Thank you for your interest in working at one of our all-inclusive Colorado Dude & Guest Ranches!

The dude and guest ranch members of our Association collectively hire 800 to 1,000 employees each summer. Our staff members are an important part of the guest ranch experience. Ranch staff members provide exceptional guest services and Western hospitality that make our ranches some of the best in the West.
Listed below you will find positions that are typically available at each ranch:

These ranches offer good jobs, good pay and great places to meet new people, not to mention a wonderful place to spend the summer. Our ranches typically do most of their hiring for summer employment December-March.

So What’s Next?

1. We encourage you to contact the ranches that interest you directly as soon as possible.  To download a brochure with contact and web information of all 27 of our ranches, please CLICK HERE.
2. Once you have narrowed down your search, the next step would be to contact the individual ranch and request an application. (Some ranches even have an application you can download online!)
3. Each ranch has a slightly different application process. So be sure you have all the information necessary to apply with your ranch(s) of choice.

a. What kind of interview would the ranch prefer to do? Phone? In Person?
b. What information needs to be sent back to the ranch along with the application itself?
c. What are the ranches deadlines for seasonal hiring and be sure to ask when you can expect to hear back from them on their final decisions.

We wish you the best in your search for a ranch position that is just the right fit for you!
If you have any additional questions, please email the office at office@coloradoranch.com.

Current Ranch Position Openings:  2018

Elk River Guest Ranch: (Updated 4-10-18)

Housekeeping/Waitstaff/Ranch Hand:

The Elk River Guest Ranch near Steamboat Springs is seeking an enthusiastic Housekeeper/Waitstaff/Ranch Hand for our summer season from May 29th to August 25th. Someone willing to fill in in a variety or areas, work hard, be efficient, have incredible attention to detail, learn quickly and work well both as a team and independently. Previous hospitality experience as well as general ranch or farm work is a plus. If interested, email Bex at info@elkrivergr.com.

Email: info@elkrivergr.com
Web: www.elkrivergr.com

Tumbling River Ranch (Updated 3-21-18)

Office Staff Member

Job Duties:
-Coordinating all guest activities
-Work with all departments to coordinate the best guest experience possible
-Helping manage guests’ offsite activities including; fly fishing, town run, massage
-Works with Owner to best handle inquiries and reservations
-Willingness to learn all aspects of the guest experience, ranch operation & history.
-Providing only first-class service and hospitality in helping all guests.
-Managing incoming phone calls and inquiries in accordance with the Owner.
-Handling guest check-ins, welcome packets, arrival and departure coordination.
-Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
-Willingness to help in other departments or wherever needed on the Ranch.
-Must be capable of being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day, as well as lifting
and carrying up to 50 lbs.
-Handle general office duties

If you think you are the perfect smiling, happy applicant for our ranch office, please visit our website at www.tumblingriver.com/employment to find out more about our operation and to fill out an application.
Tumbling River Ranch is an equal opportunity employer. We make selections based on availability and skills. Applicants must be at least 19 years of age, and a US citizen. Tumbling River Ranch is committed to maintaining a drug, alcohol and smoke-free work environment.
Our summer season begins in May and runs through October. Please consider the dates of availability that you list on the application. Your indicated dates will be instrumental in our decision-making process. All applicants will be contacted either by email or phone.

Vista Verde Ranch (Updated 3-12-18)

VVR Dining Room Manager: Vista Verde Guest Ranch is currently seeking a motivated, team-oriented leader to manage our dining room staff starting in May 2018. Ideal candidates have a background in the food and beverage industry, demonstrate a willingness to learn our system and manage a team of 6 individuals. Housing on the property will be included along with a competitive salary and full benefits. Contact: Zach Wingo 970-879-3858 jobs@vistaverde.com  https://www.vistaverde.com/

Responsibilities include:

• Lead waitstaff during meal services and assign leadership on days off
• Organize and schedule shifts for dining room staff (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Coordinate the setup/break down of dining room before and after each meal
• Organize and assist the kitchen in prepping salad bar, making dressings and soups
• Ensure bar is properly stocked and place orders when supplies are running low
• Function as main point of contact between guests and kitchen staff
• Approve time-sheets for staff members at the end of each pay period
• Function as a liaison between dining room staff and hospitality director
• Provide necessary support to team members during work shifts
• Reinforce Vista Verde cultural values during work and during off time

Rainbow Trout Ranch (Updated 3-6-18)

Wrangler – Strong people skills and background in riding is vital.  Main duties include care and maintenance of the horses and conducting guest rides of all levels.  Excellent communication skills a must.  Help in general work as needed around the ranch.

Assistant chef – team work with head chef in food preparation and sanitation standards.  Cooking/serving at cookouts.   Daily and weekly cleaning and maintenance of kitchen facilities.

Baker – preparation of bread and desserts.  Helping the chef and assistant chef.  Daily and weekly cleaning and maintenance of kitchen facilities.

Cherokee Park Ranch (Updated 3-6-18)

Kitchen Crew

Seeking young, enthusiastic adults with a passion for cooking! Join our kitchen team and create mouthwatering meals for guests from all over the world, build lasting friendships and enjoy the wilderness of Colorado. Dates of Employment: May 20, 2018-September 16, 2018 To apply: www.cherokeeparkranch.com/contact/jobs/

Colorado Trails Ranch (Updated 3-1-2018)

Colorado Trails Ranch is currently looking for staff available from May 14^th to September 24^th in several positions. We want people willing to bring ready smiles, a hard work ethic and looking to have a wonderful summer experience. Our staff are an extension of our ranch “family” willing to help provide our guests with the best vacation ever. We have openings for a breakfast cook/baker, a kitchen assistant, wrangler/counselors and operations which is a combination position of housekeeping and serving. More details such as requirements, job descriptions and our application form can be found on our website at www.coloradotrails.com/the-ranch/employment. To being the hiring process, we ask that applicants complete our application for employment form and send it in to employment@coloradotrails.com.

