About Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
Just 30 scenic miles north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana's beautiful Paradise Valley, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is the perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. Horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, fly-fisher folk, whitewater rafters, rock climbers and naturalists all find themselves drawn here season after season, along with the individuals who simply seek to live and work in a peaceful mountain setting in the heart of Yellowstone Country.
While the ranch opens May 5 and closes at the end of October, many of our 100+ staff members work during our family season, which runs early-June through August. If you are a seasonal worker we encourage you to apply early as we are always looking for individuals who can work our expanding 6 month season. We have many positions available for those college students and others who are looking for 3 months of summer work, or a possible internship.
The Employee Experience
This is so much more than a job.
During the interview process, we try our best to describe the environment, the job, and the connections that staff form with guests, with their coworkers and with nature. Despite our best efforts, however, we eventually learn that this experience goes far beyond what our words can convey.
While you can read on in greater detail below, we'll summarize the experience with this: You will work hard, alongside fellow staff and the management team, as we tirelessly strive to provide our guests with the most incredible experience possible; you will play hard, getting to experience the endless recreational opportunities and natural wonders that Yellowstone country has to offer; and you will experience all of this with a group of adventurous, hard-working, personable and fun-loving people that will become lifelong friends.
Ideal Candidate
Last season, 80% of our families chose to re-book at the end of their stay, and staff interaction with our guests is the single most important ingredient to our success. We're looking for people who understand the importance of a friendly smile and a kind word. Our guests aren't here to be served by a staff that is 'seen but not heard'... they want to hear your story, share a laugh, and experience true western hospitality at its finest.
Our staff members are personable, adventurous, hard-working, honest, and are willing to pitch in when they see that a helping hand is needed. Finally, we're looking for people with a desire and a willingness to learn. Rather than departmentalize, we give our entry-level Guest Services staff the opportunity to work a variety of jobs in order to gain a better understanding of the operation as a whole and to better prepare them for whatever may come in the future..
Room and Board
Room and board is provided to all Mountain Sky staff members. Staff accommodations are mostly communal (shared cabins) with private accommodations reserved for managers, returning senior employees or elder staff members. Mountain Sky provides linens, comforters, pillows, and towels for staff members. There is sufficient storage space on the ranch for personal belongings. There are two staff lodges on the ranch which provide ample space for indoor recreation, along with a place to do laundry. Staff members are allowed to respectfully use all ranch facilities including our golf course, workout facility, sauna and steam room, swimming pool, and more.
Staff meals are provided 3 times per day in our staff dining room. Our hearty staff buffets provide a wide variety of options, and a refrigerator is kept fully stocked with food in the staff dining area for snacks, missed meals, and for the storage of specialty food items that staff members may purchase if they have strict dietary guidelines.
Employee Perks
Not only do employees have access to the full facility, but they are also encouraged to participate in guest activities free of charge - so long as there is availability. Horseback rides, guided hikes, fly-fishing instruction, golf and whitewater rafting trips are just a few of the activities you'll have the opportunity to experience.
A competitive seasonal salary, free room and board, a beautiful mountain environment, access to Yellowstone National Park, use of our world-class facilities and activities, and the opportunity to mingle with our amazing guests and staff from all over the world... who could ask for anything more? The friendships you make, the skills you learn, and the memories you'll form will last you a lifetime.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Many staff members staying for the 3 month summer season choose to fly to Montana. The closest airport to Mountain Sky is in Bozeman, Montana (BZN), and we will provide ground transportation from the Bozeman airport to Mountain Sky once we have your flight details.
If you are staying with us for the entire six months, or want a bit more independence to explore the area, bringing a car to the ranch is the best option. Many staff carpool to the ranch from all over the country - a great way to get to know your co-workers while saving some gas money!
For Fun
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure in the heart of Yellowstone Country. The Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, the Crazy Mountains, the Bridger Mountains, and the Gallatin Canyon area all provide excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. Big Creek and the mighty Yellowstone River offer fishing, rafting, and kayaking opportunities.
Livingston is a 45-minute drive and offers a quaint downtown with great restaurants and a vibrant artistic community. Bozeman is an hour's drive and is home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies, as well as a great variety of coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and bars. Local haunts like the Pine Creek Lodge, The Old Saloon in Emigrant and Chico Hot Springs are always staff favorites and feature live music and great food without the long drive.
Job Description
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is in the Paradise Valley outside of Emigrant, Montana and one of the premier guest ranches in the United States. Along with guest operations, the Lower Ranch Division runs over 250 mother cows. Additionally, we run 500 head of yearlings on its sister ranch, West Creek Ranch as well as a Branded Beef program suppling beef to the ranches. The ranches grow their own replacement heifers and hay roughly 900 acres of irrigated land.
We are looking for a seasonal Ranch Hand to assist with lower ranch operations on both Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch. The Ranch Hand must have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, detail-oriented and have a willingness to work a varied work schedule based on time of year. The position is a crucial component to the Land & Livestock team and will report directly to the Livestock Manager. The position will be primarily focused on assisting in land maintenance - regularly fencing and tending to water tanks. Occasionally, the position will consist of the movement of livestock throughout the ranches. Good people skills are crucial to strive within the dynamic Land & Livestock team as well as interacting with our guests. Additional responsibilities will include but not be limited to building, welding, and repairing of equipment, and maintenance of ATV's, trucks, and ranch equipment. Individuals with a fair amount of horsemanship skills with experience working with livestock operations is preferred. Roping, doctoring, and farrier skills are also ideal, but not required. The position will run from May 16th to August 31st 2025, with some flexibility on start and end dates.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Focusing on the upkeep of fences, constructing new fence and installing/moving temporary electric fence.
- Maintenance on existing water tanks as well as helping on new water tank projects.
- Driving pickup trucks, hauling trailers.
- Operating tractors and other implements including rake, baler, and manure spreader.
- Operating pickup trucks, skid steers, dump trucks and pulling trailers.
- Operating a variety of power tools including chainsaw, pressure washer, and post-pounder.
- Some basic equipment and vehicle maintenance.
- Assisting the farming manager and farming crew with hay harvest, including but not limited to operating tractors, rakes, balers, hauling and stacking hay.
- Assisting the Livestock Manager with the weekly hayride for our guest ranch.
- Provide great customer service during the weekly cattle drive with the guests.
- Organize and maintain a clean work area and take responsibility for orderliness of tools and equipment.
- Moving, handling, and doctoring cattle from horseback.
Required Skills
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. overhead.
- Must be able to sit for 8+ per day.
- Must be able to stand for 8+ hours per day.
- Ability to ride horseback in mountainous and rough country.
- Ability to move livestock with low-stress handling methods.
- Be comfortable driving truck and trailer, including hauling hay, livestock, and equipment.
- Able to drive tractor and haying equipment.
- Mechanic and welding abilities are a plus.
- Previous farm/ranch work preferred.
Additional Requirements
- Conduct yourself and Ranch operations with the utmost integrity. Work well with others. All interactions with guests and staff must be conducted in a courteous manner. "Caring" is the pivotal word that should dominate all our actions.
- Attend weekly Land & Livestock meetings and any other meetings, as requested.
- Ability to work as a team member in a cooperative environment.
- Personal initiative, motivation, and resourcefulness
