Ranchlands Zapata Ranch
POSITION SUMMARY
As a Programs Assistant, you are a primary representative of Ranchlands and Zapata Ranch for guests, and you must be warm, gracious, education and guest experience-focused, able to think on your feet at all times, and present an authentic Western appearance. Your primary duties will be to serve breakfast & dinner to guests; lead Bison Tours and afternoon guest programs on the ranch; educate guests about all aspects of the ranch, surrounding area, our food program, and Ranchlands’ mission; and assist as needed with all other guest programming & services. Safety is our number one concern, followed closely by ensuring that all of our guests have the best possible stay and educational experience at Zapata.
In addition to these primary duties, we are also seeking candidates interested in focusing on either our Garden or our Mercantile. Programs Assistants with a Garden focus would collaborate with our Kitchen team to plan, prep, plant, and maintain a small seasonal kitchen garden; Programs Assistants with a Mercantile focus would maintain inventory and organization in our on-site storefront, staff the storefront as scheduled throughout the week, and remain in communication with management regarding any inventory updates or restocking needs.
While this is a seasonal position, for the right candidate this is a great gateway to future opportunities within Ranchlands and its wider hospitality operations. We value people who are passionate about the work they do and want to join a community of people dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, and hospitality.
To apply, email us a full resume, references, and cover letter explaining what you value in life and why you want to work with Ranchlands. Please include “Zapata Programs Assistant” in the subject line of your email. If you are interested in focusing on either the Garden or the Mercantile, please include “Zapata Programs Assistant (Garden)” or “Zapata Programs Assistant (Mercantile)” in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; interviews for our 2024 season will take place starting in November 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Breakfast service, dinner service, and occasional dish duties. Represent Zapata’s food program by educating guests about the meat & produce we use as well as the journey of our food, delivering exceptional service throughout meal times.
- Lead vehicle Bison Tours on the Medano for lodge guests and day visitors.
- Lead and assist with afternoon activities, including but not limited to: leather working sessions, naturalist walks, bird watching, appetizers at the mercantile, and assisting with mercantile sales.
- Guide interpretive hikes with guests when scheduled, and in general curate imaginative outdoor experiences tailored to each guest.
- Assist with weekly town runs for the kitchen and airport shuttles for guests as scheduled.
- If applying for the Garden- or Mercantile-focused Programs Assistant role:
- Garden: plan, prep, plant, and maintain a small seasonal kitchen garden in collaboration with the Lodge Manager, Programs Manager, and Kitchen team.
- Mercantile: maintain inventory and organization inside the Mercantile, staff it as scheduled throughout the week, and remain in communication regarding any restocking needs or inventory updates.
- During all programs and serving shifts, maintain a focus on educating and informing guests about Ranchlands, The Nature Conservancy, other partners and agents that we work closely with as well as how the ranch operates, our mission, goals and environment.
- Any other activities that come up as relevant to guest services.
CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS
- Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
- Exceed guests expectations; go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience.
- Fully support all colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, and be a dependable member of a hardworking and productive team.
- Be consistently guest-oriented while at work/around the lodge by engaging with guests both during and between activities.
- Be proactive, self-starting, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and able to maintain a positive attitude.
- Use good sense, practical knowledge, and the ability to make good judgements to problem-solve at the lodge and in the field.
- Identify safety risks and make the effort to avoid them wherever possible.
- Be an authentic and passionate representative of Ranchlands and all our partners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
- Service or hospitality experience preferred but not required.
- Excellent conversationalist and communicator.
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Excellent conversationalist and communicator.
- Willingness and ability to build meaningful relationships with all demographics and ages of people.
- Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
- Can-do attitude and excellent, thoughtful problem solver.
- Ability to recognize when tasks need to be done and take initiative to complete them.
- Friendly and warm personality.
WORK SCHEDULE + TIME OFF
- This is a seasonal, full-time position.
- Reasonable overtime to meet business needs are likely.
- Specific work schedules are set on a weekly basis and will vary according to the needs of the business; staff must be willing and able to adapt to meet a flexible weekly schedule.
- One day off per week guaranteed, according to the weekly work schedule. Further time off where possible.
- Additional five (5) days unpaid time off may be requested within the season, with approval by the Lodge Manager & Programs Manager being contingent upon the ability to meet guest needs and coordination of staff schedules across all departments.
COMPENSATION
This is an hourly non-exempt position paid at a rate of $14.42 per hour, with overtime paid at time-and-one-half the regular rate of pay.
This position is eligible to receive a share of pooled tips received from guests on a monthly basis.
HOUSING
Shared housing is available and utilities provided.
TO APPLY – APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, email us a full resume, references, and cover letter explaining what you value in life and why you want to work with Ranchlands. Please include “Zapata Programs Assistant” in the subject line of your email. If you are interested in focusing on either the Garden or the Mercantile, please include “Zapata Programs Assistant (Garden)” or “Zapata Programs Assistant (Mercantile)” in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; interviews for our 2024 season will take place starting in November 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!
Visit website here: https://ranchlands.com/
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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Colorado Ranch Jobs
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All Ranch Jobs, Entry Level Ranch Jobs, Guest / Dude Ranch Jobs, Ranch Jobs with Housing, Resort / Recreational Ranch Jobs, Seasonal Ranch Jobs, Summer Ranch Jobs, Wait Staff / Kitchen Staff Jobs