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Live The Cowboy Way of Life

Join the Bar W Team for the 2023 Season

At the Bar W, we believe that a well-run dude ranch is hospitality at its very finest. Our number one goal is to provide not only our guests but our staff with the best possible experience of their lives. Our staff is our number one resource.  Each year we hire for both seasonal and year-round positions.

Working on a dude ranch is not like any other job. The work is hard and the hours can be long. But this is the one job that will become part of you for the rest of your life. You will make lifelong friendships with both staff and guests, as well as learn skills and a work ethic that will stay with you wherever you go.

We Are Hiring for The 2023 Season

We are now hiring for the 2023 Bar W Season, see available positions listed below! To apply, please complete the online application. Don’t hesitate to Contact Bar W if you have any questions, we look forward to hearing from you!

Housekeeping

Job details coming soon!

Reports To: Housekeeping Manager
Pay Range: $14-$16

General Responsibilities:

The Housekeeping Staff are responsible for the day-to-day cleanliness of the ranch, including all guest rooms, glamping tents, common areas, bathrooms, porches and decks, and staff areas.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Housekeeping Staff Duties:

  • Demonstrates a full commitment to providing the best possible experience for guests.
  • Example of duties, but not all-inclusive;
    •  Making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms, bathrooms and hallways, vacuuming, mopping, etc.
    • Laundry
    • Picking up trash on the grounds.
  • Portray a good example of team work to the guests and other employees.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Good people and communication skills. We need you to communicate directions to staff, so that they can complete tasks properly and safely. We also need you to engage in conversations with the guests.
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests.
    Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.
  • Be a self-starter and team player.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Equine

Reports To: Equine Director
Pay Range: $20-$26/hour

General Responsibilities:
Oversight of the Bar W guest package horse program on and off property.  The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Lead, manage and hold accountable the members of your team.
  • In charge of the schedule and payroll approval for the guest ranch wranglers.
  • Assist in the hiring, termination, and performance evaluation of your team.
  • Assist the Equine Director to develop riding programs and then ensure proper implementation of the programs with your staff.
  • Oversee the guest sign-up of rides, lessons, and horse activities.
  • Keep safety at the forefront of horse-related policies and guidelines.
  • Care and feeding of all ranch animals and livestock.
  • Connect with guests to ensure they are getting the most out of their riding experience.
  • Inform the Herd Manager of needed feed.
  • Inform the Herd Manager issues with horses and tack.
  • Inform the Herd Manager if livestock needs veterinary, dental, farrier services.
  • Schedule wranglers to assist Herd Manager with dragging the arena, moving hay, etc.
  • Handle the logistics for guest package off-site equine activities (single-day cattle drives, full-day rides, etc.).
  • Follow the process and procedure for horse incidents.
  • Assign each guest a horse from the pool of horses available from the Herd Manager.
  • Be available to take rides out if needed.
  • Ensure fencing is in good condition.
  • Hook up trucks, inspect truck and trailer, and drive a truck and trailer.

Personal Requirements:

  • Good people and communication skills. We need you to communicate to guests how to ride safely and we need you to engage in conversations with the guests, both on and off the ride.
  • Basic computer skills – Excel, Word.
  • Maintain a presentable western cowhand image around guests.
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.
  • Be a confident rider and comfortable around horses. Have working knowledge of horses, tack, and ranch work.
  • Be a self-starter and team player who can lead by example and capable of providing clear direction to wranglers, staff, and guests.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Title: Corral Boss/Trail Boss
Reports To: Head Wrangler
Pay Range: $18-$20/hour

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate a full commitment to providing the best possible experience for guests.
  • Implement and enforce riding guidelines developed for the wranglers and guests.
  • Teach wranglers and ranch staff our SOP’s for working with horses, conducting rides, feeding, corral maintenance.
  • Herd care including feeding and vet care.
  • Understand the daily riding schedules and make sure they are carried out on time and in a professional manner.
  • Portray a good example of team work to guests and other workers.
  • Maintain a gentle, professional, and educational tone when working with both animals and people.
  • Keeping wranglers on task.
  • Maintain safety of all tack, fences, feeders, corrals, arenas, and other equipment and facilities primarily used by the wrangler staff.
  • Follow up with guests after rides and communicate any issues to Head Wrangler.
  • Follow the process and procedure for horse incidents.
  • Catch, groom, feed, and saddle horses.
  • Conduct fun and safe rides for the guests.
  • Be in control of your ride and stay alert for any safety issues.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People. 3. We Do What We Say!
  • Live by the team player virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills. We need you to communicate to guests how to ride safely and we need you to engage in conversations with the guests, both on and off the ride.
  • Maintain a presentable western cowhand image around guests.
  • Must be a confident and experienced rider. Comfortable riding many different types of horses at varying levels of training and able to ride at all four gaits. Must be physically fit enough to mount and dismount the horse multiple times a day without the use of a mounting aid.
  • Must be physically fit enough to handle all the daily tasks and chores that come with working on a ranch, including but not limited to stacking hay bales, fixing fence, and picking paddocks
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.

