Employment
Has your dream job always been of working with a fun, tight-knit team that makes the whole operation run smoothly? Maybe you have wanted to be a part of a “family” that all have a common goal, providing an unforgettable vacation to guests – all while living out your own adventure. Would you like the opportunity to be around new people, experiences, scenery, and landscape? At a dude or guest ranch, you can find the answers to these questions, find a great work environment and make these dreams come true! Go somewhere you have never been and experience the true meaning of rewarding work.
Working at a Dude Ranch
Dude and guest ranches offer many exciting benefits, some even life-changing. Working at a ranch can bring you into contact with amazing people that might just have the offer of a lifetime for you. You will get the chance to truly enjoy and work in the great outdoors and create memories that you will not forget. You can develop relationships with people from all over the world and find surprising opportunities where you may have never thought possible.
This all sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Working with a great group of people, experiencing a new place, riding horses and having a seasonal job that you will always remember are just a few things you will appreciate while working on a dude or guest ranch. There is one thing to remember though, no matter what job you have on a dude ranch, hard work will be a requirement. Another good thing to remember is that on a dude or guest ranch, there is no such thing as “that is not my job.” As a team, everyone is expected to put on their boots and help out in all different departments when help is needed. There is always fun to be had even while working, but to make sure the job is done correctly and efficiently, it takes precision and a strong work ethic. If you want to do all of the wonderful things mentioned above and you are a hard worker, a dude or guest ranch job may be the job for you this season!
Ranch Job Examples
Not only are dude ranches open in the summer, but several are open in the wintertime too! No matter what time of year, there are always seasonal jobs available for a variety of positions. Horse experience is not necessary for many jobs at a dude ranch. Some positions that you might find at a dude or guest ranch would be:
• Maintenance
• Housekeeping
• Waitstaff
• Chef/Cook
• Prep Cook
• Dishwasher
• Wrangler
• Kids’ Coordinator
• Fly Fishing Guide
• Office/Marketing Personnel
• Irrigator/Farmer
The Dude Ranchers’ Association Can Help
Now you may be thinking, working on a dude ranch sounds like a great idea, but how and where do I find the information to research jobs and apply? The Dude Ranchers’ Association member ranches have the ability to post job openings at their ranch on the DRA website at duderanch.org/careers. Here you will find current job openings, details on the positions available and the necessary contact information. You will also have the ability to look at the ranch’s profile to learn about the property and see what they have to offer for their guests and determine if it would be a good fit for you.
The DRA also has a bi-monthly newsletter that goes out to all of the member ranches and offers individuals searching for employment an opportunity to run a short employment ad for only $10. This is a great way to show ranches that you are serious about finding a great job at a ranch!
What are you waiting for? Find your dream job today!
