JOB TITLE: NOLS Rocky Mountain Horsepacker

REPORTS TO: NOLS Three Peaks Ranch Manager or Assistant Manager

JOB OBJECTIVE: Pack re-supply food and equipment into remote areas to assist NOLS courses. Perform and/or oversee ranch-related projects and tasks, including, but not limited to: irrigating, feeding, basic horse vet care, horse training, tack and equipment maintenance, grounds keeping, vehicle maintenance, general maintenance, and construction. Work with NOLS owned or leased horses, as directed. Support horse courses at NOLS Three Peaks Ranch and in the field through drives, issue/ de-issue process, gear repair, and student supervision. Be a resource to instructors, students and visitors at Three Peaks.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have experience working with horses and a strong work ethic. Communication skills and self-motivation are necessary. Must be able to perform long days of physical labor and lift 80 lb. panniers onto the back of a horse with assistance. Desire to learn, live and work in a small community, and maintain excellent Expedition Behavior is necessary. Must have a clean driving record and be able to meet NOLS' requirements to drive school vehicles.

Must be able to accommodate an ever-changing work schedule, which may include, but is not limited to, working weekends, 13-hour days, and 60+ hour weeks. High flexibility in changing schedules and the uncertainties of working with stock and living on a ranch are a must.

Preferred skills and/or desired previous experience include packing in remote mountain situations, vetting, shoeing, training young horses and pasture maintenance. Construction, vehicle and mechanical skills are also desirable skills. Experience with hauling livestock is preferred.

LEADERSHIP OR SUPERVISORY DUTIES: May supervise other staff or visitors on re-ration trips. May have oversight of specific ranch tasks (i.e., irrigation, equipment room, tack room, vetting, grounds keeping, vehicle maintenance, etc.), and the staff needed to complete the task.

FUNDS AND/OR PROPERTY: May be responsible for petty cash and credit cards. Will be responsible for the safe transportation of livestock, equipment, and people to and from re-ration locations on a given schedule and to and from course road-heads. Will be responsible for students during evacuations out of re-rations or road-heads.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and conduct re-ration trips.
• Assist with, or oversee, care and training of horses.
• Assist with, or oversee, any aspect of ranch operations: irrigation, tack repair, issue room, vetting, vehicles, feeding etc.
• Assist with, or oversee, ranch maintenance and other special projects as assigned.
• Support horse courses in transport and at ranch. · Assist NOLS Rocky Mountain courses and staff with other types of support (evacuations, drives, gear, etc.).

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

E-VERIFY: NOLS participates in E-verify.

MOTOR VEHICLE CHECK: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and able to meet the criteria for NOLS vehicle insurance coverage.

WORK LOCATION: NOLS Rocky Mountain, Three Peaks Ranch, Boulder, Wyoming

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a 3 - 4.5 months per year position. Private housing is provided on-site. Kitchen and living areas are communal with other NOLS ranch in-town staff (and field staff when on-site). NOLS Three Peaks Ranch provides food throughout employment.

HOW TO APPLY: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to: Patrick Creeden, NOLS Three Peaks Ranch Manager patrick_creeden@nols.edu

Please email Patrick Creeden with questions: patrick_creeden@nols.edu

DATES OF POSITION: May/ Early June through Mid August/ Mid September (flexible) 2013

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
February 4, 2013

Please do not submit applications after the deadlines outlined above. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.