Head Wrangler needed at Montana Dude Ranch ~ Seasonal with Year-round Potential

Elkhorn Ranch Montana

Email

[email protected]

Location

Gallatin Gateway, MT

Job Type

Full Time or Seasonal

Salary

DOE

Posted

August 15, 2025

Housing Offered

Yes

Experience

2-5 yrs

Sponsoring Work Visas?

How to Apply

Click This Link to Apply

⚠️ Please DO NOT call with questions. Please only email with questions *after* you have completed the application via the URL link in header

We are hiring a Head Wrangler to work as a key partner to the Ranch Managers at Elkhorn Ranch Montana. This is a seasonal position beginning Fall 2025, with the potential to become year-round for the right candidate.

This is a working leadership role. You will spend your days in the saddle, caring for horses, guiding wranglers, and reinforcing a positive barn culture — all in close partnership with the Ranch Manager. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in doing things well, thrives in a team dynamic, is eager to learn, and understands that hospitality and horsemanship go hand in hand.

The Head Wrangler is here to carry out the Ranch Manager’s vision for the horse program and guest experience. You’ll be the Ranch Manager’s right hand — helping lead the crew, support the guests, and maintain high standards in the barn. This is not an independent management position. Leadership here is a shared responsibility built on communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. We have zero tolerance for negativity, drama, or immaturity; professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude are non-negotiable in the barn and on the ranch.

Life on the ranch follows a strong seasonal rhythm, and the two seasons couldn’t be more different. Success here depends on your ability to embrace both.

Summer is lively, fast-paced, and highly social. The ranch transforms into a busy guest operation with a full wrangler crew and a rotating herd of 30+ horses in daily use. The barn runs on communication, hospitality, and horsemanship. Wranglers lead guests of varying abilities on rides into the backcountry, rotate horses for rest and recovery, and make sure each guest has a safe and enjoyable ride with properly fitted tack. You’ll work closely with other crew members where your attitude, professionalism, and teamwork shape the experience.

Winter is remote and quiet, with only four people living on the ranch. We do not host guests in the winter. There will be periods of riding and working horses for the upcoming season; however, the weather often makes extended horse work difficult.

Be prepared, more than half of winter will be spent on other essential ranch tasks; snow removal, fencing, facility improvements, and construction projects. You’ll often work alone or with just one or two others. The ranch turns into a winter wonderland for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Besides the main road, the ranch is only accessible by snowmobile or snowshoes. Road closures are common, and access to town can be limited. To enjoy this season, you must be self-directed, comfortable with being isolated, and motivated by the quiet satisfaction of productive, outdoor work.

Throughout both seasons, this is a guest-oriented ranch. Whether you’re leading a trail ride or clearing snow from the barn, your work supports the ranch’s long-term mission of offering guests a high-quality, safe, and welcoming experience. We’re looking for someone who understands that caring for horses and guests is deeply connected, and who can uphold those values year-round.

Start Date: Fall 2025

Compensation:

Salary dependent on experience
Small private cabin with small kitchen and bathroom provided
Food stipend during winter
Potential for year-round employment with benefits
For the right fit, we are open to a partner living on-site, with possible summer employment opportunities (not guaranteed; case-by-case basis)
For the right candidate, we would consider a pet

Key Responsibilities

Summer:

All duties and responsibilities of a wrangler
Help assign horses and tack for weekly guest rotations
Ride and evaluate green and seasoned horses
Assist in training and supervising wranglers and barn crew
Maintain trails, fences, tack, and pasture systems
Facilitate horse rotations to ensure health and guest suitability
Communicate daily with the Ranch Manager about herd health, crew needs, and scheduling
Support a guest-first approach across all activities

Winter:

Ride and condition the herd for the next season
Assist with feeding, vet care, and barn maintenance
Help with snow removal and facility access
Contribute to ranch improvement and construction projects
Work closely with the Ranch Manager to plan and prep for summer operations

We’re looking for someone with real ranch experience who’s ready to grow into a leadership role while staying grounded in horsemanship and guest service.

Required Qualifications

21+ years of age
Guest, cattle, or private ranch experience in a corral or wrangling setting
Confident, thoughtful rider at walk, trot, lope (including green/unfamiliar stock)
Experience fitting tack and managing horse care
Ability to navigate and learn backcountry trails
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
At least two horse-related professional references
Calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent, and clear communicator
Comfortable working within a team structure and taking direction
Experience with fencing, gates, and general ranch upkeep

Preferred Qualifications

Previous wrangler or barn crew leadership experience
Vet care/doctoring skills
Experience with tractors, skid steers, or snow equipment
Western background and familiarity with seasonal ranch culture

How to Apply

Click the link in header and Fill out the online Head Wrangler application on our website.

⚠️ Please DO NOT call with questions. Please only email with questions *after* you have completed the application via the URL link in header

Please submit a video that includes a short introduction as to why this position and lifestyle would be a good fit for you; in addition to demonstrating catching, brushing, saddling, and riding three gaits (walk, trot, lope).

Your application will not be considered without an introduction and riding video.

This is a multi-step hiring process. Candidates must be willing to travel to the ranch for a multi-day, in-person interview.

We are not able to sponsor visas or offer work exchange opportunities. Applicants must be legally able to work in the U.S.