JOB TITLE: Three Peaks Ranch Horsepacker
REPORTS TO: NOLS Three Peaks Ranch Manager
JOB OBJECTIVE: Pack food and equipment into remote areas of the Wind River Mountains, in support of NOLS Rocky Mountain hiking, climbing and mountaineering courses. Perform and/or oversee ranch related projects and tasks, such as irrigation/pasture maintenance, tack/gear repair, vehicle maintenance, barn organization, issue room preparation or facilities/grounds maintenance. Support courses during their time at Three Peaks Ranch and in the field. Be a resource to instructors, students and visitors during their time at Three Peaks.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong work ethic.
- Effective, open communication skills.
- Self-motivated.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to perform 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 contribute to a positive working and living environment.
- Must be able to accommodate an ever-changing work schedule, which may include working weekends, 13+ hour days, and 60+ hour weeks.
- Desire to learn and then execute ranch operations and horse-packing practices.
- Experience in some of the following skills: horsemanship, vetting, shoeing, hauling livestock, pasture maintenance, construction, and/or vehicle maintenance skills.
LEADERSHIP OR SUPERVISORY DUTIES: May supervise others on re-supply trips and at Three Peaks. May have oversight of specific ranch tasks and the staff needed to complete the task. Responsible for driving students, other staff and hauling horses to and from re-supply and course locations. Oversee stock well-being in the backcountry and at Three Peaks Ranch.
FUNDS AND/OR PROPERTY: Responsible for petty cash, credit cards, and accounts as necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare and conduct re-supply trips in remote mountain settings.
- Assist with, or oversee, various aspects of ranch operations - such as irrigation, horsemanship, horse care, gear maintenance, course outfitting, facilities maintenance, vehicle maintenance, etc.
- Assist with vehicle inspections, loading, and transporting people and stock.
- Work with project horses in the NOLS herd, could include groundwork, footwork, riding, exercising, and/or training, as directed.
- Support operational logistics and transportation tasks.
- Issue and de-issue the necessary gear for courses.
- Effectively communicate and work closely and in a team.
- Clean and prepare facilities, as a part of a living and working environment.
- Maintain and develop positive relations with local businesses and community.
- Create a welcoming environment and support students and instructors on horse courses, as needed.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.
E-VERIFY: NOLS participates in E-verify.
MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD: 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.
COVID-19 VACCINE POLICY: All employees that work at NOLS facilities and who have regular contact with other employees and or students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their first day of work, unless they meet a medical, disability or religion exemption and a reasonable accommodation is approved. Any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is an acceptable vaccine for the purpose of this policy. Full vaccination or an approved exemption is a condition of employment for all new employees. Employees that work remotely and do not have contact with other employees and or students are not required to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption.
WORK LOCATION: Three Peaks Ranch, Boulder, Wyoming—NOLS Rocky Mountain. Private housing and food is provided on site, throughout employment, for a small fee. Kitchen and living areas are communal.
HOW TO APPLY: Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to McKenzie Woolley, NOLS Three Peaks Ranch Manager.
Email: mckenzie_woolley@nols.edu
Contact: McKenzie Woolley with questions.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: January 3, 2022.
EMPLOYMENT DATES: This is a 3 - 4.5 month position starting in May or June and ending in August or September (specific dates flexible), 2022.
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