While working at a guest ranch isn’t the easiest summer job you’ll ever have, it’s one of the most rewarding. We work hard, play hard, make lifelong friends, and leave at the end of the summer with phenomenal memories. Rest is important to us as well, and work to accommodate those who wish to attend church services in town whenever possible.
Regardless of the position you are applying for, all staff members (seasonal and full-time) assist in all aspects of the Ranch to help ensure guests have a quality experience. Wranglers wash dishes, outdoor guides make beds, maintenance assistants scrub toilets, and office assistants serve food. We pride ourselves on hiring staff members who embody a servant leadership mindset, who are willing to hop in at a moments notice to help a guest, and who lend a hand to their fellow staff members.
Perks of working at Deer Valley Hot Springs Ranch include:
- 1 guaranteed off day per week (the specific day may change depending on schedules), with other windows of off-time built into the schedule
- Free room in communal bunkhouse style housing (males and females house separately unfortunately no married housing available)
- Free board (staff often eat with guests during the summer season, or are provided with meals and/or groceries for preparing your own meals)
- Prime location by the Chalk Cliffs in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest, 1 mile away from the Colorado Trail
- Free access to all Ranch amenities (swimming pools, hot tubs, hiking trails, sport court, and more)
- Often there are discounts available to local adventure outfitters for fly fishing, whitewater rafting, golf, etc.
- Community and fellowship within the team
- Opportunities to experience Colorado in your off time (we are relatively close to Denver, Colorado Springs, national parks/forests, and mountain towns perfect for day trips)
- Base pay rate is $1000/month, plus room and board
- Additional check written at the end of your contract from our shared tip pool
Please note that Deer Valley Hot Springs Ranch is a family-oriented guest ranch. All staff members are expected and required to conduct themselves with the highest standards in dress, language, and conduct. Deer Valley Hot Springs Ranch leadership reserves the right to speak to employees about dress, language, and conduct in order to preserve a wholesome environment for other staff and all guests.
Barista/Pool Attendant
This split position encompasses two areas of ranch operations. This position shall work primarily in the coffee house and pool area of the Ranch. The Barista/Pool Attendant shall work with the Maintenance Assistants to ensure the pools, hot tubs, and pool area are kept in clean and welcoming conditions. This position shall be experienced in making coffee-house style beverages (coffees, espresso, smoothies, teas, etc.) as well as selling gift-shop style items out of the shop.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining a clean and welcoming environment at the pools and coffee shop
- Making and selling coffee-house style drinks and gift shop items
- Interacting with guests and answering questions about the Ranch
- Working with Ranch leadership to design new items to offer in the coffee shop
Banquet/Dining Room
- These staff members have a heart for hospitality and service and are responsible for serving meals and maintaining a welcoming environment for all guests during mealtimes.
- Assisting the Chef and Kitchen Assistants with food and beverage operations (preparing for meals, setting tables, organizing linens, stocking supplies and buffet lines, serving meals, seating guests, and other duties as assigned)
Maintenance Assistant
The Maintenance Assistants work under the direction of Ranch leadership to ensure the Ranch’s facilities, amenities, grounds, tools/equipment, and vehicles are running smoothly and well-maintained. Maintenance Assistants work well independently and with a small team, and are able to notice and address issues as they arise. Ideally, Maintenance Assistants have experience working in areas such as construction, plumbing, electrical, grounds maintenance, or other skill areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the Ranch’s trash/recycling rotations
- Stocking firewood around the ranch
- Assisting in the maintenance of vehicles, tools, equipment, etc.
- Assisting in keeping the pools and hot tubs in clean and working order
- Assisting in maintaining the grounds (trees, shrubs, weed/leaf removal, tending landscaping, etc.)
- Assisting in special projects (as determined by Ranch leadership)
Housekeeping
- Assisting in maintaining a clean laundry facility, while washing, drying, folding, and sorting all Ranch laundry
- Assisting in managing daily and weekly housekeeping tasks for Ranch accommodations (cabins and lodge rooms) and common spaces (Lodge, Centennial Hall, public bathrooms, etc.)
Office Assistant
The Office Assistant works under the supervision of the Office Manager and other ranch leadership positions to ensure the office runs smoothly. This staff member is personable, has a working knowledge of major software programs (Google Suite products, Microsoft Office, etc.), and is willing to learn office systems and procedures (Cloudbeds, MX Merchant, and other software tools). The Office Assistant works in conjunction with the Office Manager to ensure the Office is covered and is available to answer guest questions. The Office Assistant is often the first person guests meet on the Ranch and is therefore the voice of the Ranch.
Key Responsibilities
- Answering phones and taking guest questions, managing email accounts and responding or forwarding appropriately
- Answering guest questions regarding reservations, activities, adventures, meals, and local area attractions
- Being familiar with the local area, fellow outfitters and guide services, and can provide recommendations to attractions in Buena Vista, Salida, Leadville, and other areas
- Can speak professionally and effectively on the phone, via email, and in person with guests, staff members, local outfitters, vendors, and potential guests
- Assists in the maintenance of the office environment (organizing, cleaning, sorting, and other duties as assigned)
- May be responsible for guest check ins, check-outs, and scheduling adventures and off-site activities
Kitchen Assistant
The Kitchen Assistants shall work under the direction of the Chef to ensure an exceptional dining experience for guests at Deer Valley Hot Springs Ranch. Kitchen Assistants ideally have prior food and beverage experience, and ideally have ServSafe or similar certifications. Kitchen Assistants assist in overseeing the operations of the industrial kitchens, two dining rooms, outdoor meals, and other food/beverage operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of all meals, snacks, and beverages for all guests on the Ranch
- Assist in maintaining a clean and professional kitchen, dining room, and preparation areas
- Be aware of guest dining restrictions, allergies, etc. and assist in preparing meals accordingly
- Work with the Office to ensure accurate meal counts are recorded and prepared for
- Assist in conducting supply runs to Buena Vista and Salida
- Assist in ensuring all kitchen equipment, tools, and appliances are clean, safe, sanitized, and ready for use
- Assist in preparing all outdoor meals (traditionally two Wrangler’s Breakfasts, a deck dinner, and picnic lunch each week)
- Assist in supplying evening activities with dessert/snack/beverages