Red Horse Mountain Ranch is a gorgeous and remote dude ranch in Northern Idaho offering peace, outdoor adventure, and warm western hospitality to our wonderful guests who come from all over to stay in this valley for the week. It is one of the last rare spots, kept secluded and safe, and the perfect place for people to not only create lasting memories, but also reconnect and reset from their busy lives.

Our Mission and Core Values

We believe our ranch exists to “Reconnect People to the Important Things of a Life Well-Lived”. No matter our roles here, we are always professional in how we do our job and treat others. We take ownership over our work, including the mistakes. We are problem solvers with positive attitudes when things get tough. We create a safe environment for our guests and team members to grow and thrive. We care about people and have hearts for hospitality!

Perks of Working Here

One of the nicest perks that sets us apart from most other places is our team members get 2 days off a week. We do work 45- 50 hours each week, so we relish taking those 2 days off to rest, recuperate, and make the most out of living in such a cool area.

Other perks include: access to the ranch activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and mountain biking in your free time; 2 employee t-shirts and staff hat; free CPR and first aid training; 2 paid weeks of training in May; free delicious food and desserts; and free on-site housing in a remote mountain valley; and of course, competitive wages. Our team’s family members get discounts on all-inclusive vacations and we love it when parents come for a visit just for the day too!

If you ask our team, they would also sing the praises of the live band at saloon night and wonderful campfires each week. The incredible amount of quality memories and the friends you make along the way are the best perks of all!

Basic Requirements for All Positions

We are currently accepting applicants who value pride in their work, like to laugh, and are not grumpy! Other requirements include: a current and valid drivers’ license, being able lift 50 pounds, working a 45-50 hour work week, being drug free, authorized to work in the USA, and at least 21 years of age.

Time Frame

Full Season Positions (Mid May – early October)
Fall Positions (Mid August – early October)
Some part season jobs might be available May-August as well.

Positions We Hire Seasonally

Sous Chef
Pastry Chef/Baker
Hospitality (Serving and Housekeeping)
Chef Assistant
Wrangler and Guide
Ranch Hand
Kids Program Wrangler and Guide
Bartender

Get to Know Us Better!

Meet the Full Time Crew here Red Horse Mountain Ranch Staff

Visit us on Facebook or Instagram! @redhorsemountainranch or #RHMR.

If You’re Sold and Want to Apply – Please see below and click the APPLY NOW button to visit our recruitment site.

We begin our hiring process for seasonal job openings each November.  These positions are for the following season that is underway by late May.  Please click the button below to visit our main recruitment page and submit an online application to become part of our team!

APPLY NOW!

Employment at the Ranch

Red Horse Mountain Ranch has a strong commitment to excellence for our guests. We strive to provide the most amazing vacations and give our guests the timeless memories of a ranch vacation. But with that said, the ranch seasonal employees spend the entire summer on the ranch. It’s so much more than just a week here and it’s more than just a summer job. It’s a the total Red Horse experience and one you’ll never forget. Many years from now you’ll still be in contact with the many friends you’ll make this coming summer.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals who want an experience, not just a job. We’re looking for individuals with self starter attitudes, who know the value of being a strong member of a team, and who enjoy hospitality and caring for people. We’re looking for those with experience, who enjoy teaching, and those who have a heart for hospitality even if they need training. A Staff member who lives on a ranch must have a flexible attitude and have the expectation to help in any area of the ranch operations. A love for all things outdoors is a must!

Housing & Meals

Generally, seasonal employees will live on the ranch in our employee housing, much like a co-ed dorm. Each employee will have a roommate. There is a large common area and separate large men’s and lady’s bathrooms. Meals are provided during your work days, approximately 5 days per week. The chefs will make breakfast to order, lunch is usually a buffet and served with a salad bar, and dinners are also buffet with at least two proteins. Staff with food allergies should notify the chefs so they can be sure to accommodate.

Work Days & Days Off

Each position on the ranch has its own requirements. Depending on your position, you should expect anywhere between 40-50 hours per week over 5-6 days. As a general rule, ranch management attempts to make sure everyone has 2 days off a week, but we can’t always guarantee. Staff who are wanting to make more can usually pick up additional work on the ranch. We highly recommend telling your interviewer if you’d be interested in additional work. Should you accept extra work, we do ask that you maintain this through the entire summer.

The ranch attempts to be flexible as possible, but additional time off during the summer is rare. We staff conservatively to allow our pay to be as good as possible. Staff missing shifts at anytime during the summer means other staff need to pick up your work.

Uniforms & What You’ll Need

In most cases, some part of your uniform will be provided, but each job has certain requirements that employees will have to provide. Most often this would include boots, jeans, water shoes, and typical summer clothing. You’ll be provided a list. We also suggest you bring items to help you enjoy the many outdoor pursuits in the area. Many times during the summer, the staff visit nearby places to go fishing, float rivers, camp, hike, climb, and generally take advantage of what Idaho has to offer.

As for some large equipment you may need or want to bring, please make sure to talk with the ranch manager prior to arriving. You’d think on 560 acres in Idaho there would lots of space, but the employee area does get congested with such a large staff. As a general rule, we’d prefer motorized equipment like ATVs or motorcycles get left home. Bikes, kayaks, and other crafts should be cleared before arriving. We just want to make sure there’s room.

Start / End Dates 

All positions start in early May during our staff training period. You’ll be given a couple weeks to learn your job, have a chance to be on the ranch prior to our season start and enjoy many outdoor opportunities. This is your chance to learn about who you’ll be spending the summer with and get comfortable.

The Hiring Process

The ranch begins posting jobs as early as November prior to the next season. Applications are collected throughout the winter and interviews start around the beginning of January. If your application meets exactly what we’re looking for, we may immediately begin the interview process. In other words, the earlier you apply the better. We prefer to have our positions filled no later than the end of March for the upcoming season. After you’ve been offered a position, you’ll receive a letter from the ranch manager explaining more about being on the ranch. We highly recommend you take time to read through the letter and make sure you understand everything. If you have any questions, this is the time to call the ranch and get answers.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch operates in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service.  In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Dude Ranchers’ Association Employment Page

Each year our 100+ member ranches hire many seasonal employees, and some year round employees, for such positions as wranglers, cooks, wait staff, housekeepers, maintenance workers, children’s counselors and office workers. Most seasonal employees are hired by the Southern ranches for the months of September through May and by the Northern ranches for the months of May through October. Many northern ranches have last minute openings during the months of May and June. Compensation varies from ranch to ranch and position to position but usually includes salary, room and board, a share of the seasonal tip pool and use of the facilities and horses when off duty. Frequently the ranches have more applicants than positions, especially for positions related to the horses. Jobs on dude ranches typically involve hard work and long hours as well as participation in evening guest activities such as line dances, hayrides and staff talent shows. Good people skills and an ability to live and work well with others are required. The more flexible you are in the type of position you would like, the more likely you are to be successful.

Coolworks “Ranch Jobs”

Wranglers are at the heart of Guest Ranch Jobs, but there’s so much more. You could be part of a guest service team which includes meal service, housekeeping, chuckwagon cookouts, children’s activities, gardening. You can’t beat the scenery of these beautiful spots where hiking, fishing and riding are right outside your bunkhouse or cabin.