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Jobs at Elkhorn Ranch

Head Wrangler (seasonal with potential to be year-round)

We are currently only hiring for a Head Wrangler position. We will begin hiring for our 2026 summer season in December of 2025.

IMPORTANT: We are a very small management team. PLEASE DO NOT CALL US to ask if we’ve received your application. If necessary, you can email us at [email protected]. However, please note that we may not be able to respond to your email or application as we are anticipating a high-volume of applicants. If we are interested in setting up an interview, you will hear from us by email in 2-4 weeks.

We are hiring a Head Wrangler to work as a key partner to the Ranch Managers at Elkhorn Ranch Montana. This is a seasonal position beginning Fall 2025, with the potential to become year-round for the right candidate.

This is a working leadership role. You will spend your days in the saddle, caring for horses, guiding wranglers, and reinforcing a positive barn culture — all in close partnership with the Ranch Manager. We're looking for someone who takes pride in doing things well, thrives in a team dynamic, is eager to learn, and understands that hospitality and horsemanship go hand in hand.

The Head Wrangler is here to carry out the Ranch Manager’s vision for the horse program and guest experience. You’ll be the Ranch Manager’s right hand — helping lead the crew, support the guests, and maintain high standards in the barn. This is not an independent management position. Leadership here is a shared responsibility built on communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. We have zero tolerance for negativity, drama, or immaturity; professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude are non-negotiable in the barn and on the ranch.

Life on the ranch follows a strong seasonal rhythm, and the two seasons couldn’t be more different. Success here depends on your ability to embrace both.

Summer is lively, fast-paced, and highly social. The ranch transforms into a busy guest operation with a full wrangler crew and a rotating herd of 30+ horses in daily use. The barn runs on communication, hospitality, and horsemanship. Wranglers lead guests of varying abilities on rides into the backcountry, rotate horses for rest and recovery, and make sure each guest has a safe and enjoyable ride with properly fitted tack. You’ll work closely with other crew members where your attitude, professionalism, and teamwork shape the experience.

Winter is remote and quiet, with only four people living on the ranch. We do not host guests in the winter. There will be periods of riding and working horses for the upcoming season; however, the weather often makes extended horse work difficult.

Be prepared, more than half of winter will be spent on other essential ranch tasks; snow removal, fencing, facility improvements, and construction projects. You’ll often work alone or with just one or two others. The ranch turns into a winter wonderland for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Besides the main road, the ranch is only accessible by snowmobile or snowshoes. Road closures are common, and access to town can be limited. To enjoy this season, you must be self-directed, comfortable with being isolated, and motivated by the quiet satisfaction of productive, outdoor work.

Throughout both seasons, this is a guest-oriented ranch. Whether you’re leading a trail ride or clearing snow from the barn, your work supports the ranch’s long-term mission of offering guests a high-quality, safe, and welcoming experience. We're looking for someone who understands that caring for horses and guests is deeply connected, and who can uphold those values year-round.

Start Date: Fall 2025

Compensation:

Salary dependent on experience
Small private cabin with small kitchen and bathroom provided
Food stipend during winter
Potential for year-round employment with benefits
For the right fit, we are open to a partner living on-site, with possible summer employment opportunities (not guaranteed; case-by-case basis)
For the right candidate, we would consider a pet

Key Responsibilities

Summer:

All duties and responsibilities of a wrangler
Help assign horses and tack for weekly guest rotations
Ride and evaluate green and seasoned horses
Assist in training and supervising wranglers and barn crew
Maintain trails, fences, tack, and pasture systems
Facilitate horse rotations to ensure health and guest suitability
Communicate daily with the Ranch Manager about herd health, crew needs, and scheduling
Support a guest-first approach across all activities

Winter:

Ride and condition the herd for the next season
Assist with feeding, vet care, and barn maintenance
Help with snow removal and facility access
Contribute to ranch improvement and construction projects
Work closely with the Ranch Manager to plan and prep for summer operations

We’re looking for someone with real ranch experience who’s ready to grow into a leadership role while staying grounded in horsemanship and guest service.

