Wrangler

START DATE: May 19, 2024 (depending on early-season needs, employment opportunities may be available as early as May 5, 2024). 

We are looking for an individual who is a responsible team player, has excellent horsemanship/equine skills, exhibits a warm and friendly demeanor, and possesses the ability to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining a safety-first mindset. 

As a wrangler at the Steamboat Lake Outpost, you will be responsible to prepare for and lead trail rides, offer riding instructions, and care for the well-being of our herd of approximately 20 horses. Applicants must be willing to work with both adults and children, leading primarily beginner trail rides (advanced rides are offered as well). 

In addition to leading rides, wranglers may be responsible for a variety of other tasks, including, but not limited to: maintaining a clean and organized corral/tack room, cleaning and oiling tack, wrangling horses in and out of grazing, saddling horses, assisting guests prior to rides, adjusting cinches and tack and helping guests safely mount/dismount their horses, building/fixing fences, feeding/loading hay, doctoring/sheath cleaning, driving the draft team, driving the tractor, landscaping/lawn care, other projects around the property as needed and assisting other departments, as needed (e.g. housekeeping, dishwashing, serving, shuttle driving).  

Wranglers must submit a video demonstrating the following skills (please email this video to jobs@steamboatlakeoutpost.com at the time of application): 

• Tacking up 
• Grooming 
• Hoof cleaning 
• Mounting/Dismounting 
• Walking/Trotting/Loping 

Job requirements: 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with and regularly riding horses 
• 21 years or older (for insurance purposes) 
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified (certification must be valid for entire length of employment) 
• Operate well under stress, able to anticipate potentially dangerous situations on the trail and calmly utilize emergency skills, if necessary. 
• Wear appropriate western apparel (boots with heels, plaid/western button downs, vests, jeans, cowboy hat, stampede string) and abide by rules and regulations of the organization’s riding program.  
• Communicate with guests and get to know them, seeking to build authentic connections. Be knowledgeable about and provide information on the local history, flora, fauna, horsemanship, etc.  
• Display concern for the well-being of the horse and execute good judgement in dealing with guests and horses in all situations. 
• Be able to handle horses on the ground and in the saddle. 
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed 
• Have a growth mindset, always looking to expand knowledge and experiences 
• Take initiative and strive to do all things with excellence 
• Be a leader and torchbearer for community culture and values. Set a good example by honoring community standards, both on and off the clock.  
• Understand and be willing to undertake the challenges of living and working in communal housing in a remote location. 

Staff member benefits include free on-site housing, an hourly wage paid out bi-weekly, possession of individual tips received for guided trips and shuttle drives, a free shift meal, and free and discounted activities. Seasonal and year-round opportunities are available.