Tackle the Toad is just over a month away!

You still have time to tune up the legs for the inaugaural Nelson trail race!

Senior Snowcat Grooming Operator WANTED.

The Senior Grooming Operator role is a seasonal full-time position.

The Nelson Nordic Ski Club (NNSC) is looking for an experienced  Grooming Operator to maintain the club’s network of cross-country ski trails (35kms) for this coming ski season (November-March).  Competitive salary. 

To apply, submit your resume to Jason Rusu, General Manager (jason@nelsonnordicski.ca) by August 7th, 2019.

Nelson Nordic Ski Club
Senior Grooming Operator
Job Description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Trail Grooming and maintenance

• Implement the trail grooming program through operation of snowcat and snowmobile grooming machines consistent with the NNSC Grooming Policy.
• Work under the direction of the General Manager and with other NNSC staff to coordinate grooming operations in a safe, efficient and timely manner including adjusting grooming travel speed and shift timing as required dependent on snow and weather conditions.
• Remove snags and buck trees that have come down on ski trails during shifts.
• Organize and facilitate staff and volunteer training as required.
• Liaise with Nordic event and race organizers to meet grooming expectations.
• It is preferred that grooming staff are active cross-country skiers so they can understand the requirements and intricacies of grooming for our sport more effectively.

2. Machine Maintenance

• Perform regularly scheduled maintenance checks on the grooming machines and equipment as outlined in the manufacturer’s recommendations and site-specific schedules.
• Create parts order lists, stocking and parts and supplies inventories for grooming program.  Competitive pricing practices are to be used at all times.
• Collaborate with the NNSC mechanic to flag maintenance or mechanical issues that come up through the season.
• Administration
• Participate in training sessions as required.
• Implement live grooming tracking system.
• Perform trail grooming status updates at the end of each shift
• Accurate, professional, and timely email management.
• Accurate timesheet completion and submission to the General Manager according to NNSC policy.
• Use of flexible time schedules so overtime is kept to a minimum.
• Participate in the NNSC Board of Directors meetings when required.

3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of NNSC Strategic  Plan, goals and objectives, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Nelson Nordic trail system, associated activities and events.
• Knowledge of ‘skier preference’ trail grooming and maintenance best practices.
• Knowledge of grooming machines and equipment (both operational and maintenance).
• Knowledge of Nordic race event logistics and associated expectations.
• Skill and ability to operate a wide range of equipment and machinery including snow grooming machines, quads, snowmobiles, tractors, trucks, chainsaws and brush saws.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS.
• Ability and willingness to work late night / early morning shifts with delayed starts during forecasted snowfall events.
• Willingness to work with the general manager, other staff, and the directors to improve the grooming procedures therefore increasing efficiencies and the grooming product.
• Intermediate skill level preferred in mechanical repair, carpentry and welding.
• Basic skill level in computer operation and administrative duties.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Class 5 driver’s license

That’s all folks!

Thank you for a great 2018-19 Nordic season! A special thank you to all of our volunteer members who donated so much of their time to support the Busk kiosk operations, youth programs coaching, special events organization, parking lot marshalling and food preparation/serving! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Please stay tuned for our season wrap up newsletter and survey to be released early next week.

Also please save the date for the NNSC Open House on a proposed design for a new Nordic Lodge!! The meeting will be held at the Railtown Nelson Visitors Centre (upstairs) 90 Baker Street, Nelson Monday May 6th, 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Jay Rusu – NNSC General Manager

Due to the rapidly warming temperatures and lack of snow in the forecast the plan is for grooming with the snowcat to end March 31st. We will continue to touch up trails with the sled and ginzu until April 7th (conditions permitting).

Please check our live grooming page until then for up to date grooming information.

The sun is shining and spring is coming but there’s still plenty of great Nordic skiing to be had!!

Trail conditions have been optimal for skate skiing before 11am and for classic skiing in the newly set track. Older Classic tracks will improve with warmer temperatures and are typically less iced up after 11am.

Our grooming staff have been careful to groom trails after freeze up to avoid iced skate lanes and classic tracks. Re-setting of classic tracks will be limited to 2-5km of trails/shift due to the lack of new snow and melt during the day.

We encourage members to make the most of your membership and adjust your schedule to get out on the trails before noon.  Day pass guests, the Apex kiosk is open at 9:30am and Busk kiosk opens at 9am and both remain open for day pass sales until 3pm daily. Skiers can always register and pay at the vault after hours.

Please check our live grooming page daily for the latest on what has been groomed and where the best conditons are to be found.