We are seeking a General Manager to lead the year-round operations of a historic guest ranch in southwest Montana. The position may be filled by an individual General Manager or a management couple with complementary skill sets.

During the summer season, the ranch hosts approximately 35-40 guests per week and employs a seasonal crew of roughly 25 people, all of whom live and work on the property. The General Manager leads the crew in providing hospitality. The General Manager interacts with guests daily building positive relationships that encourage yearly returns. The goal is to provide guests with opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and solitude, the development of a sense of community, and an appreciation for this wild place. In the winter, the manager's role turns to administrative responsibilities and property management.

This position requires the ability to lead a team of 25 seasonal employees in the summer. The general manager is responsible for hiring, training and day-to-day management of crew members.

Administrative and business responsibilities are an integral part of the role. These include reservations, guest communication, marketing, financial oversight, reporting, and collaboration with ownership on operational decisions and long-term goals. The General Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance, managing permits, reporting, and communicating with multiple national park and national forest contacts.

Horseback riding is the cornerstone of the ranch and shapes the structure of each day. The ranch maintains a herd of more than 100 riding horses, and riding operations are central to the guest experience. The General Manager ensures that the program is safe, organized, and consistent week after week. An understanding of horses, barn operations, and riding programs is essential to this role. In addition to riding, the ranch offers guided fly-fishing and hiking.

The General Manager is responsible for the oversight of the ranch property, consisting of 400+ acres and more than 40 historic structures, many of which are listed on the National Register. Facilities management includes managing maintenance and repairs for the buildings, water systems, barns, irrigation systems, vehicles, equipment, pastures, and forested areas, along with planning long-term improvements.

The role of a dude ranch manager is complex and varied. A good candidate will understand the ample tasks of a dude ranch management and will complement their own skill set with assistant managers and efficient outsourcing of select tasks.

Qualifications

Substantial experience managing a guest ranch, riding-focused operation, or comparable seasonal hospitality business

Extensive customer service background

Ability to understand financial information and stay within a budget

Strong horsemanship background and experience overseeing a large riding program preferred

Proven ability to recruit, train, and lead a sizable seasonal staff

Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments

Ability to work long hours seasonally. Ability to manage the physical tasks of rural living and livestock management.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem solving skills.

Comfort living and working in a rural setting and at high altitude.

Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a comprehensive background check

Position Details

This is a full-time, year-round position offering a competitive salary and benefits package, including housing, food, use of a vehicle for work, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

The following application is for the General Manager position ONLY. If you are interested in seasonal employment, please visit our employment page.  If you have any questions, please email cameron@elkhornranchmontana.com. We kindly ask that you do not call us about employment.