Title: Wrangler
Reports To: Head Wrangler/Corral Boss or Trail Boss
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour

General Responsibilities:
Wranglers are committed to providing hospitality that goes above and beyond for the guests. They are also focused on providing safe and enjoyable rides and experiences for all of our guests. Wranglers will be responsible for the day-to-day care, organization, and cleanliness of the corral, horses, tack, equipment, arenas, catch pens, hay and manure clean up. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Wrangler Duties:

  • Demonstrate a full commitment to providing the best possible experience for both package guests and trail ride guests.
  • Follow the equine SOP’s
  • Catch, groom, feed, and saddle horses.
  • Be in control of your ride and staying alert for any safety issues.
  • Follow the process and procedure for horse incidents.
  • Portray a good example of teamwork to the guests and other team members.
  • Maintain a gentle, professional, and educational tone at all times when working with both animals and people.
  • Maintain fence and corrals.
  • Clean up residual hay and manure around the ranch.
  • Operate a tractor to feed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values: 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People 3. We Do What We Say
  • Be a team player that lives these three virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills. We need you to communicate to guests how to ride safely and we need you to engage in conversations with the guests, both on and off the ride.
  • Maintain a presentable western cowhand image around guests.
  • Must be a confident and experienced rider. Comfortable riding many different types of horses at varying levels of training and able to ride at all four gaits. Must be physically fit enough to mount and dismount the horse multiple times a day without the use of a mounting aid.
  • Must be physically fit enough to handle all the daily tasks and chores
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.

Kitchen

Title: Sous Chef
Reports To: Head Chef
Pay Range: $20-$22/hour

General Responsibilities:
The Sous Chef prioritizes hospitality that goes above and beyond for guests. This person is responsible for assisting the Head Chef in the organization and preparation of meals as well as the day-to-day care, and cleanliness of the kitchen, food storage areas and food preparation and serving equipment. The Sous Chef helps to lead, manage, and hold the kitchen staff accountable. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Sous Chef Duties:

  • Work with the Head Chef on menus, staff scheduling, food ordering and procurement, food costs, and inventory tracking
  • Follow and train proper sanitation and safety practices
  • Follow and train kitchen SOP’s to staff
  • Plan, cook, and direct food preparation and culinary activities as assigned
  • Help with kitchen and dining room clean up and dishes as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People. 3. We Do What We Say
  • Live by the team player virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills.
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests.
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.

Reports To: Head Chef/Cook
Pay Range: $14-$16

General Responsibilities:

The Kitchen Assistant works with the cooks to ensure the timely preparation of all meals as well of clean-up of all meals.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Kitchen Assistant Duties:

  • Demonstrates a full commitment to providing the best possible experience for guests.
  • Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  • Assist the cooks with food preparation and culinary activities.
  • Responsible for front of house set up and take down.
  • Responsible for back of house cleaning (dishes, kitchen areas).
  • Assist with the preparation, set up and take down of outdoor dining experiences.
  • Portray a good example of team work to the guests and other employees.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Self-starter who can lead by example.
  • Ability to handle heavy objects and deliveries.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, squat, twist, reach repeatedly without restriction.
  • Must have good people and communication skills. We also need you to engage in conversations with the guests.
  • Maintain presentable image in the kitchen and around guests.
  • Have a first aid and CPR certification.
  • Must have food safety/handling certification.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Job details coming soon!

Job details coming soon!

