Working at Southwest Colorado’s Circle K Guest Ranch & Outfitters

Job Location: Mountains of Southwest Colorado between Dolores and Telluride.

Ranch Goals: Circle K Ranch is a Christian owned and operated guest ranch and outfitter that serves guests from all walks of life. Throughout our summer season we provide accommodations and horseback riding for individuals, families and groups. We also provide many  opportunities for at-risk youth and their families as well as others who are struggling and in need! We see all of our work as ministry and the avenue through which we express our love for God and those who come our way. Through the fall we offer hunting packages in a wholesome environment. We place a high value on quality of character, including good disposition, high personal standards and being a positive role model for our guests. Our goal is to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere with transformational experiences where guests can reconnect with what matters most to them!  

Working at a guest ranch requires individuals with a team mentality. Every one pitching in wherever there is a need makes each person’s load a little lighter and helps build a great sense of community and connection. We are looking for individuals with this kind of mind set. For most positions, our summer season begins the first week of June and goes through mid to late August. Our cooks, assistant cooks, housekeepers and wranglers have the possibility of fall employment staying thru mid November .

2024 Job opportunities include: Head Wrangler, Wranglers, Facilities and Grounds Maintenance, Housekeeping, Front Desk/Office Assistant and those that will be available wherever needed (We call this group, our Circle K Generals!). Wrangler Training and Internship now available! We have opportunities for volunteers as well as full time, seasonal staff. See details below!

While working at a guest ranch can be a lot of hard work, it can also be a great deal of fun. Employees have the opportunity to meet people from across the country and around the world. During time off, employees are able to join in many of the ranch activities including riding, fishing, and hiking or they can strike out on their own to go camping, river rafting and explore the surrounding area.

If this combination of hard work, community impact and fun in the surroundings of the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado interests you, we invite to apply online using our secure online application form.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Head Wrangler

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Seasoned horseman/woman
• Experienced in natural horsemanship training and methods
• Knowledgeable and experienced in basic vetting
•  Able to manage themselves, several other staff and the horses in an organized, productive and upbeat manner.
• Certified in at least basic 1st aid and cpr.
• Knowledge of and experience teaching children and adults basic riding skills
• Ability to provide leadership to a group of 12+ people on and off the trail. Giving instruction and insuring the safety of all staff, guests and horses.
• Good sense of humor, outgoing personality that enjoys people.
• Ability to handle an emergency in a calm and proficient manner, giving leadership under a variety of situations.
• Must be a good role model, exhibiting character traits such as honesty, strong work ethic, patience, kindness and respect for others, especially those in authority.
• Basic packing skills.
• Experience working with people with varying disabilities in a riding program.
• Knowledge of and ability to safely use chain saws and to supervise others in doing so.
• Knowledge of proper trail maintenance.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record
• Experience pulling trailers and hauling horses.
• Ability to set up barn, routine for feeding, etc.
• Ability to accept direction and correction from an authority figure with a positive and respectful attitude.
• Must exhibit good judgment and common sense in regards to people and horses and their safety.
• Good Physical Condition with ability to lift a minimum of 50 lb. (bag of grain, bale of hay )
• Ability to supervise small children  through adults, on horses
• Ability to act quickly and appropriately in case of emergency
• 21 years of age or older

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
To manage the daily health and care of our horses as well as the safety and enjoyment of our guests and to provide excellent leadership to the wrangler team.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Give safety and riding instruction in a clear and upbeat manner.
• Match people with appropriate horses based on their size and experience.
• Learn some of our local history as well as names of wild flowers, trees, etc. and share that information with our guests in an interesting manner.
• Proper feeding and care of horses
• Train and manage assistant wranglers in procedures and daily responsibilities.
• Follow and enforce safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards and guidelines
• Teach basic horse skills to Guests
• Maintain records of horse care, vetting, shoeing, feed, trail log, etc…
• Daily Check and maintain equipment and horses, for safety and condition
• Maintain tack, fences and barn area daily for safety, orderliness and cleanliness.
• Be a team player, willing to help out wherever there is a need
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

WRANGLER

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experienced horseman/woman
• Familiar with natural horsemanship training and methods
• Able to manage themselves and the horses they are responsible for in a safe,  organized, productive and upbeat manner.
• Certified in at least basic 1st aid and cpr.
• Knowledge of and experience teaching children and adults basic riding skills
• Ability to provide leadership to a group of 12+ people on and off the trail in the absence of a head wrangler. Giving instruction and insuring the safety of all staff, guests and horses.
• Good sense of humor, outgoing personality that enjoys people.
• Ability to handle an emergency in a calm and proficient manner, giving leadership under a variety of situations.
• Must be a good role model, exhibiting character traits such as honesty, strong work ethic, patience, kindness and respect for others, especially those in authority.
• Basic packing skills a plus but not required.
• Experience working with people with varying disabilities in a riding program a plus but not required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record
• Experience pulling trailers and hauling horses a plus but not required.
• Ability to accept direction and correction from an authority figure with a positive and respectful attitude.
• Must exhibit good judgment and common sense in regards to people and horses and their safety.
• Good Physical Condition with ability to lift a minimum of 50 lb. (bag of grain, bale of hay )
• Ability to supervise small children  through adults, on horses
• Ability to act quickly and appropriately in case of emergency
• 18 years of age or older

