Ranchlands Zapata Ranch
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and letter of interest to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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POSITION SUMMARY
As Lead Wrangler you are a primary contact for guests at Zapata Ranch, and you must present an authentic western appearance, and be warm, gracious, and able to think on your feet at all times. Your primary duties will be to guide guests on horseback rides throughout the ranch and Great Sand Dunes National Park and lead afternoon activities for guests, in addition to assisting as needed with other aspects of Zapata’s hospitality programs.
The Lead Wrangler is also the primary point of contact for other wranglers at corrals, and the primary point of contact between the wrangler team and management. They communicate important information about guests and horses to management, oversee corrals operations to ensure that everything runs smoothly at morning saddling and after rides and take the lead on overseeing the day-to-day health of the horse herd, communicating any issues to the Programs Coordinator. Safety is our number one concern, followed closely by ensuring that all of our guests have the best possible vacation.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Guide guests on rides both on the ranch and in the National Park and any other horseback programs.
- Greet guests, introduce yourself, engage with them and anticipate their needs throughout their stay.
- Educate and inform guests about Ranchlands, The Nature Conservancy, other partners and agents that we work closely with, as well as how the ranch operates, our mission, goals and environment.
- Curate imaginative outdoor experiences tailored to each guest.
- Guide interpretive hikes with guests when scheduled.
- Guide guests on day trips to rafting outfitters or fishing.
- Lead Bison tours on the Medano for all inclusive guests and day visitors.
- Assist with all workshops and programs throughout the season. Note: we encourage our team to participate in the workshops when possible, but your primary responsibility is to facilitate the guests’ experience.
- Lead and assist with afternoon activities, including but not limited to roping lessons, leather working sessions, naturalist walks, bird watching, appetizers at the mercantile, and assisting with mercantile sales.
- Assist with dinner service and dish duties as needed. Represent Zapata’s food program by answering questions about produce and the journey of our food, delivering exceptional service throughout meal times.
- Avoid being on your phone while with guests unless making a call/text for work, or taking pictures/videos of the guests.
- Guest pictures and videos must be uploaded to google drive at the end of each week and not air dropped directly to guests.
- Write guest thank you notes by the end of each guest week.
- Any other activities that come up as relevant to guest programs.
- Oversee daily herd health, reporting any injuries, weight loss, sickness or behavioral issues to the Ranch Manager immediately.
- Communicate any issues a guest may have with a horse to the program manager and ranch manager.
- Collect information from wranglers daily about each of their guests and their experiences. Pass on important information to the Program Coordinator and Head of Hospitality if adjustments need to be made to the guests’ stay.
- Oversee all accident reports and ensure that they are completed and handed in on the same day as the incident. Facilitate coordinating conversations and paperwork with involved staff member(s).
- Assist with daily care of horses, including grooming and tacking up.
- Wrangle horses in and out on rotation through the week.
- Assist with daily routine survey of tack and equipment, take note of anything that needs to be repaired and pull it out of use until fixed.
- Oversee the corral area daily, keeping it clean and tidy, and paying attention to any repairs that are needed.
- Conduct riding orientations when required according to the Zapata Ranch guidelines.
- Ensure horse pastures have strong intact fences and water; check all fences/gates before pasture change.
- Keep first aid supplies stocked and tidy and in saddle bags.
- Be a leader for all staff, lead by example, and maintain professional relationships with your team on and off duty. Be proactive in an inclusive culture of sharing, hard work, kindness and learning. Encourage others to contribute, grow and experience the best of Ranchlands under your leadership.
- Assist with on-the-job training of new staff: new staff will be shadowing you and other Wranglers on programs. Be clear and concise while leading staff experiences and answer questions from new staff to enable them to learn.
- Take part in any area of the lodge operations as needed. This may include dishes, serving, sweeping walkways or weeding, cleaning vehicles, taking laundry to town, assisting with last minute dining preparations, checking in late guests, shuttling vehicles, and helping your colleagues by any means.
- Help with basic upkeep and cleanliness of vehicles and trailers.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Lifelong rider or proven advanced experience in different riding disciplines for a shorter period of time.
- Excellent conversationalist and communicator
- Willing to build meaningful relationships with all demographics and ages of people
- Proven interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Service or hospitality experience preferred but not required.
Valid driver’s license
Experience managing other people is preferred.
Can-do attitude and excellent, thoughtful problem solver
Ability to recognize when tasks need to be done and take initiative to complete them
Friendly and warm personality
WORK SCHEDULE + TIME OFF
This is a seasonal (March 1-October 31), full-time position that entails at least 40 hours per week.
Reasonable overtime to meet business needs are likely.
Specific work schedules are set on a weekly basis and will vary according to the needs of the business; staff must be willing and able to adapt to meet a flexible weekly schedule.
At least one day off per week.
Additional five (5) days unpaid time off may be requested within the season, with approval by the Ranch Manager being contingent upon the ability to meet guest needs and coordination of staff schedules across all departments.
HOUSING
This position will be provided a residential room in one of the ranch buildings, inclusive of all utilities.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and letter of interest to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
View more info here: https://ranchlands.com/pages/work-with-us
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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All Ranch Jobs, Entry Level Ranch Jobs, Equestrian Ranch Jobs, Equine Jobs, Guest / Dude Ranch Jobs, Horse Care / Training Jobs, Horseback Riding / Trail Guide Jobs, Ranch Jobs with Housing, Summer Ranch Jobs, Wrangler Jobs