Couple Wanted for Montana Guest Ranch Positions

We are a working guest ranch in the Madison Valley in Montana that used to operate as an eco-hotel, but now is a private ranch for the recreational use of three partners, their family and friends. We do not have any paying customers (other than some photoshoots), but try to operate as a five-star retreat. Our guests come to hike, look at wildlife, fly-fish, ride horses, sit in our hot springs, shoot the clay course or just relax.

We are looking for a couple that can help us fulfill two positions in our operation: Facilities Manager and Lodge Assistant/ Equestrian Manager. The jobs are on a contract basis from May 2024 through December 6th, 2024.

The Facilities Manager

This position consists of two main areas of focus. The Facilities Manager would be in charge of maintenance issues that arise on the ranch, coordinating with sub-contractors to get the problem resolved. These issues include HVAC systems, plumbing, water wells, basic vehicle maintenance, generators, sprinkler systems, etc. The other area of focus is the general upkeep of the lodge vehicles and the grounds, which includes washing vehicles, keeping the porch areas clean, garbage runs, etc.

There are many other duties associated with this position, such as:

Maintaining and running sporting clay and long-range shooting ranges

Clearing roads of downfall as it arises

Cleaning the natural hot springs tub

Being in charge of pest control

Washing cars and trucks

Staining and painting furniture and cabins

Stocking firewood

Assisting in ranch irrigation and seeding projects

Assisting the cowboys with fencing, irrigation, etc. to the extent applicant has relevant experience

Assisting in various construction projects

Helping with the landscaping: weed spraying and removal of weeds from driveways, walkways and fire pits

Taking lodge and construction garbage to the county collection bins located just off the ranch

Lodge Assistant/ Equestrian Manager

The Lodge Assistant position consists of a few areas of focus: hosting groups, meal service, leading some activities and light housekeeping. There are always little projects that arise… setting up picnic areas, helping with keeping the indoor and outdoor flowers looking nice, etc.

As the Equestrian Manger, you will be responsible for the health of the guest horse herd of around 10 horses (some are retired). They will need to be regularly exercised and ready for guests to ride, this will require catching, saddling, and grooming. Guiding guest horse rides and giving basic lessons in our arena will be part of the position. If, in your judgment, a guest is not fit to ride a horse, that guest will not ride a horse. Safety is the number one priority, so checking the tack and equipment will be an important part of the job. Giving safety briefings to guests and upkeeping of the guest tack and the guest horse barn are also part of the duties associated with the position.

If timing allows, the Equestrian Manager can help the cowboys with their work. Moving cattle from pastures to pasture, placing and retrieving mineral and salt, etc.

Specific duties would include:

Daily

Exercising the horses and upkeep the barn

Collecting the horses from the pasture using an ATV and into the corrals

Making sure the Lodge and main cabins are maintained as required. Light housekeeping

As Needed

Leading the guest equestrian trail rides

Maintain and clean riding equipment

Front of house duties, such as serving and bartending

Set up / break down table for guests

Touch up rooms and main guest areas

Assist the managers with guest services and other hospitality-related tasks

Managing lodge supplies inventories

We look at compensation in terms of a total package. We offer a fully furnished private cabin with all utilities paid, including internet and DirecTV, telephone, electricity, propane and water.

We are also able to provide ground game meat. We provide you with a ranch credit card to use for gas when traveling for ranch business and for miscellaneous expenses, so you do not have to deal with reimbursements.

Discussing salary… it is dependent on experience and we have found that, with the housing and utilities portions of their monthly expenses taken care of, people are able to really build their savings over the season. Each year we have also paid out holiday bonuses for a job well done.

We don’t provide health insurance to ranch employees. We found that people all have different needs and there is no one size fits plan that would make sense. We do ask for the applicant to have his/her own insurance.

One phrase we don’t like to hear around the ranch is “that’s not my job.” We strive for a congenial environment, as the people that come to visit are coming to have fun.

Regular, predictable and timely attendance is required, as is the ability to get along and work effectively with others. A valid driver’s license and a permit to work in the United States are also required.