Required Qualifications

21+ years of age
Guest, cattle, or private ranch experience in a corral or wrangling setting
Confident, thoughtful rider at walk, trot, lope (including green/unfamiliar stock)
Experience fitting tack and managing horse care
Ability to navigate and learn backcountry trails
Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check
At least two horse-related professional references
Calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent, and clear communicator
Comfortable working within a team structure and taking direction
Experience with fencing, gates, and general ranch upkeep

Preferred Qualifications

Previous wrangler or barn crew leadership experience
Vet care/doctoring skills
Experience with tractors, skid steers, or snow equipment
Western background and familiarity with seasonal ranch culture

How to Apply

Fill out the online Head Wrangler application below.

Please submit a video that includes a short introduction as to why this position and lifestyle would be a good fit for you; in addition to demonstrating catching, brushing, saddling, and riding three gaits (walk, trot, lope).

Your application will not be considered without an introduction and riding video.

This is a multi-step hiring process. Candidates must be willing to travel to the ranch for a multi-day in-person interview.

We are not able to sponsor visas or offer work exchange opportunities. Applicants must be legally able to work in the U.S.

Head Wrangler Application

Please fill out the entire application and click SUBMIT when complete. Thank you!

"*" indicates required fields

Legal Name:*

Full name please, and feel free to add a 'nickname'

Are you over 21?*

All applicants must be 21 or over for this position.

Date of Birth

Phone*

Email:*

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States?*

Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor any kind of visa.

Current Address:*

What is your height in feet?*

We need to know this because of horse/weight restrictions.

What is your weight in lbs?*

We need to know this because of horse/weight restrictions.

Job Preference:*

This application is for Head Wrangler ONLY. Please be sure to read through the entire job description(s) listed above.

Start Date:*

Position starts fall of 2025

End Date (November 1st, 2026 minimum):*

Applicants must be able to stay until at least November 1st, 2026. For the right candidate, this position has the potential to become year-round.

Any comments regarding your dates? Any dates you need to leave during the summer?*

What are your expectations for a monthly salary? Your food and housing will be provided at no cost to you.*

Education Background:*

School, Years Attended, Area of Focus

For Example:
Montana State University, 2017-2021, BS of Equine Science Senior High School, graduated 2017

Referred by:

How did you hear about the Elkhorn?

Why do you want to work for Elkhorn Ranch specifically?*

Summarize the skills and abilities you would bring to Elkhorn (maintenance, equipment, leadership etc.)*

What is your experience working with horses? Please go into detail.*

What is your experience leading guests into the backcountry? Any experience in high-volume corrals?*

Do you play a musical instrument?

It's optional, but guests do love to listen to crew play around the campfire and on square dance night!

Do you have any impairment that would interfere with your ability to perform the job for which you have applied?*

You will be working an active job for long hours, spending most of the day on your feet, and carrying at least 30 pounds.

Do you have any allergies (food or other)?*

Resume:

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Most Recent Employment History or "See Resume":

Please list the following for you most recent employment:
1. Employer
2. Location
3. Dates of Employment
4. Reason for Leaving
5. Position & Duties
6. Supervisor & Contact Info

If you've not held a job yet, just write 'No previous work experience'.

Previous Employment History or "See Resume":

First Professional Horse-Related Reference:*

Name, Phone Number, Email, and Relationship.

Second Professional Horse-Related Reference:*

.
Name, Phone Number, Email, and Relationship.

Third Professional Reference:*

Name, Phone Number, Email, and Relationship.

Photo:*

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Please share a recent photo of yourself. We ask for this as we are often unable to do personal interviews.

Riding Video Link:*

Please submit an introduction/riding video in order to be considered for Head Wrangler. Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us why you would be a good fit for Head Wrangler. We will also need to see you catch, halter, groom, saddle, bridle and ride (walk/trot/lope). YouTube links tend to work best.

Do you have a driver's license?*

Some positions do require a driver's license.

CPR/First Aid*

If you are not certified, we do host a training for the entire staff during our preseason.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? All crew members will be required to complete a background check.*

If YES, please explain:

Agreement:*

I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts asked for is cause for dismissal. I also understand and agree that my employment is for no definite period and may be terminated at any time without previous notice.

Signature:*

By typing out your legal name, you agree to the above statement.

Date:*

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