Lift Maintenance Manager

Overview

The Lift Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient mechanical operation and maintenance of Brighton Resort’s aerial lifts and related lift systems. This position provides leadership and technical direction to the lift maintenance team and ensures that all lift equipment is inspected, maintained, repaired, and operated in accordance with Brighton Resort standards, manufacturer specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.

The Lift Maintenance Manager plays a critical role in preparing Brighton’s lift systems for winter and summer operations and maintaining the highest levels of equipment reliability throughout the ski season. The position works closely with Lift Operations, Mountain Operations, Ski Patrol, Risk Management, and resort leadership to ensure lifts are safe, compliant, and operationally ready.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced lift maintenance leader who combines strong mechanical expertise with excellent judgment, communication, organization, and team-management skills.

Responsibilities

Lift Maintenance & Mechanical Operations

• Lead the mechanical maintenance program and team for Brighton Resort’s aerial lifts and associated equipment.
• Ensure lifts are maintained in a safe, reliable, and operational condition throughout the year.
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs based on manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements, operating conditions, and equipment history.
• Plan and oversee annual inspections, seasonal opening preparations, shutdown procedures, and major maintenance projects.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and related lift-system issues and provide technical direction to maintenance staff.
• Respond to lift mechanical issues and breakdowns during operating hours and coordinate timely troubleshooting and repairs.
• Establish priorities for corrective maintenance based on safety, operational impact, equipment condition, and available resources.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, parts, equipment history, and regulatory documentation.
• Monitor lift equipment for recurring issues and identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Coordinate with manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and outside service providers when specialized technical support is required.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure all lift maintenance activities are performed safely and professionally.
• Ensure lift inspections, maintenance, testing, and documentation comply with applicable state and federal requirements, industry standards, manufacturer specifications, and Brighton Resort policies.
• Coordinate required inspections and testing with appropriate regulatory authorities and qualified third parties.
• Ensure deficiencies identified through inspections are appropriately documented, prioritized, and corrected.
• Participate in emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, and lift-related incident response.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable lift safety regulations, standards, technology, and best practices.
• Immediately address unsafe equipment or conditions and communicate significant safety concerns to resort leadership.

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop lift maintenance employees.
• Establish clear expectations for performance, safety, attendance, workmanship, and professionalism.
• Schedule and coordinate maintenance staffing to support year-round maintenance requirements and winter operations.
• Conduct regular team meetings and communicate maintenance priorities, safety information, operational updates, and expectations.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management as appropriate.
• Develop employees’ technical skills and support cross-training and succession planning.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative, and accountable work environment consistent with Brighton Resort’s values of Kindness, Respect, and Professionalism (KRP).
• Serve as a visible leader and positive example for the lift maintenance team.

Planning, Budget & Inventory

• Develop annual maintenance plans and assist with departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor maintenance expenses and ensure resources are used effectively.
• Identify capital improvement and replacement needs based on equipment condition, reliability, safety, and long-term operational requirements.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of critical parts, tools, lubricants, and supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships for lift maintenance materials and services.
• Evaluate new equipment, technology, and maintenance practices that may improve safety, efficiency, or reliability.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with Lift Operations to coordinate equipment availability, maintenance windows, daily operational needs, and lift openings.
• Partner with Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations on emergency procedures, evacuations, incidents, and mountain safety.
• Communicate proactively with resort leadership regarding major equipment issues, operational risks, project timelines, and anticipated downtime.
• Support resort-wide safety initiatives and participate in safety committees and operational planning as requested.
• Maintain effective relationships with vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in ski lift maintenance, mechanical maintenance, industrial maintenance, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting aerial lifts or similarly complex mechanical systems.
• Previous supervisory or management experience, preferably in a ski resort or mountain environment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, electrical systems, bearings, gearboxes, braking systems, and related lift components.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance principles and equipment reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical problems and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-altitude, winter mountain environment and in adverse weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing lift maintenance operations at a ski resort.
• Experience with fixed-grip and/or detachable chairlifts.
• Experience working with state tramway/lift regulatory requirements and inspections.
• Experience developing maintenance budgets and capital improvement plans.
• Welding, machining, fabrication, electrical, or advanced hydraulic experience.
• Experience working with lift manufacturers, engineers, and specialized contractors.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Work outdoors in snow, cold temperatures, wind, and other challenging mountain weather conditions.
• Stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and work for extended periods.
• Lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Work at heights and in difficult-to-access areas associated with aerial lift equipment.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, mechanical equipment, and other maintenance tools.
• Respond to lift breakdowns and maintenance emergencies during operating hours.
• Work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary, particularly during the ski season.

Work Environment

The Lift Maintenance Manager works primarily outdoors and around aerial lift systems, mechanical equipment, maintenance shops, and mountain facilities. The position requires frequent exposure to cold temperatures, snow, ice, wind, steep terrain, noise, moving equipment, and elevated work areas.

Because Brighton Resort operates in a seasonal mountain environment, the position requires flexibility and the ability to respond to changing operational conditions and equipment needs.

Leadership Expectations

All Brighton Resort leaders are expected to:

• Model Brighton’s Kindness, Respect, and Professionalism (KRP) values.
• Lead with safety as the highest priority.
• Develop and retain a strong, capable, and engaged team.
• Communicate clearly and proactively.
• Demonstrate accountability and sound judgment.
• Work collaboratively across departments.
• Support a culture where employees feel respected, valued, and able to do their best work.
• Represent Brighton Resort professionally with employees, guests, vendors, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

Team Member Perks:

• Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k) with match, HSA, dental, vision, life insurance, and PTO
• FREE All-Access Brighton Ski Pass
• FREE UTA ski bus access
• Discounted Brighton lift tickets for friends and family
• Access to discounted lift tickets at multiple ski areas
• Employee discounts at all Brighton outlets and all Boyne Resorts
• Discounted membership at Momentum Indoor Climbing Gym
• Access to ExpertVoice, Liberty Mountain, and Outdoor Prolink retail sites