33 replies to this topic

[Lifty541]

So I've been a Lift Operator for the past couple seasons at a small (FG only) ski area and have found that I am more interested in the technical side of lifts in general. I don't have any direct mechanical experience, even with lifts, but I have a good idea of how they work and I pick up on mechanics quickly. I would call myself a good automotive armchair mechanic. I can look at any motor and know what does what.My brothers are all very mechanically inclined, and one in particular is a truly gifted mechanic with a very successful auto repair shop. I'm applying for a lift op position at a larger resort near me (detatchables, yay! More moving parts and $**t to learn about!), but there is also a lift maintenance assistant position open. I'm applying to both, but feel a little sheepish about my lack of direct mechanical experience. I could introduce myself to them at the hiring job fair, but wonder if it'd be a waste of time.

Should I not even bother applying to maintenance until I have more hands-on experience? I am considering just apprenticing with my brother at his shop to get more experience. He's joked about getting me to do all his timing belt jobs, lol.

Also, not that this should truly matter, and I'm not assuming it really does, but I am female. I know it's unusual to have a woman work in this position, but all the more reason I think I should not even bother talking to the maintenance dept. until I've thrown wrenches a little more.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[liftmech]

Many of us had no direct mechanical experience before hiring on. I was also a lift op for three years before taking an apprentice job and had only helped my pa work on his farm tractor. Don't feel sheepish about applying for the job, and if they say they'd like you to have more mechanical experience, it sounds like you have an opportunity built in. As for your gender, I don't think it matters. One of my coworkers years ago was a solid mechanic who happened to be female. It does seem like our industry is male-dominated but all the more reason for people like yourself to join.

[Lifty541]

Sweet, thank you liftmech! It's encouraging to hear that you don't have to be some super experienced mechanic to be considered for maintenance. I really think it might be something I could get good at if given the chance. Plus, I'm a weirdo and I love to be out in incliment weather. :)

[liftmech]

Get used to it

[2milehi]

It is good to have a gal in the mix of all the guys. The guys tend to be less whiny.

Go to the interview and tell the interviewer the same thing you are telling us. Passion can go a long way.

Write down the questions that you think they will ask and you come up with good answers.

Learn the nomenclature of ski lifts.

http://www.skilifts....ld/glossary.htm

This post has been edited by 2milehi: 10 October 2014 - 01:10 PM

[Keymech]

My wife was a Lift tech., and a good one at that. Very detail oriented. That is how we meet. She has since moved on to other endeavors. I still remain. I say apply. She also had little experience. But learned quickly, and had a better work ethic than most people I know. That is what it is all about. This is serious work, but not rocket science. Good Luck.

[cjb]

Apply, I have had three females work for me in lift maintenance. Just being ambitous and hardworking can go far.
Skills can be trained more easily than attitude.

[Lifty541]

2milehi, on 10 October 2014 - 01:09 PM, said:

It is good to have a gal in the mix of all the guys. The guys tend to be less whiny.

Go to the interview and tell the interviewer the same thing you are telling us. Passion can go a long way.

Write down the questions that you think they will ask and you come up with good answers.

Learn the nomenclature of ski lifts.

http://www.skilifts....ld/glossary.htm

Lol @ guys being less whiny when there's a gal on the crew! It makes sense though.

I'm very familiar with all the terms on that glossary page (I found that page very useful my first season as a lifty), do you (or anyone else reading) have any suggestions for info about detachable conveyors (specifically CTEC/Doppelmayr) and how all that works? I am more familiar with fixed-grip. Also I am really weak when it comes to electrical stuff, so any suggestions where I could go to learn more about that?

[Lifty541]

Keymech, on 10 October 2014 - 01:18 PM, said:

My wife was a Lift tech., and a good one at that. Very detail oriented. That is how we meet. She has since moved on to other endeavors. I still remain. I say apply. She also had little experience. But learned quickly, and had a better work ethic than most people I know. That is what it is all about. This is serious work, but not rocket science. Good Luck.

Yeah, that is one thing I am, almost to an OCD degree... Detail oriented. And I LOVE learning new things and working hard. Thanks for the encouraging words. :)

[Lifty541]

cjb, on 10 October 2014 - 05:17 PM, said:

Apply, I have had three females work for me in lift maintenance. Just being ambitous and hardworking can go far.
Skills can be trained more easily than attitude.

Thanks! I'm feeling way more confident now. I do have a positive attitude (just being at the mtn every day makes me stoked!) and I'm a quick learner. Hopefully I can get a foot in the door this season. :)

[2milehi]

With electricity first learn the terms and get a strong understanding of what they are.

Try this video on YouTube. Once you get volts, ohms, and amps down find a video for basis electric circuits.

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=WLK8zgpixDY

[Lifty541]

Awesome, thank you 2milehi.

[liftmech]

Lifty541, on 10 October 2014 - 05:37 PM, said:

do you (or anyone else reading) have any suggestions for info about detachable conveyors (specifically CTEC/Doppelmayr) and how all that works?

http://www.skilifts....ble_cadence.htm
A bit about the cadencing (carrier spacing). Not specific to any one manufacturer.

[towertop]

I must say that 100% of the females I have worked with in the ski industry work twice as had as there male counterparts... weather they feel they need to prove something or they are just better. In one instance we had a female boom truck operator. She was smooth, not like a bull in a china shop. I say go for it, and one way to get experience is hands on, most will tell you that. Good luck

[Lifty541]

towertop, on 11 October 2014 - 04:13 PM, said:

I must say that 100% of the females I have worked with in the ski industry work twice as had as there male counterparts... weather they feel they need to prove something or they are just better. In one instance we had a female boom truck operator. She was smooth, not like a bull in a china shop. I say go for it, and one way to get experience is hands on, most will tell you that. Good luck

Thanks towertop. I think it might also be just be the types of women attracted to work in the ski industry (or people in general, regardless of gender)... Specifically lift op and maintenance. The work tends to weed out anyone not cut out for manual labor. I thrive on it... I like storm recovery. Good teamwork, and seeing results, is rewarding for me. My response to anyone whining about the cold is to wordlessly hand them a shovel. Lol! Attitude and perspective really is everything.

[Lifty541]

Update: I've been informed that I am being considered for the position, and I have an interview tomorrow! Pretty stoked that it's looking good for me. Any tips for the interview? Also, any footwear recommendations for the job? I have a lot of good gear but am lacking in the good winter footwear department. All I have is a pair of sub-zero snow boots, but they are clunky and loose-fitting, and would lousy for climbing lift towers in. Been looking at some stout (non-plastic) mountaineering boots, but they are spendy. Being a lifty has taught me that dressing for the elements makes all the difference and I imagine good footwear is going to be important for this job.

THANK YOU all for the encouragement, really! I have a good feeling that maintenance is where I belong. :)

[Lift Dinosaur]

Keep us posted. Good luck!

Dino

[SkiForChairlifts]

Good luck!

[liftmech]

I use plastics most of the winter; check an outdoir consignment shop if the up-front cost of a new set is a bit much.

[Lifty541]

liftmech, on 01 November 2014 - 12:21 PM, said:

I use plastics most of the winter; check an outdoir consignment shop if the up-front cost of a new set is a bit much.

Yep, I found a barely used pair of Koflach's yesterday at a secondhand outdoor gear place for $50. They're white, but whatever, they were cheap (for a mountaineering boot) and they fit good. Thanks! :)