Sundance Trail Ranch (Updated 4/6/18)

Chef Position Now Available!

Apply at:
http://www.sundancetrail.com/dude-ranch-jobs/application/

Sylvan Dale Ranch (Updated 2-5-2018)

Ranch Hand

Green pastures, tight fences, and clean pens are the proof of a first class outfit!  If you grew up on a ranch or farm and have hands-on experience in irrigation, fencing, and livestock care, we would welcome your application! Best suited for those with a strong work ethic and a self-directed work style. Some saddle-time included.

Sylvan Dale is a family-owned and operated Dude Ranch and Event Center offering hospitality services “Western Style” since 1946! We offer a welcoming environment and a whole lot more.

Elk Mountain Ranch (Updated 4/20/2018)

Housekeeper/Waitstaff/Dish Washer/Food Preparation:  Great pay (approx. $2600 per month and room and board for those with a passion for caring for others.) Four employees share and rotate the four positions. Looking for conscientious individuals with excellent attention to detail. General housekeeping is shared with one other person for 7 cabins and 3 lodge rooms. The day also includes doing ranch towels, watering flowers and picking up the grounds. Waitstaff will work hard as a team and interact with guests. Able to serve 40 people eating family style, setups, clearing, cleaning, serving desserts and beverages. Also food storage and inventory control. Maintain a clean work area. Rotate dish washing, preparing packouts, and food preparation (salads, appetizers, etc.). Also participate in guest entertainment, such as a guided hike, hayride, volleyball, and square dance.  Staff arriving May 12 and must be able to stay until September 16th**.

Wrangler:   Great pay (approx. $2600 per month and room and board for those with a passion for caring for others.) Horse experience required. Must be safety conscious, have the ability to instruct guests and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Responsible for conducting safe trail rides for groups of 4-7. Feed and care for herd of 50 horses. Maintain and repair tack. Clean barn and arena area daily. Willing to perform other maintenance duties as assigned – trail maintenance, stocking wood, fencing, etc. – and willing to work long hours. Shoeing and veterinary knowledge a plus. CPR and First Aid required (class will be provided at beginning of season). Must have good driving record as may be driving guests to Aspen or airports. Required to have neat and clean appearance, and dress in western style. Cowboy hat, cowboy boots, and collared shirts required. Wranglers will eat many meals with the guests and may be required to cook and serve some outdoor meals. Will be responsible for one hayride a month and weekly square dance and volleyball with guests. Staff arriving May 12 and must be able to stay until September 16th**. Visit www.elkmtn.com to apply.

Laramie River Ranch (Updated 11-27-2017)

Now hiring for summer 2018: Wranglers · Guest Services Staff · Kitchen Team · Children’s Counselor ·  Office Staff.
Laramie River Ranch has a typical occupancy of 20-25 guests. Our small size allows us to give each guest our personal attention as they ride, fish, and hike. We have high expectations for the quality of service our guests receive and therefore have high expectations of our staff. Employment at Laramie River requires hard work but offers fun and adventure as crew participate in ranch activities and explore the surrounding Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. Learn more & download an application at http://www.LRRanch.com/jobs.html

Rawah Ranch (Updated 10-23-17)

Rawah Guest Ranch in Glendevey, CO is searching for qualified candidates to round out our summer staff starting May 20th, 2018. The positions run until October 1st, 2018. All applicants must be available the entire season.

Positions available: • Kid’s program director/Guest services • Wrangler • Outdoor Activities Director • Sous Chef • Server • Bartender/Server • Kitchen Utility Person/Dishwasher • Housekeeper

The ideal candidates, for all positions, possess a warm, accommodating, professional manner and seek to ensure the highest quality of guest satisfaction. Must be able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a positive attitude toward guests and working as a team player. Also, must love the outdoors and mountains!

Why Rawah? • Competitive pay with overtime • Room and board included • Partake in ranch activities during your free time • No cell service – get away from it all! • Friendly management and staff • Typically Saturdays off with a half day Sunday; will vary at times with reservation calendar See individual position details on the Rawah Guest Ranch Indeed job listings page here! To Apply: 1. Submit resume with references to: jobs@rawahranch.com, note the position you’re applying for in the subject line. -OR- 2. Apply through Indeed

Zapata Ranch (Updated 11-27-2017)

Wrangler: Applications are now open for 2018 wrangler positions at Zapata Ranch. Must be a lifelong, very experienced and confident rider to apply, this is because safety is number one when guiding riders of all levels. This job is not about working with horses, it’s about working with people. You must have the ability to educate about the ecology, history, biodiversity of the ranch and surrounding areas as well as the Ranchlands mission while providing outstanding outdoor experiences. A background or proven interest in biology, ecology, agriculture, hospitality, outdoor sports or conservation is favored. Strictly no dogs or pets. Shared housing on ranch. Please send full resume, references and a cover letter explaining why you want to work for Ranchlands and what is important in living your life to jobs@ranchlands.com. Wrangler position is seasonal and starts May 1st – October 31st 2018. Applicants must be 21 and over. Please put ‘wrangler position’ in subject line.

Assistant Cook: Zapata Ranch is looking for an assistant cook for April 15th  – October 2018

We are looking for someone with proven cooking skills, great attitude, outstanding work ethic, team and detail oriented, and naturally organized. Must be able to manage the kitchen solo for 1.5 days of the week during the head cook’s days off.

This position does not include any horse riding at all.  Strictly no pets. Recommended for someone passionate about food, hospitality and the great outdoors as there are wonderful opportunities to hike and camp in the surrounding areas in time off.