- Agency
- Flat Tops Wilderness Guides
- Location
- Gypsum, CO
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Salary
- DOE + Tips, Housing and grocery provided
- Start Date
- 06/01/2024
- Last Date to Apply
- 05/01/2024
- Website
- https://www.flattopswildernessguides.com
- Description
- Who We Are: Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (FTWG) is a privately owned horseback wilderness outfitter operating in the remote White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness Area. We are one of Colorado’s largest permitted wilderness outfitters. We offer fully guided big game hunts, drop camp hunts, guided fishing trips, and summer pack trips. We maintain a herd of 40-60 hard-working horses and mules. Our headquarters neighbors a USFS trailhead and endless public lands. FTWG facilities include an immaculate log hunting lodge, a 3,000-square-foot lighted barn and pack station, and a communal employee bunkhouse. Job Description: We are currently seeking 1-2 full-time seasonal employees or interns for the upcoming outfitting season. As a Guide/Wrangler on our team, you will have the opportunity to spend several months working with equines in a backcountry setting. You will learn to pack meat and equipment using traditional methods. You will also regularly engage with clients/guests as you showcase our region’s diverse and unique landscapes and wildlife. This role will support and assist the management team in all aspects of FTWG operations. Preference will be shown to candidates with strong horsemanship skills, demonstrated professionalism, and a desire to be in the outdoors. We often work long hours in cold and inclement weather. This is a seasonal position (June 1 - December 1), but start/end dates are somewhat flexible. All positions include bunkhouse accommodations and grocery, but staff does their own cooking. Duties: -Provide general care for 40-60 horses and mules -Catch and saddle horses and mules -Assist management in the coordination of shoeing and veterinary care -Transport horses and mules to/from pasture leases -Ensure good equine nutrition and body condition -Train and exercise horses and mules -Assist management in the purchase of new stock -Tack repair/fit -Lead horseback fishing trips and wilderness expeditions -Plan and prepare meals for guided guests -Maintain cleanliness and order of the lodge -Ranch maintenance – fence work, facilities upkeep, landscaping, irrigation -Vehicle maintenance – tractor, SxS, trucks, trailers -Cut and maintain USFS trails using both mechanized and non-mechanized equipment -Organize and prepare camp gear -Construct traditional wall tent camps according to FTWG procedures -Pack camp gear and equipment by horse and mule into the backcountry -Construct traditional wall tent camps according to FTWG procedures -Pack in drop camp hunters and their gear by horse and mule -Pack out game harvested by drop camp hunters -Guide or assist on hunts (elk, mule deer, bear, moose, sheep, goat) -Break down wilderness camps at the end of the season -Clean and store gear for the offseason
- Qualifications
- Mandatory Qualifications: -A background check will be conducted on all employees -US citizens over the age of 18 -Current First Aid/CPR. If you aren’t certified, you will be reimbursed for costs incurred. -Familiarity with horses and/or mules. You must have some comfort with livestock as they are a vital part of our operation. You must be willing to ride. -Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs -Professional conduct and attention to guests with an emphasis on safety. -No substance abuse is tolerated. -Experience working or living for prolonged periods in a remote environment. Our entire staff spends multi-day periods at our camps which are 2-6 hours of riding from the nearest road. -Flexibility to take on different tasks in the wilderness environment. Our team members must be problem-solvers willing to work outside of a narrowly defined list of responsibilities. -Applicants should be reliable, self-motivated, and resilient. Must possess a strong work ethic, exceptional moral character, and the ability to adapt and work well with others. We value teamwork. Non-Mandatory Qualifications, but helpful: Medical Training – Particularly wilderness-focused training like Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness EMT, EMT, etc. Wilderness training courses by NOLS or similar body Packing experience. Even if you would like to work in a non-packer position, horsemanship skills and horse/mule packing experience give you a huge advantage in being offered a position. Horseshoeing skills or certifications Other wilderness skills, e.g. trail clearing certifications, survival certifications/experience, photography, guiding/hunting experience, etc. A job/career with FTWG is the adventure of a lifetime! Come work and learn with some of the best horsemen, guides, and packers in the industry. To find out more about our outfit, visit www.flattopswildernessguides.com or follow us on social media. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to booking@ftguides.com
- Contact Person
- Evan Koster
- Contact eMail
- booking@ftguides.com