We are a working ranch in the Madison Valley in Montana that used to operate as an eco-hotel, but now is a private ranch for the recreational use of three partners, their family and friends. We do not have any paying customers (other than some photoshoots), but try to operate as a five-star retreat. Our guests come to hike, look at wildlife, fly-fish, ride horses, sit in our hot springs, shoot the clay course or just relax.
These jobs are on a contract basis from approximately May 2024 through December 5th, 2024.
The main jobs are for the facilities manager and the lodge assistant, but there are opportunities to work with the horses, if the candidate(s) have experience.
The Facilities Manager position consists of two areas of focus. They would be in charge of maintenance issues that arise on the ranch, coordinating with sub-contractors to get the problem resolved. These issues include HVAC systems, plumbing, water wells, basic vehicle maintenance, generators, sprinkler systems, etc. The other area of focus is the general upkeep of the lodge vehicles and the grounds, which includes washing vehicles, keeping the porch areas clean, garbage runs, etc.
There are many other duties associated with this position, such as:
Maintaining and running sporting clay and long-range shooting ranges
Clearing roads of downfall as it arises
Cleaning the natural hot springs tub
Being in charge of pest control
Washing cars and trucks
Assisting with the guest equestrian program, by gathering horses with an ATV from the pasture to the barn
Staining and painting furniture and cabins
Stocking firewood
Assisting in ranch irrigation and seeding projects
Assisting the cowboys with fencing, irrigation, etc. to the extent applicant has relevant experience
Assisting in various construction projects
Coordinating the fishing program, marking fishing spots, equipment upkeep, lessons, guiding on property, etc.
Helping with the landscaping: weed spraying and removal of weeds from driveways, walkways and fire pits
Taking lodge and construction garbage to the county collection bins located just off the ranch
Regular, predictable and timely attendance is required
The Lodge Assistant position consists of two areas of focus: meal service and housekeeping. We count on the lodge assistant to keep an eye on the general cleanliness of the lodge and vehicles. The lodge assistant will need to reset from the last group and clean and organize for the next group. There are always little projects we can work onsetting up picnic areas, helping with keeping the indoor and outdoor flowers looking nice, etc.
Specific duties would include:
Daily
Make sure the Lodge and main cabins are maintained as required. Cleaning and resetting the facilities in between groups or as needed. (Most of the times the groups are spaced out so there is plenty time to do the cleaning slowly, over a few days.)
As Needed
Front of house duties, such as serving and bartending
Set up / break down table for guests
Assist chef in the kitchen, prep, plating, cleanup, etc.
Preparing rooms for guests, including making beds, resetting towels and housekeeping
Pull wash, dry and iron sheets and pillow cases from guest rooms. We have a commercial laundry room and a commercial-grade roller-style ironing machine.
Touch up rooms and main guest areas
Assist with keeping vehicles clean during guest visits
Organize laundry room and pantry, as needed
Assist the managers with guest services and other hospitality-related tasks
Assisting with the guest equestrian program, as qualified
Organizing and cleaning the small gym
Managing lodge supplies inventories
Discussing salary… it is dependent on experience and we have found that, with the housing and utilities portions of their monthly expenses taken care of, people are able to really build their savings over the season. We look at compensation in terms of a total package. We offer a fully furnished private cabin with all utilities paid, including internet and DirecTV, telephone, electricity, propane and water. We are also able to provide ground game meat. We provide you with a ranch credit card to use for gas when traveling for ranch business and for miscellaneous expenses, so you do not have to deal with reimbursements. We don’t provide health insurance to ranch employees. We found that people all have different needs and there is no one size fits plan that would make sense.
One phrase we don’t like to hear around the ranch is “that’s not my job.” Everyone will get swamped once in a while and it’s up to the rest of us to try and help when we can. We strive for a congenial environment, as the people that come to visit are coming to have fun.
Regular, predictable and timely attendance is required, as is the ability to get along and work effectively with others. A valid driver’s license and a permit to work in the United States are also required.