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
To manage the daily health and care of our horses as well as the safety and enjoyment of our guests.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Assist in give safety and riding instruction in a clear and upbeat manner.
• Assist in matching people with appropriate horses based on their size and experience.
• Learn some of our local history as well as names of wild flowers, trees, etc. and share that information with our guests in an interesting manner.
• Proper feeding and care of horses
• Follow and enforce safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards and guidelines
• Teach basic horse skills to Guests
• Assist in maintaining records of horse care, vetting, shoeing, feed, trail log, etc…
• Daily Check and maintain equipment and horses, for safety and condition
• Assist in maintenance of  tack, fences and barn area daily for safety, orderliness and cleanliness.
• Be a team player, willing to help out wherever there is a need
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

HEAD COOK/KITCHEN MANAGER – This position is not open for the 2024 season

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Head Cook oversees AND participates in all the duties of the kitchen staff. Kitchen staff include: Cooks and other Kitchen Assistants who assist in food prep, washing dishes, food serving, and dining room and kitchen area clean-up.
The Cook is responsible to efficiently prepare delicious meals in a timely, attractive fashion, manage the kitchen staff and assist in the planning of menus and food ordering.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in food service and preparation and in the use and care of food preparation appliances and equipment.
• Knowledge of quantity food preparation techniques and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and follow recipes and to compute basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to manage themselves and up to 5 others in a professional, calm, upbeat manner when under pressure.
• Ability to accept guidance and correction with a positive, respectful attitude.
• Enthusiasm, patience, sense of humor and self-control
• Strong management and people skills.
• Strong Cost Management skills
• Knowledge of Safe Food Handling.
• Ability to manage inventory appropriately and efficiently.
• Ability to make guests and other staff feel welcomed and well cared for.
• Must be a good role model, exhibiting character traits such as honesty, strong work ethic, patience, kindness and respect for others, especially those in authority.
• Ability to work under time constraints
• Ability to prepare meals for small (30) as well as large (150) groups
• Ability to efficiently adjust to last minute changes in a calm manner and with a positive attitude
• Ability to work with or without supervision.
• Good physical condition. Able to work a minimum of 8 hours/day.
• At least 21 years of age

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Follow and enforce safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards guidelines
• Responsible for all meal preparation, following prescribed recipes and established standards.
• Clean all food preparation equipment used, and ensure food preparation and service areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Ensures food is maintained at proper serving temperatures.
• Ensures gas-fired stoves, grills and ovens, plus other kitchen equipment are off when not in use.
• Responsible for keeping inventory and ordering food and staples.
• Responsible for checking in and  assisting in putting away food deliveries
• Responsible for supervision of the other kitchen staff.
• Be a team player, willing to help out wherever there is a need
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

ASSISTANT COOK – This position is not open for the summer 2024 season

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Assistant Cook duties vary but include prep work, salads, vegetables, desserts, bread, meat slicing, helping with dishes and checking in orders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in food service and preparation
• Ability to interpret and follow recipes and to compute basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to accept guidance and correction with a positive and respectful attitude
• Enthusiasm, patience, sense of humor and self-control
• Ability to make guests and other staff feel welcome and well cared for
• Team Player
• Ability to work under time constraints
• Ability to help prepare meals for small (10) as well as large (150) groups
• Ability to efficiently adjust to last minute changes with a positive attitude
• Ability to work with or without supervision
• Good physical condition. Able to work a minimum of 8 hours/day.
• At least 18 years of age

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Assist head cook in preparation of meals
• Follow all safety and sanitary regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards guidelines
• Responsible for following prescribed recipes and established standards
• Cleans food preparation equipment used, and helps in maintaining general kitchen, food storage area and dish area cleanliness
• Assists in serving and maintaining food at proper serving temperatures
• Assists in ensuring gas-fired stoves, grills and ovens, plus other kitchen equipment are off when not in use
• Assists in keeping inventory and ordering of food and staples
• Assisting in putting away food  deliveries
• Be a team player, willing to help out wherever there is a need
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

