Ranchlands
UPDATES: Hiring!
Hiring:
Programs Assistant
To Apply: Email jobs@ranchlands.com with a full resume, references, and cover letter explaining what you value in life and why you want to work with Ranchlands. Please include “Zapata Programs Assistant” in the subject line of your email. If you are interested in focusing on either the Garden or the Mercantile, please include “Zapata Programs Assistant (Garden)” or “Zapata Programs Assistant (Mercantile)” in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; interviews for our 2024 season will take place starting in November 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!
Job Title: Programs Assistant
Job Location: Zapata Ranch
Employment Type: Seasonal
Status: Full time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Programs Manager
Anticipated Start Date: February 15, 2024
As a Programs Assistant, you are a primary representative of Ranchlands and Zapata Ranch for guests, and you must be warm, gracious, education and guest experience-focused, able to think on your feet at all times, and present an authentic Western appearance. Your primary duties will be to serve breakfast & dinner to guests; lead Bison Tours and afternoon guest programs on the ranch; educate guests about all aspects of the ranch, surrounding area, our food program, and Ranchlands’ mission; and assist as needed with all other guest programming & services. Safety is our number one concern, followed closely by ensuring that all of our guests have the best possible stay and educational experience at Zapata.
In addition to these primary duties, we are also seeking candidates interested in focusing on either our Garden or our Mercantile. Programs Assistants with a Garden focus would collaborate with our Kitchen team to plan, prep, plant, and maintain a small seasonal kitchen garden; Programs Assistants with a Mercantile focus would maintain inventory and organization in our on-site storefront, staff the storefront as scheduled throughout the week, and remain in communication with management regarding any inventory updates or restocking needs.
While this is a seasonal position, for the right candidate this is a great gateway to future opportunities within Ranchlands and its wider hospitality operations. We value people who are passionate about the work they do and want to join a community of people dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, and hospitality.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Breakfast service, dinner service, and occasional dish duties. Represent Zapata’s food program by educating guests about the meat & produce we use as well as the journey of our food, delivering exceptional service throughout meal times.
Lead vehicle Bison Tours on the Medano for lodge guests and day visitors.
Lead and assist with afternoon activities, including but not limited to: leather working sessions, naturalist walks, bird watching, appetizers at the mercantile, and assisting with mercantile sales.
Guide interpretive hikes with guests when scheduled, and in general curate imaginative outdoor experiences tailored to each guest.
Assist with weekly town runs for the kitchen and airport shuttles for guests as scheduled.
If applying for the Garden- or Mercantile-focused Programs Assistant role:
Garden: plan, prep, plant, and maintain a small seasonal kitchen garden in collaboration with the Lodge Manager, Programs Manager, and Kitchen team.
Mercantile: maintain inventory and organization inside the Mercantile, staff it as scheduled throughout the week, and remain in communication regarding any restocking needs or inventory updates.
During all programs and serving shifts, maintain a focus on educating and informing 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.
Any other activities that come up as relevant to guest services.
CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS
Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
Exceed guests expectations; go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience.
Fully support all colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, and be a dependable member of a hardworking and productive team.
Be consistently guest-oriented while at work/around the lodge by engaging with guests both during and between activities.
Be proactive, self-starting, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and able to maintain a positive attitude.
Use good sense, practical knowledge, and the ability to make good judgements to problem-solve at the lodge and in the field.
Identify safety risks and make the effort to avoid them wherever possible.
Be an authentic and passionate representative of Ranchlands and all our partners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
Service or hospitality experience preferred but not required.
Excellent conversationalist and communicator.
Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Excellent conversationalist and communicator.
Willingness and ability to build meaningful relationships with all demographics and ages of people.
Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
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
This is a seasonal, full-time position.
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.
All staff are guaranteed at least one day off per week.
TIME OFF
One day off per week guaranteed, according to the weekly work schedule. Further time off where possible.
Additional five (5) days unpaid time off may be requested within the season, with approval by the Lodge Manager & Programs Manager being contingent upon the ability to meet guest needs and coordination of staff schedules across all departments.
COMPENSATION
This is an hourly non-exempt position paid at a rate of $14.42 per hour, with overtime paid at time-and-one-half the regular rate of pay.
This position is eligible to receive a share of pooled tips received from guests on a monthly basis.
HOUSING
Shared housing is available and utilities provided.
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.
Wrangler
To Apply: email jobs@ranchlands.com with a full resume, references, a riding video (incl. catching your horse, tacking up, mounting/dismounting, and walk/trot/canter), and a cover letter explaining what you value in life and why you want to work with Ranchlands. Please include “Zapata Wrangler” in the subject line of your email. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; interviews for our 2024 season will take place starting in November 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!
Job Title: Wrangler
Location: Zapata Ranch
Status: Seasonal
Employment Type: Full time
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt
Reports to: Programs Manager
Anticipated Start Date: February 15, 2024
As a Wrangler, you are a primary representative of Ranchlands and Zapata Ranch for guests, and you must be warm, gracious, education and guest experience-focused, able to think on your feet at all times, and present an authentic Western appearance. Your primary duties will be to guide guests on horseback rides throughout the ranch and Great Sand Dunes National Park; educate them about all aspects of the ranch, surrounding area, and Ranchlands’ mission; help with care of our 60+ head horse herd under guidance of the Programs Manager; and assist as needed with other aspects of Zapata’s hospitality programs. Safety is our number one concern, followed closely by ensuring that all of our guests have the best possible stay and educational experience at Zapata.
