Job Description
Job Description
The Lift Mechanic keeps Berkshire East's aerial lifts and surface lifts safe, compliant and running, through daily operation in winter and major overhauls in the off-season.
The mechanic inspects, troubleshoots, repairs and maintains lift mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and control systems. The role works under the Massachusetts passenger tramway regulations (520 CMR) and the ANSI B77.1 standard, and keeps the records that state inspections rely on.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Daily lift operations (Winter)
- Perform pre-opening inspections and test runs, including brakes, evacuation drives, stop circuits and communication lines.
- Respond to lift stoppages and faults; diagnose and correct problems quickly to limit downtime.
- Assist with lift evacuations and evacuation drills as part of the evacuation team.
- Check and adjust haul rope tension, sheave train alignment and tower components as conditions require.
Preventive maintenance and repair
- Carry out scheduled maintenance on gearboxes, bull wheels, sheave assemblies, grips, carriers, motors, brakes and hydraulic systems.
- Inspect, test and service detachable and fixed grips per manufacturer schedules.
- Troubleshoot electrical and control systems, including drives, PLCs, safety circuits and motor controls.
- Assist with haul rope splicing, rope moves, carrier removal and installation, and tower work at height.
Off-season overhauls and projects
- Complete annual teardowns, NDT inspections and component rebuilds.
- Support lift installations, upgrades and summer attractions maintenance as assigned.
- Help maintain the shop, tooling and parts inventory.
Compliance and records
- Keep accurate daily, weekly and annual maintenance logs and work orders.
- Prepare lifts for, and support, Massachusetts state tramway inspections.
- Follow lockout/tagout, fall protection and all resort safety procedures.
- Train and mentor lift operators and newer mechanics on inspection and safety practices.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 2+ years of mechanical maintenance experience (ski lifts, heavy equipment, industrial or similar).
- Working knowledge of mechanical power transmission, hydraulics and basic electrical systems.
- Ability to read schematics, manuals and technical drawings.
- Comfortable working at height on towers and in all winter weather.
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness to obtain resort-required certifications (e.g., lift evacuation, fall protection, LOTO).
Preferred
- Prior ski lift maintenance experience, including detachable lifts.
- Experience with Sky-trac, Leitner-Poma, C-Tec, Borvig, Hall or other major lift manufacturers' equipment.
- Electrical troubleshooting experience with PLCs, VFD/DC drives and safety circuits.
- Welding and fabrication skills (MIG, stick, oxy-acetylene).
- Haul rope splicing experience or training.
- Trade school, technical degree, or certification in industrial maintenance, electrical or mechanical trades.
- Familiarity with ANSI B77.1 and Massachusetts tramway regulations.
Physical demands and working conditions
- Regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; occasionally move heavier components with assistance or rigging.
- Climb lift towers and ladders and work at height with fall protection.
- Stand, walk, kneel, crawl and work in confined spaces such as lift terminals and drive rooms.
- Work outdoors in cold, wind, snow, ice, rain and summer heat, often on steep or uneven terrain.
- Exposure to moving machinery, high-voltage electrical equipment, noise, grease and solvents.
- Travel the mountain by foot, snowmobile, UTV or snowcat.
Compensation, benefits and how to apply
Pay: Based on experience and certifications.
Benefits
- Paid training, certifications and room to advance
How to apply: Send a resume and short cover letter to [email/careers link]. Berkshire East is an equal opportunity employer.
This description covers the main duties of the role and is not exhaustive; duties may change with business needs.