HOUSEKEEPING

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
First impressions are critical.  This is where our housekeepers play a very vital role.  The appearance of the Ranch needs to say, “Welcome, we are glad you are here”.  Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning Ranch facilities such as dorms, motel rooms, lodge rooms, cabins, lodge rooms and the lodge in general.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to accept guidance and correction with a positive and respectful attitude
• Ability to give attention to detail
• Team player
• Good physical condition. Able to work a minimum of  8 hours/day cleaning, doing laundry and assisting in the kitchen serving, cleaning and doing dishes.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently and under time constraints
• Ability to work without supervision, to see what needs to be done and to do it without being told.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• To clean facilities by Ranch standards
• To check for and report any maintenance problems in guest rooms
• To keep guestrooms and bathrooms stocked with necessary supplies.
• To complete cleaning assignments and redo anything found lacking by supervisor.
• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Follow all safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards guidelines
• Assist in keeping inventory and ordering of cleaning supplies.
• Be a team player, willing to help out wherever there is a need
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
Helping with building projects as well as general ranch maintenance and grounds upkeep.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Skills and experience in carpentry, plumbing, cement work, basic electrical, heating, propane appliances, grounds keeping and painting;
• Knowledge of the operation of tools and equipment required by Ranch Maintenance Personnel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Ability to work with or without supervision
• Ability to accept guidance and correction with a positive and respectful attitude
• Ability to give attention to detail
• Team player: Willing and able to help with cleaning, laundry and assisting in the kitchen serving, cleaning and doing dishes
• Good physical condition. Able to work a minimum of 8 hours/day.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently and under time constraints
• Ability to react, act quickly in case of emergency

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Repairs doors, windows, locks, plumbing, electrical, general maintenance, and construction and remodeling of buildings and facilities. Golf cart, tractor, lawn mower and  kitchen equipment repair and maintenance
• May operate tractors and all Ranch equipment.
• Must be available for emergency overtime work.
• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Follow all safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards guidelines
• Maintain smoke detector log and various other records
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

CIRCLE K GENERALS

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Our ranch generals do a variety of jobs, most of which consist of dishes and other general kitchen help and housekeeping. Occasionally they will assist with building or maintenance projects or, depending on the qualifications, they may assist at the barn.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to accept guidance and correction with a positive and respectful attitude
• Team player
• Ability to give attention to detail
• Good physical condition. Able to work a minimum of 8 hours/day cleaning, assisting in the kitchen , doing dishes and generally helping out wherever there is a need.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently and under time constraints
• Ability to work without supervision, to see what needs to be done and to do it without being told.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a team player and positive role model to guests and other staff members.
• Assist in checking for and reporting any maintenance problems in guest rooms
• To assist in keeping guestrooms and bathrooms stocked with necessary supplies.
• To complete all assignments and redo anything found lacking by supervisor with a positive attitude.
• Greet our guests with a smile and express a genuine appreciation for them
• Follow all safety regulations
• Follow all Ranch standards guidelines
• Evaluate current season and make recommendations for following season
• These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required

Click here to apply

WRANGLER/TRAIL GUIDE INTERNSHIP

TURN YOUR LOVE FOR HORSES AND THE OUTDOORS INTO A CAREER!

LOOKING FOR A GREAT WAY TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER AND GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AS A TRAIL GUIDE?

• INCREASE YOUR HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE.
• RECEIVE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AS A TRAIL GUIDE.
• ENJOY A SUMMER IN THE BEAUTY OF THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS.
• GREAT TRAINING FOR THOSE WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A WRANGLER OR FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO EXPAND THEIR OWN PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SAFETY AROUND HORSES.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT.

Topics covered during the internship period:

1. Safety first, for wrangler, guests and animals! You will develop a greater sense of how to work with horses safely. Learning safe practices and avoiding potential problems ahead of time.
2. Horses: Choosing, grooming, health, manners, colors/breeds, nutrition, matching with appropriate rider level, securing on the trail, etc..
3. Wrangler: Appearance, personal equipment, guest interaction and instruction.
4. Tack: Proper fit, repair and maintenance.
5. Riding: Compatibility of horse and rider, riding styles, reading guest abilities, etc. Lots of, on the trail, hands on experience. What if… obstacles, challenges, accidents and decision making.
6. Knowledge of the area-fauna and flora, ranch and area history and folk lore.
7. Basic vetting. Wound treatment. Common illnesses and their treatment.
8. Trail maintenance.
9. Fence repair and building.
10. Safe loading and transporting horses.
11. Basic packing skills.

2024 WRANGLER INTERNSHIP DATES: June 1st – August 15th, 2024

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

COSTS: $2,200.00
50% REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION. BALANCE DUE BY June 1, 2024

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Have valid driver’s license.
• Non Smokers and non drinkers only.
• Have a basic knowledge of horses and be able to demonstrate at least an intermediate level riding ability.
• All applicants must fill out an application and sign all liability release forms provided in order to be considered for acceptance.

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
CIRCLE K RANCH: 970-562-3826 

Come ride, learn and enjoy the wonder of SW Colorado with us!!

TO APPLY FOR EMPLOYMENT PLEASE COMPLETE APPLICATION BY CLICKING ON LINK BELOW:

Click Here to Apply Online – work for Circle K Guest Ranch!