While this is a seasonal position, for the right candidate this is a great gateway to future opportunities within Ranchlands and its wider hospitality operations. We value people who are passionate about the work they do and want to join a wider community of people dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, and hospitality.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Guest Services
Greet guests, introduce yourself, engage with them, and anticipate their needs throughout their stay.
Educate and inform guests about Ranchlands, The Nature Conservancy, and other partners and agents that we work closely with, as well as how the Medano-Zapata Ranch operates (incl. our mission, goals, and environment).
Guide guests on rides on the ranch, in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and any other horseback programs.
Curate imaginative & educational outdoor experiences tailored to each guest.
Guide interpretive hikes with guests when scheduled.
As needed, lead vehicle bison tours on the Medano for all inclusive guests and day visitors.
Assist with all workshops and programs throughout the season with a focus on facilitating guest experience.
Lead and assist with afternoon activities as needed, including but not limited to: roping lessons, leatherworking sessions, naturalist walks, bird watching, hosting 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.
Write guest thank you notes by the end of each guest week.
Any other activities that come up as relevant to guest services.
Horses
Assist with daily care of horses, including grooming, tacking up, and attention to sickness or injury.
Wrangle horses in and out of their pasture 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.
Maintain the corral area daily, keeping it clean and tidy and paying attention to any repairs that are needed.
Regularly pull weeds in the corral area and round pen.
Conduct riding orientations when required according to the Zapata Ranch guidelines.
Ensure horse pastures have strong intact fences; check all fences and gates before pasture change.
Ensure pastures and corrals have a dependable water supply each day.
Keep first aid supplies stocked and tidy.
Ensure your saddlebags are stocked with first aid supplies.
Other Duties as Assigned
All staff are expected to help out and 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, shuttling vehicles, and helping your colleagues by any means.
Airport collection and drop-off of guests.
Help with basic upkeep and cleanliness of vehicles and trailers.
Assist with the upkeep of the lodge and grounds — sweeping sidewalks, breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling, raking leaves, picking up sticks.
Assist with all other necessary projects, including but not limited to: painting, varnishing, repairs, organizing shops, clearing and maintaining the walking trail.
CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS
Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
Exceed guests expectations; go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding hospitality experience.
Fully support all colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, and be a dependable member of a hardworking and productive team.
Be consistently guest-oriented while at work and around the lodge by engaging with guests both during and between activities.
Be proactive, self-starting, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and able to maintain a positive attitude.
Use good sense, practical knowledge, and the ability to make good judgements to problem-solve in the field.
Identify safety risks and make the effort to avoid them wherever possible.
Be an authentic and passionate representative of Ranchlands and all our partners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Lifelong rider, or proven advanced experience in different riding disciplines for a shorter period of time.
Proven interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
Service or hospitality experience preferred but not required.
Excellent conversationalist and communicator.
Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Willingness and ability to build meaningful relationships with all demographics and ages of people.
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
This is a seasonal, full-time position.
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.
TIME OFF
One day off per week guaranteed, according to the weekly work schedule. Further time off where possible.
Additional five (5) days unpaid time off may be requested within the season, with approval by the Lodge Manager & Programs Manager being contingent upon the ability to meet guest needs and coordination of staff schedules across all departments.
COMPENSATION
This an hourly non-exempt position paid at a rate of $14.42 per hour, with overtime paid at time-and-one-half the regular rate of pay.
This position is eligible to receive a share of pooled tips received from guests on a monthly basis
HOUSING
This position is required to be on-site, with shared housing and utilities provided.
Housekeeper
To Apply: Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and letter of interest to jobs@ranchlands.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Join a team that has been successfully maintaining high standards at the lodge for 22 years. Keep the historic bedrooms and facilities clean and organized for our guests to feel at home and enjoy. Take pride in contributing to the guests' vacation of a lifetime.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Be trained to deliver outstandingly clean bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas in and around the lodge.
Strip and make beds
Clean bathrooms and floors
Vacuum and dust common areas daily
Wash and clean windows across campus
Maintain the existing high standard for our guests experience
Work as a team to meet deadlines for check ins and check outs
Help with breakfast dishes while guests are checking out of their rooms
Pack and unpack and put away laundry from the dry cleaners
Keep an eye on linens and quality and raise any issues with holes, stains, missing laundry
CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS
Willing to work efficiently to meet a deadline
Be willing to learn
An eye for detail, take pride in your work as a vital role in the operation
Be professional and courteous to all staff and guests
Work well in a team and efficiently and diligently alone
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Experience with housekeeping and working in hospitality
Drivers license
WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
This is a seasonal, full-time position that entails approximately 40 hours per week on site at Zapata Ranch in Mosca.
Regular working hours are 8 AM - 2 PM, 5 days per week; Reasonable overtime to meet business needs may be required.
Five (5) days off may be requested within the season; days off must be coordinated around the guest and staff schedule with the Hospitality Manager and be approved by the Ranch Manager.
This is an hourly non-exempt position paid at a rate of $15 per hour, with overtime paid at time-and-one-half the regular rate of pay.
This position is eligible to receive a share of pooled tips received from guests on a monthly basis.
This position may be provided with housing, if needed.
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.
Additional Information About Ranchlands
Ranchlands is an agricultural-based business that operates large-scale cattle and bison ranches in the American West. We partner with conservation-minded owners to implement ambitious conservation programs that coexist alongside our own cattle operations. In addition to our diversified cattle business, we run a series of complementary land-based businesses including hospitality, hunting and fishing, a leather shop, strategic advisory services, and ecotourism.
Our mission is to promote the conservation of ranch lands, our American ranching legacy, and quality of life for people living and working on ranches through innovative and sustainable business ventures, long-term business partnerships, and strategic alliances inside and outside our industry.