Youth Counselor (Wrangler) - Summer 2026 at Makar Hotels And Resorts LMR LLC

Big Sky, Montana, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

01 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Horseback Riding, Equine Care, Child Supervision, Communication, Teamwork, First Aid, Outdoor Activities, Safety Management, Behavior Management, Event Coordination, Teaching, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Creativity, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills

Industry

Hospitality

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 Join the dynamic team at Lone Mountain Ranch as a Youth Horse Counselor in the Lone Mountain Rangers program! This exciting role involves guiding preschool through middle school-aged adventurers through a variety of fun and educational activities, from horseback riding and archery to axe throwing, high ropes, and hiking through the stunning landscape. You’ll be the heart of our vibrant program, ensuring each participant has an unforgettable experience while keeping them safe, engaged, and supported. You’ll manage daily schedules, lead activities, lead horse activities, and ensure that every child is immersed in the wonders of the great outdoors, all while building lifelong memories. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, energetic, educated equestrian, and loves working with kids in an outdoor setting. We’re looking for someone who can turn everyday moments into exciting adventures, communicate with kids and parents alike, and be part of an amazing team committed to making a positive impact. The Youth Horse Counselor will have a dedication to safety and the well-being of both guests and animals. Previous experience with horses, trail riding and basic equine care, along with a commitment to maintaining a pristine, organized work environment, is highly preferred. If you're passionate about inspiring young minds and want to be a part of a truly unique experience, we’d love to have you on our team! ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Supervise and engage participants ages 3 to 14 in a variety of recreational activities such as horseback riding, archery, axe throwing, high ropes, hiking, arts and crafts, sports, and nature explorations as part of the Lone Mountain Rangers program * Lead andfacilitateoutdoor adventures, ensuring activities are fun, educational, and appropriately tailored for each age group * Lead participants ages 6 to 14 on30–60-minutetrail ridesup to 5 times per week, ensuring safety and enjoymentforall skill levels. * Assistthe wrangling team with conducting safety briefings before rides, covering proper riding techniques, equipment usage, and trail etiquette, whilemonitoringparticipant safety during the ride. * Assistthe wrangling team withmounting/dismounting participants,checking equipment and adjusting equipment as needed. * Lead participants ages 3 to 5 on 10-15-minute pony rides, ensuringthe safetyof both the guest and animalsdaily. * Implement behavior policies to ensure a positive and respectful atmosphere among participants * Teach about Montana’s history, flora, and fauna in a fun, interactive, and engaging way * Administer first aid when necessary, and confidently manage emergency situations with professionalism and care * Maintainaccuraterecords of program activities, attendance, and participant progress * Ensure that safety protocols are consistently communicated and followed by both staff and participants * Prepare and clean up materials, equipment, and activity spaces at the beginning and end of each session * Foster respect forpersonal property, ranch equipment, and facilities among participants * Assistwith program set-up andlogisticsto ensure a smooth daily operation * Communicate with parents and guests, providing details about daily activities and ensuring a positive experience * Work collaboratively with fellow counselors and Ranch staff to create an exciting, fun, and safe experience for everyone * Work collaborativelywith Barn Leadership tocommunicatethe needsof participants for eachhorsebackride * Monitor the overall well-being and behavior of participants during drop-off, pick-up, and free time * Help create lasting memories for kids while ensuring a top-notch guest experience * Assistwithspecial eventsacross the ranch as needed. * Mustwear the designated uniform while on duty. QUALIFICATIONS * Minimum of 2 years of experience horseback riding, trail rides, and basic horse care * Proven ability to handle horses in various settings and a strong understanding of equine behavior * Experience working with children, youth, or in recreational programs is a plus * First Aid & CPR Certification (can be obtained during the season) * Lifeguard certificationa plus * Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for engaging and inspiring young participants * Ability to work as part of a team and adapt to changing schedules and needs * Comfort workingand leading short trail ridesin varying weather conditions * A positive, upbeat attitude and a love for the outdoors * Availability to work weekends and holidays, contributing to the flexibility of the program * A creative mindset and a knack for making every moment exciting and fun WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS * A unique work environment that combines the beauty of the outdoors with the excitement of working with kids * Must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors * Ability to stand, walk, bend, andlift upto 50 pounds regularly * Willingness to navigate outdoor terrain and lead adventurous activities with enthusiasm * Physical tasks include setting up and cleaning up activities, preparing materials, and overseeing lively outdoor games * Ability to supervise groups of kids in an active and energetic environment.Attention to safety for the guests and horsesat 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 great hourly wage, we think Lone Mountain Ranch offers more opportunities than most! Seasonal Bonus Program: * All hourly employees will be able to participate in our seasonal bonus program. Each hourly employee will receive $1 per hour worked per season and $1.50 per overtime hour worked. Employees who are terminated or resign from their position before the end of each season, will not be able to participate in this program. If the season is cut short due to business levels, the employee will still participate in this program. Positions that are contracted at a shorter term, like the Outdoor Youth Adventures program, this employee will be able to participate in this program. All hours worked outside of these seasonal ranges will not apply to this bonus program. Staff Cafeteria: * We also want to keep you hydrated and nourished. You will have access to our staff cafeteria which provides 3 meals a day, as well as a large selection of grab and go items to suit anyone’s day. Ranch Gratuity: * In addition to your hourly rate, you will receive a ranch gratuity unique to us. Ranch Wide Activities: * We also understand that every full work week requires a little me time. And what better way to unwind than to take advantage of the many summer activities the ranch has to offer? If there are openings, you have free access to the following in the summer season: horseback riding, Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, Yellowstone National Park Tours, yoga, and mountain biking. During the winter months, you will have access to 50 Miles of world renown cross country ski trails right outside your back door. Arrival * While we know that we are in one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in America, we also know we are a little off the beaten path. The ranch will provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport, should you come to us by air. Opportunity to move to Full-Time, Regular Status and receive additional benefits. * If you remain with us for 1 full year and worked a minimum of 1560 hours during our 12-month lookback period (that takes place at the end of each year), you are eligible to move to full-time status. Full-time status means Vacation and Sick pay, medical, dental, life and vision insurance. This will be effective the first of the month following 30 days of your full-time employment hire date or status. The Ranch will pay for 80% of the premiums for employees and any dependents. Employees will be responsible for paying the remaining 20% of the premiums. Payment is deducted automatically from the employee’s semi- monthly paycheck at a pre-taxed rate.

Responsibilities

The Youth Horse Counselor will supervise and engage participants aged 3 to 14 in various recreational activities while ensuring their safety and enjoyment. They will lead outdoor adventures, manage daily schedules, and communicate with parents to provide a positive experience.