Job Title:
Wrangler - Summer 2026
Company: Lone Mountain Ranch
Location: Big Sky, MT
Created: 2026-03-04
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Hiring for Summer 2026 season (May 2026 - October 2026) Lone Mountain Ranch (LMR), situated on 148 acres in beautiful Big Sky, Montana, was first homesteaded in 1915 and has long been recognized as one of the premier guest ranch resorts in the country. The property consists of 30 rooms located within 24 unique cabins as well as the Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, event venues and meeting spaces. A National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, LMR is listed on the National Registry of the Historic Places, a member of the Dude Rancher's Association, and once voted the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier Magazine, LMR offers authentic luxury accommodations, genuine Montana cuisine, exceptional service, and a stunning array of outdoor recreational pursuits. Combine these attributes with proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, as well as Bozeman Airport, and we believe the LMR guest experience is unlike any other in the American West. SUMMARY The Wrangler at Lone Mountain Ranch plays a key role in providing guests with unforgettable experiences in the scenic Montana landscape. This hands-on position involves guiding guests on memorable trail rides, ensuring their safety, and delivering exceptional hospitality with every interaction. In addition to leading trail rides, Wranglers are responsible for the care and grooming of horses, as well as maintaining the barn, fences, and other equestrian facilities. A focus on professionalism, safety, and thorough training is paramount to ensuring a seamless and memorable guest experience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about horsemanship and outdoor activities, with a strong ability to connect with guests in a friendly and professional manner. A dedication to safety and the well-being of both guests and animals is essential. Previous experience with horses, trail riding, and basic equine care, along with a commitment to maintaining a pristine, organized work environment, is highly preferred. The Wrangler should possess excellent communication skills, be adaptable, and have a natural ability to work within a team while maintaining a high level of professionalism. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Work with a herd of up to 120 horses, saddling up to 60 horses per day, and spending up to 10 hours in the saddle daily. Lead guests on trail rides, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all skill levels, and customize routes based on guests' abilities and interests, with a maximum of 6 guests per ride. Conduct safety briefings before rides, covering proper riding techniques, equipment usage, and trail etiquette, while monitoring guest safety during the ride. Create a welcoming and engaging environment for guests, offering insights into local wildlife, the ranch, and surrounding wilderness. Care for and groom horses daily, including saddling, feeding, and checking for signs of illness or injury. Maintain and organize the barn, tack rooms, and surrounding areas to ensure cleanliness and safety. Monitor and repair fences, gates, and other equestrian infrastructure as needed to keep the environment secure for both horses and guests. Teach guests basic horsemanship, including riding techniques, horse care, and local knowledge during trail rides. Assist in training ranch horses to ensure readiness for guest rides, and work with team members to evaluate their progress. Inspect, maintain, and repair tack and riding equipment to ensure safety and readiness for each ride. Lead and manage group dynamics during rides, ensuring guests stay engaged, safe, and enjoy the experience. Respond to emergencies involving guests or horses, administering first aid or escalating to medical or veterinary professionals as needed. Stay alert to weather and trail conditions, adjusting routes or plans to ensure safety and comfort for all riders. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 5 years of experience in horseback riding, trail rides, and basic horse care. Proven ability to handle horses in various settings and a strong understanding of equine behavior. Experience leading trail rides and guiding guests, preferably in a hospitality or outdoor setting. Strong communication skills with a friendly, professional demeanor when interacting with guests. Ability to perform minor repairs to fences, barns, and equestrian equipment. Experience in a customer-facing role with a focus on exceptional service. Certification in first aid and CPR is required. Comfortable working independently and within a team in an outdoor environment. Comfort working in varying weather conditions and physically demanding tasks. Comfortable driving a large truck and tractor driving experience. Experience hauling a truck and trailer with livestock. Ability to drive a team of horses. Experience working with green-broke stock. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Comfortable working with a herd of up to 120 horses, saddling up to 60 horses per day, and spending up to 10 hours in the saddle daily. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Ability to lift and carry heavy items (up to 50 lbs), and remain on horseback for extended periods. Endurance to perform physically demanding tasks like mucking out barns and repairing fences. Fine motor skills required for handling reins, saddles, and performing repairs on equipment. Strong teamwork and communication required for coordinating with staff and guests. Attention to safety for both guests and horses at all times. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or without notice. Seasonal employees are hired to work for a pre-determined period of less than 12 months. At the end of the temporary period, employment is terminated. If a seasonal employee wishes to be considered for future employment, they may reapply but will be considered a new employee for all purposes HOURLY EMPLOYEE & SEASONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS In addition to a competitive hourly wage, seasonal employees at Lone Mountain Ranch enjoy the following benefits: Seasonal Bonus Program All hourly seasonal employees are eligible to participate. $1 per regular hour worked $1.50 per overtime hour worked Applies to hours worked within defined seasonal dates Short-term contracted roles are eligible Employees who resign or are terminated prior to season completion are not eligible. If the season ends early due to business levels, eligible employees will still participate. Ranch Gratuity Collected on all guest stays and ranch bookings Added on to base hourly rate Distributed to eligible employees Employee Housing Offered based on availability Priced at a subsidized rate Dorm style, single family homes, ranging in distance from the Ranch Staff Cafeteria Three meals daily Grab-and-go options Snacks and hydration selections Employee Discounts 50% off food in Horn & Cantle for employee and one guest (alcohol excluded) 35% off retail purchases One discounted employee cabin stay per season (maximum two nights) Ranch Activities (Based on Availability) Summer Access: Archery Axe throwing Hiking High ropes course Yellowstone tours Winter Access: 50 miles of cross-country ski trails accessible from the Ranch Arrival Transportation Complimentary airport transportation is provided on designated arrival days and times for employees traveling by air.