Head Wrangler

Makar Hotels And Resorts LMR LLC•Big Sky, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Wrangler at Lone Mountain Ranch is a key leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences through safe, professional, and well-managed horseback operations. This position supports the Horse Program Manager in overseeing the Summer Horse Program, ensuring safe, reliable, and profitable operations. Responsibilities include supervising the Wrangler team, leading trail rides as needed, managing daily barn and horse care operations, and maintaining equestrian facilities. A strong focus on hospitality, safety, professionalism, and leadership is essential to uphold the Ranch’s standards for guest satisfaction and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive equestrian experience, strong herd management skills, and the ability to lead a team. A proven track record in staff supervision, program development, and budget management is essential. This individual should possess excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest service. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the flexibility to adapt to the varying needs of horse program will help ensure the success of both the Horse Program and the candidate.

Requirements

High School Diplomarequired;additionalequestrian or hospitality-related educationa plus.
Valid Driver’s License.
Minimum3years of supervisory experience in Outdoor Education/Equine Programming ora relatedfield.
Experience in hospitality, particularly in reservations, guest services, or horse program operations.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Passion for equestrian work with a positive, infectious attitude.
Experience in leading group rides, teaching basic horsemanship, and designing equestrian programs for all ages.
Experience working with young horses, including a strong understanding of groundwork.
Proficient in horse herd care, feeding routines, equipment maintenance, and barn operations.
Experience with doctoring and vetting highly preferred.
Experience hauling livestock long distances with varying road conditions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to adapt to changing conditions and provide a safe and positive example for staff and guests.
Current CPR and First-Aid certifications.Wilderness First Aid certificationsa plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience with doctoring and vetting highly preferred.
Proficient with driving teams of horses highly preferred.
Wilderness First Aid certificationsa plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of the Summer Horse Program, ensuring safety, guest satisfaction, and qualityexperiences.
Assist the Horse Program Manager withtrainingWranglers for the summer program, ensuring proper staffing and training to meet program standards.
Work directly with the Horse Program Manager tomanage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and adherence to the labor budget.
Supervise the care and well-being of the horse herd, including feeding, grooming, and health assessments throughout the year.
Ensure horses are properly conditioned for summer trail rides, adjusting care routines as needed for the season.
Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations for horseback riding.
Program and manage the scheduling of trail rides in the summer, ensuringaccuraterecords are kept in theactivityPOS system.
Assistin leadingregular staff meetings to provide updates, feedback, and address any concerns, ensuring smooth program operations.
Collaborate with other departments to coordinate seasonal activities andmaintaina cooperative work environment.
Evaluatethe summerprogram at the end of each season and provide recommendations for improvements andefficiencies.
Maintain positive relationships with local vendors, partners, and government agencies to support program operations.

Benefits

Seasonal Bonus Program:
All hourly employees will be able to participate in our seasonal bonus program. Each hourly employee will receive $1 per hour worked per season and $1.50 per overtime hour worked. Employees who are terminated or resign from their position before the end of each season, will not be able to participate in this program. If the season is cut short due to business levels, the employee will still participate in this program. Positions that are contracted at a shorter term, like the Outdoor Youth Adventures program, this employee will be able to participate in this program. All hours worked outside of these seasonal ranges will not apply to this bonus program.
Staff Cafeteria:
We also want to keep you hydrated and nourished. You will have access to our staff cafeteria which provides 3 meals a day, as well as a large selection of grab and go items to suit anyone’s day.
Ranch Gratuity:
In addition to your hourly rate, you will receive a ranch gratuity unique to us.
Ranch Wide Activities:
We also understand that every full work week requires a little me time. And what better way to unwind than to take advantage of the many summer activities the ranch has to offer? If there are openings, you have free access to the following in the summer season: horseback riding, Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, Yellowstone National Park Tours, yoga, and mountain biking. During the winter months, you will have access to 50 Miles of world renown cross country ski trails right outside your back door.
Discounted stay in the cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch:
If you book a cabin in advance, you will receive 25% off the current best available rate. Alternatively, if you wait until 14 days before your stay, you can book at a special employee rate of $100 per room, per night, meaning a one-bedroom cabin costs $100 per night and a two-bedroom cabin costs $200 per night. Please note, this rate does not include taxes, fees, and gratuities. This discounted rate is exclusively for employees and applies to the Bed & Breakfast package. All requests will be reviewed by Auric Road. Requests will be reviewed Monday - Friday. Once approved, the employee will be contacted, and the booking will be processed with the Lead Sales & Reservation Agent. Requests are based on availability. Blackout dates do apply.
Arrival
While we know that we are in one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in America, we also know we are a little off the beaten path. The ranch will provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport, should you come to us by air.
Uniforms:
Receive free uniforms from the ranch and you’re ready to become a valuable member of the Lone Mountain Ranch team!
Opportunity to move to Full-Time, Regular Status and receive additional benefits.
If you remain with us for 1 full year and worked a minimum of 1560 hours during our 12-month lookback period (that takes place at the end of each year), you are eligible to move to full-time status. Full-time status means Vacation and Sick pay, medical, dental, life and vision insurance. This will be effective the first of the month following 30 days of your full-time employment hire date or status. The Ranch will pay for 80% of the premiums for employees and any dependents. Employees will be responsible for paying the remaining 20% of the premiums. Payment is deducted automatically from the employee’s semi- monthly paycheck at a pre-taxed rate.