Working at the Ranch: What You Need to Know
Here’s a snapshot of what it’s like to work with us at Sundance Trail. While this list isn’t exhaustive and isn’t a binding contract, it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect from life at the ranch.
Core Responsibilities for All Staff:
- Our main priority? Ensuring our guests are comfortable, safe, and having a blast. Their vacation memories are our “product.”
- We all pitch in to maintain the safety of guests, staff, and animals—safety is always the top priority.
- Guest care comes first: feeding, helping, and sometimes dropping everything to meet changing needs (and then finishing what we started!).
- Help out with entertainment, especially in the evenings, and assist with kids’ programs like the weekly overnight campout.
- Help in the kitchen: assisting with meal prep, presentation, and washing dishes.
- Assist with housekeeping: think cleaning rooms, scrubbing bathrooms, and vacuuming (yes, we clean a lot).
- Maintenance is a never-ending task, and we all chip in to keep things running smoothly.
- And of course, endless jokes and stories are a must!
Staff Requirements:
- Great communication is key. You need to be clear, patient, and comfortable with guests, children, and animals of all kinds—especially when expectations are high.
- A positive attitude, plenty of energy, and a “smile that never quits.”
- All staff must live on the ranch for fire protection and guest safety purposes, 24/7.
- Staff may leave at the end of their shift the evening before their days off.
- We provide room and board, linen, and laundry at no charge.
- Staff meals are shared with guests, when there’s room at the table.
- We do not have accommodations for married couples.
- Wranglers must have valid First Aid and CPR certifications when hired (this is at the employee’s expense).
- Fire prevention and response training are provided by the ranch, at our expense.
Dress Code:
- Western is the only fashion here—cowboy boots, hats with stampede strings, blue-jean jackets, and western shirts are a must.
- No baseball caps allowed.
- Keep it neat—no patches on your jeans or shirts.
- A sleeping bag, swimsuit, and a watch are necessary (wranglers should have a watch with a countdown timer).
- Hiking boots are a good idea.
- Stampede strings are mandatory for anyone working with or riding horses (we sell them at wholesale prices here).
- Western skirts or dresses are fine for evening activities.
Code of Conduct:
Guests are our customers, not our friends. This means:
- No personal problems, complaints about management, or gossip.
- Avoid sensitive topics like religion or politics.
- Always keep things professional—no off-color jokes, arguments, or teasing.
- Never lose your temper or accept inappropriate invitations.
- Treat everyone with kindness and respect, always.
Smile. Even when you’re not feeling it—our guests expect it, and it helps create a positive atmosphere.
Always call guests by name—personal connection is important.
Environmental Responsibility:
- We strive for minimal impact on the land and wildlife. This means:
- Leave no trace when in the forest or on neighboring lands.
- Respect wildlife and cattle—no chasing or harassing animals.
- Be mindful of elk calving season and follow any related scheduling restrictions.
- Treat our neighbors and their preferences with respect.
Substance Use & Behavior Expectations:
- Moderate alcohol use (for those of legal age) is fine when not on duty or responsible for others.
- Public intoxication and drinking while trail riding are strictly prohibited.
- Illegal drugs and tobacco products are never allowed.
- We’ll revise our alcohol policy if we notice any abuse.
Staff Policies:
- Men and women are not permitted in each other’s rooms at night.
- Animal neglect or abuse will not be tolerated. This includes:
- No striking or throwing stones at animals.
- No horses allowed unrestricted access to grain or hay.
- No chasing wildlife or cattle.
- Poaching is strictly forbidden.
Behaviors That Could Lead to Termination:
- Rudeness to guests or fellow staff members.
- Animal abuse.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Tobacco use.
- Stealing.
- Reckless behavior.
- Insubordination.
- Violence.
- Poor hygiene.
- Failing to follow safety protocols, like using stampede strings around horses.
Typical Riding Schedule (Subject to Change):
Sunday:
- Horses get the day off.
- Check-in between 2-6pm, followed by a ranch tour and staff introductions.
- After-supper hike.
Monday:
- 10am: Arena work and a short ride.
- 2pm: Bubba’s Hill or Lady Moon Overlook ride.
Tuesday:
- Morning: Rock climbing.
- 2pm: Aspen Canyon Trail ride or another scenic ride.
Wednesday:
- All-day ride: Mount Margaret Trail with lunch and scenic views.
Thursday:
- Day excursions, including white-water rafting for six-night guests.
Friday:
- Morning and afternoon lunch rides, with riders’ choice options.
Saturday:
- 10am: Arena Games/Gymkhana (and the option to ride horses in the pond).
- 1pm: Guest check-out and ranch clean-up.
Additional Activities:
- Off-ranch excursions: rodeos, auctions, outlet malls, etc.
- Guided fishing trips and hiking.
- Jeep trips to scenic locations like Cameron Pass and Deadman Road.
- Campfires, sing-alongs, and even Jackalope & Snipe hunts!
Final Notes:
- Sexual harassment will never be tolerated in any form.
- Sundance Trail is an “at-will” employer, meaning we can terminate employment at any time, with or without cause.
- Employees are paid bi-weekly and share gratuities equally, unless otherwise specified by the guest.
- There is no holiday pay or paid time off.
- College students may be eligible for an Equine/Recreation Internship, potentially for college credit. Reach out for learning objectives and more information.
We’re all about creating a fun, hardworking, and respectful environment here at Sundance Trail—if that sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!
Online Employment Application (must be completed by all interested applicants)