectful and enthusiastic manner using language appropriate to our guests by email, telephone and in person
  • Explain to guests how to operate rental equipment, safety practices, and guest responsibility for the equipment during the rental, including length of rental and return options
  • Selection and fitting of ski and snowboard boots, skis, snowboards, snowshoes and any accessories for guests
  • Repairs and maintenance to Grouse Mountain rental fleet
  • Engage with the supervisory and management team, demonstrate pro-active, positive, and effective communication to facilitate and support teamwork and cooperation.
  • Preparing equipment and following all applicable safety protocol
  • Ensure equipment is clean, serviced, and tested according to company and manufacturer standards
  • Understanding system procedures created for guest set up, group presets and daily traffic, including some data entry

 

Key Responsibilities and Requirements of the Role:

  • Familiarity with skis, snowboards and related equipment preferred
  • Proactively and safely work alone as well as in a team environment, rotating through Cashier, Technician, Skate Pond, Slide Zone and Group Preset duties
  • Promoting and selling all Rental, Snow School and Mountain Adventure products
  • High attention to detail, with accountability for equipment accuracy
  • Maintain all paperwork according to company policy, including proper delivery of release of liability waiver and rental agreement
  • Ensure that the appropriate rental equipment is returned and checked for damage
  • Maintain cleanliness of the department areas and proper storage of all equipment
  • Maintain high housekeeping standards; including, cleaning and disinfecting rental equipment, all common touch surfaces, and other areas of the Rental facilities when required.
  • Willingness to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Must be willing to work a minimum of two days per week, with availability on three different days per week, one of which must be open availability.
  • Must be available for a minimum of 3 shifts per week over the Christmas Break period.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English
  • Adhere to all safety procedures
  • Handling cash, balancing sales and end-of-day cash out
  • Other duties as required

Guest Services – 8

Job Title: Guest Services Representative

Department: Guest Services

Reporting Manager: Manager, Guest Services

Role Status: Full-Time Seasonal

Start Date: Early November

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for responding to guest inquiries, resolving guest concerns and making recommendations during the purchase of guest experience passes
  • Process sale transactions via cash, credit and debit; balance floats, and complete cash close-out procedures
  • Drive the sale of products by achieving or exceeding sales targets
  • Knowledgeable about our products, services, and promotions
  • Answer inbound phone calls, making outbound sales calls, identifying and resolving caller needs, and providing information through our onsite Call Center
  • Assist with off-site events and marketing/sales initiatives
  • Maintain sales records and files and ad hoc reporting as needed
  • Maintain basic housekeeping standards; ensuring the Guest Services offices and washroom facilities are cleaned/sanitized and well presented
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of one (1) year in customer service preferred
  • Experience handling cash transactions via cash, credit and debit an asset
  • Previous call center experience an asset
  • Secondary Language Skills an asset (Spanish and Mandarin preferred)
  • Must be personable, friendly and outgoing with excellent customer service skills
  • High energy and a strong work ethic

Skyride Operator – 5

Job Title: Skyride Operator

Department: Mountain Operations, Base Operations

Reports to: Manager, Base Operations

Role Status: Full time / Seasonal

Start Date: Early November 2023

 

Key Responsibilities of the Role:

  • Maintaining safe and efficient operation of the Grouse Mountain Skyride system  (aerial tramway system)
  • Providing excellent customer service to all guests
  • Welcoming and informing guests of daily activities and upcoming events through a brief narration about Grouse Mountain history, geography, and points of interest viewable from the Skyride
  • Logging detailed Skyride traffic statistics and relaying the information to appropriate personnel
  • Checking and scanning tickets and/or passes before boarding the Skyride
  • Maintaining housekeeping standards for Grouse Mountain Base area and Skyride terminals as well as all surrounding grounds and buildings
  • Maintaining a clean work environment, including cleaning/disinfecting of Skyride terminals, tram Cabins, and other Base Operations facilities (proper PPE will be provided).
  • Other duties as required

Requirements:

  • Possess excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to communicate orally in public with a clear and audible speaking voice
  • Ability to address large groups of guests
  • Ability to work on Skyride at heights
  • Ability to react quickly; good judgment
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team

 

Experienced Line Cooks – 5

Job Title: Experienced Line Cooks

Department: Food and Beverage

Reports to: Executive Chef

Role Status: Full / Part time

Start Date: Early November 2023

 Key Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for secondary food production, preparation, cuts and transformation of all raw products, cooking of all ingredients, all cooking methods; sautéing, grilling, roasting, frying, baking, poaching, steaming, stewing, braising, smoking etc.
  • Maintain a standard of food quality in accordance with specific guidelines provided by the Chef de Partie, Sous-Chefs and Executive Chef
  • Sauce and soup making, more elaborate pastries, basic chocolate work, hot and cold line cooking in casual restaurant
  • Uphold high levels of kitchen hygiene as per Provincial Standards
  • Desire to improve and learn on a daily basis.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned
  • Able to lift 50+ pounds.

 

 Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • 3-4 years secondary education
  • 2 years culinary experience / training
  • Superior organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
  • Desire to improve and learn on a daily basis
  • Ability to work under pressure and supervise other cooks during service.
  • Must be personable, friendly and outgoing with excellent customer service skills
  • High energy and strong work ethic

 

Working Conditions

  • Full Time 30-40 HRS / Week – Part Time 16-24 HRS/ Week
  • 30 Min break for 5+ hour shift.
  • Accommodate Days off with prior notice.
  • Schedule released 2.5 Weeks in advance.
  • Free Staff Meal



The Working Holiday Club