Employment Opportunities at a Montana Dude Ranch
Montana Guest Ranch Jobs
The advantages are numerous…making long lasting friendships and enjoying the outdoors in a beautiful remote, location, just to mention a couple. Each year we hire 14+ employees to attend to the needs of about 20 guests. This allows us to give our guests the special attention they seek on their dude ranch vacation.
To ensure that we meet the individual needs of guests, it is important that our staff members are mature, outgoing individuals who work hard, arrive to work on time, and can interact with guests and co-workers in a friendly and social way. An appreciation for the outdoors, a pleasing personality and positive attitude, and lots of self motivation are important traits we look for when hiring, as well as honesty and the ability to be a good team player. You must be able to lift 30 lbs, stand, squat, kneel, push, and pull. Ranch work involves long hours spent with our guests, but it is very rewarding. Flexibility comes into play often when dealing with the special needs of guests when Mother Nature issues, and whatever else comes along to change plans. Staff may be required to perform other tasks as needed from time to time. Guests, owners, and staff eat meals together and mingling with the guests is encouraged. Participation of staff in evening activities such as cookouts and volleyball are also encouraged.
Most employees arrive in mid-May. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and we prefer employees who can stay through September, although we do hire a couple that must leave in late August. Compensation includes a salary, meals and lodging, and a portion of the gratuity pool. Last year each staff member who worked the entire season grossed over $7,000 in gratuities. Staff may have access to ranch facilities and activities when available.
Our season runs from the beginning of June through the end of September. We are located south of Big Timber, MT in a remote, mountainous area 24 miles north of Yellowstone Park (as the crow flies) with some amazing views. Your experience while working at Hawley Mountain Ranch will build great memories and lifetime friendships. We hope your qualifications will bring you to our ranch as a member of our staff this upcoming season.
To seek an application for employment, contact Joe Stewart at Hawley Mountain Ranch toll free at 877-496-7848 or emaill office@hawleymountain.com stating which position interests you. An application can then be sent to you to be filled out in detail with your qualifications and work related references. A photograph is helpful, since personal interviews are usually impossible. The more information you can give us about your background and work experience, the better.
CHEF: Filled for 2024
Prepares dinner and assists with lunch for 25-40 guests and staff 6 days a week with some dinner assistance from the 2nd Cook. The Chef prepares all three meals on the Sous Chef’s day off. Flexibility is important.
Chef works with the Sous Chef while supervising menu planning, meal preparation, ordering, and kitchen staff. Cooking experience is required to provide tasty and hearty ranch cuisine that is pleasing to the eye and can accommodate restrictive diets. Must be hard working, have a clean appearance, and a willingness to work with others. Does daily maintenance to keep a clean, organized kitchen area with help from the Sous Chef and kitchen staff. Appreciation of the great outdoors would also be an asset, as you are in the middle of Montana’s scenic wilderness. Good time management is key, as is a good attitude, creativity, organization, and a love of cooking.
Compensation: Pay includes wages (amount depends on experience). Room and board are provided, in addition to your pay (no charge to you). Cooks are included in the gratuity pool. Last year each staff member who worked the entire season grossed at least $7,000 in gratuity. Food safety certification in Montana is required. If hired, we would pay for this training found at Montana Food Manager Certification | Learn2Serve.com
SOUS CHEF
Are you interested in trying something different from your usual type of employment?Maybe a seasonal job at a Montana dude ranch is just the ticket. Check out the details below:
Prepares two meals daily for 25-40 guests and staff 6 days a week with the Chef’s assistance with lunch prep. May also help with baking breads and desserts. Prepares all three meals on the Chef’s day off. Typical Shift will be 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Flexibility is important.
HEAD WRANGLER: Filled for 2024
WRANGLER
WRANGLER WITH FARRIER SKILLS
Looking for a wrangler who can replace horseshoes on an as-needed basis, but will not be the main farrier. Extra pay per shoe.
Pay includes wages, and in addition to your pay, room and board are provided (no charge to you). All staff shares the gratuity pool. Last year each staff member who worked the entire season grossed at least $7,000 in gratuity. Works 6 days a week.
MAINTENANCE: Filled for 2024
Seasonal maintenance/ranch hand position to maintain buildings and ranch vehicles, and do construction. Horse experience is a plus. If qualified, the job could involve more months of employment.
HOUSEKEEPING & KITCHEN STAFF
Primarily responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of ranch units, as well as laundry of linens. Kitchen duties include set up, clean up and dishes after meals and maintaining a clean kitchen area. Also help is given to the cook in the kitchen when needed. Other tasks to be included could be some maintenance, unloading groceries, and helping out in other areas when extra hands are needed. Work week is 6 days.
Must have an excellent work ethic, be trustworthy, able to see things to be done (self-motivated), and have good people skills with guests and other staff. Must present a clean cut appearance.