Guest & Staff Relations

Title: Guest Relations Staff
Reports To: Program Director
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour

General Responsibilities:
This role provides our guests with hospitality that goes above and beyond. Staff in this role is responsible for hosting our guests, operating our non-equine activities, and helping with shuttles. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures for all non-equine activities and programs.
  • Help to set-up, execute, and clean up each activity.
  • Facilitate a great guest experience.
  • Learn how to do each activity according to the SOP.
  • Encourage guests to join activities.
  • Help other departments during non-active times.
  • Help to maintain and clean activity/recreation materials and keep storage room clean and organized.
  • Drive shuttles (must be over 21 if offsite).
  • Help with guest provisions
  • Communicate any guest needs and issues to the Program Director, Ranch Relations Coordinator, or Activities Coordinator
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values: 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People 3. We Do What We Say.
  • Live as a team player with the following virtues; Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence).
  • Must have excellent people and communication skills.
  • Maintain presentable image around guests.
  • Have a first aid and CPR certification.

Title: Ranch Relations Coordinator
Reports To: Program Director
Pay Range: $16-18

General Responsibilities:
This role prioritizes showing guests hospitality that goes above and beyond. This person will partner with the Activities Coordinator to provide ranch activities, programming, and shuttle services. The Ranch Relations Coordinator helps the Program Director in leading, managing, and holding the guest relations team accountable. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Report to the Program Director about anything related to guest hospitality, ranch activities, and program, shuttles, and provisions
  • Oversee and help with set up, running activities and programs, break down and clean up
  • Oversee that all activities and shuttles are a safe and positive experience for guests
  • Maintain a thorough inventory and inspection of all items used for Ranch Activities
  • Model and enforce being a team player
  • Keep team on task
  • Other duties as needed.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People. 3. We Do What We Say
  • Live by the team player virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills to guests and staff
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests and staff
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.

Title: Activities Coordinator
Reports To: Program Director
Pay Range: $16-18/hour

General Responsibilities:
This role priorities showing guests hospitality that goes above and beyond. This person will partner with the Ranch Relations Coordinator to provide ranch activities, programming, and shuttle services. The Activities Coordinator helps the Program Director in leading, managing, and holding the guest relations team accountable. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Report to the Program Director about anything related to guest hospitality, ranch activities, and programs
  • Oversee and help with set up, running activities and programs, break down and clean up
  • Oversee that all activities and shuttles are a safe and positive experience for guests
  • Maintain a thorough inventory and inspection of all items used for Ranch Activities
  • Model and enforce being a team player
  • Keep team on task
  • Other duties as needed.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People. 3. We Do What We Say
  • Live by the team player virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills to guests and staff
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests and staff
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival

Title: Kids Coordinator
Reports To: Program Director
Pay Range: $16-$18/hour

General Responsibilities:
This role priorities showing guests hospitality that goes above and beyond. This person will oversee the kids programming and activities. The Kids Coordinator helps the Program Director in leading, managing, and holding the kids counselors accountable. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Report to the Program Director about anything related to guest hospitality, ranch activities, and program
  • Oversee and help with set up, running activities and programs, break down and clean up
  • Oversee that all activities are a safe and positive experience for guests
  • Maintain a thorough inventory and inspection of all items used for Ranch Activities
  • Model and enforce being a team player
  • Keep kids team on task
  • Other duties as needed.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People. 3. We Do What We Say
  • Live by the team player virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence)
  • Good people and communication skills to guests and staff
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests and staff
  • Have a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.

Title: Kids Counselor
Reports To: Program Director
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour

General Responsibilities:
This role provides our guests with hospitality that goes above and beyond. Staff in this role is responsible for hosting our guests, operating our non-horse activities, and providing a safe and fun environment for the children. The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures for all non-horse activities and programs.
  • Help to set-up, execute, and clean up each activity.
  • Facilitate a safe and positive guest experience for the kids.
  • Encourage kids to join activities.
  • Help other departments during non-active times.
  • Help to maintain and clean activity/recreation materials and keep storage room clean and organized.
  • Communicate any parent or kids needs and issues to the Program Director or Kids Coordinator
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Live by the Bar W Core Values: 1. We Create a Positive Environment 2. We Connect People 3. We Do What We Say.
  • Live as a team player with the following virtues; Humble, Hungry, and Smart (emotional intelligence).
  • Must have excellent people and communication skills.
  • Maintain presentable image around guests.
  • Have a first aid and CPR certification.

Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Pay Range: $18-$20

General Responsibilities:

In coordination with the Maintenance Manager oversee maintenance operations and staff for the ranch, including vehicles, grounds, and lodging. Manage maintenance and repair services that include plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, of all ranch property. Oversee the maintenance staff and any vendors that will be on site performing repair work.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Lead, manage, and hold accountable the members of your team.
  • When Maintenance Manager is off property, organize and plan all ongoing property maintenance.
  • Prioritize all repair needs.
  • Lead a team of maintenance staff.
  • Keep accurate records of completed work (including receipts, bids, ongoing maintenance schedules).
  • Work with vendors involved in ranch maintenance and upkeep.
  • Control spending and fix in house when possible.
  • Ensure the ranch follows all town, state, and federal regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Self-starter who can lead by example.
  • Must have good people and communication skills. Must be able to give clear direction to staff.
  • Ability to lift objects weighing 100 lbs.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, squat, twist, reach repeatedly without restriction
  • Be flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities and assignments.
  • Maintain a presentable image around the guests.
  • Have a first aid and CPR certification.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Pay Range: $14-$16

General Responsibilities:

Ensure that the ranch’s image is maintained as a high quality, professional, guest focused facility as seen through the eyes of the guests. Responsible for the day-to-day care, organization, and cleanliness of the vehicles, grounds, shop, all buildings structures, and systems.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a first priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Lawn care, mowing, trimming, and watering
  • Fence repair and maintenance
  • Equipment repair and maintenance
  • Carpentry, both building and repair work
  • Plumbing repair and maintenance
  • Sprinkler system operation, repair, and maintenance
  • Operating tractor to move materials, cut brush and level terrain
  • Hooking up, inspecting, and driving a truck and trailer
  • Other duties as assigned

Personal Requirements:

  • Have good communication skills
  • Ability to lift objects weighing 100 lbs.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, squat, twist, reach repeatedly without restriction
  • Be flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities and assignments.
  • Problem solving skills
  • Have a First-Aid and CPR certification.
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests.
  • Self-starter and team player
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

The Employee experience

The Bar W Guest Ranch is a great place to spend time working as well as enjoying the outdoors.  Are you hard-working, outgoing, fun-loving person with a sense of adventure?  The Bar W is a family ranch with activities for guests of all ages.  As a small Montana ranch, we make it a point to make everyone feel special.  If you love horses and people, or just the outdoors, we just might have a seasonal home for you!

Bar w Core Values

  • We Create a Positive Environment: Fun / Supporting one another / Encouragement / Laugh often / Not taking yourself too seriously
  • We Connect People: Building relationships / Belonging to the Bar W family / Warm, welcoming, and friendly
  • We Do What We Say: Doing the right thing / Committed to the win-win / Closing the loop 

2023 EMPLOYMENT UPDATES

Under the new Bar W ownership we are putting new measures in place this season to make sure that our staff is supported to the best of our ability:

  • We are hiring a full-time employee whose priority is to provide staff activities and recognition.
  •  We are also hiring almost double the staff we had last year so that the employees can enjoy the ranch and the surrounding area without having to work so many hours.
  • We have raised pay significantly…wages have increased an average of $5/hour since 2021.

Location

Located in the beautiful Flathead Valley on Spencer Lake in NW Montana, the Bar W is just 3.5 miles away from the vibrant resort town of Whitefish. Right on the property, the staff has access to Spencer Lake, 3,000 acres of state forest, stocked trout pond for fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. Glacier National Park is 25 miles away and offers boundless recreational opportunities including whitewater rafting, and over 700 miles of hiking.

Staff Housing Available

Our new staff housing is almost complete with 12 brand-new larger rooms that will sleep up to 44 people total.

On the first floor, the rooms surround a common area and a full kitchen, complete with beautiful men’s and women’s bathrooms. Upstairs in the former hayloft, we have a recreation area just for the staff! There will be a large TV with two big sectionals for hanging out and watching movies. We have a pool table, ping-pong table, and shuffleboard as well. Finally, there is a deck off the back for staff to enjoy the serene ranch views.

Our goal is to provide a place for the staff to relax, hang out with friends, but also enjoy their private spaces. Within the rooms, we are building in brand new bunks that will have more privacy with its own lighting. There will also be a wall of closet space in each room.

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