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Outdoor Guide
Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The ranch specializes in fine dining, horseback riding, fly fishing, and excellent service. Smith Fork Ranch prides itself on having an extensive wine cellar, luxurious guest accommodations in the rustic style, world class small stream fly fishing, miles upon miles of riding trails, and a very active children’s program. With a capacity of 26-28 guests per week and a staff of approximately 27, SFR employs energetic, hardworking, flexible individuals who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation. Versatility and flexibility are important qualities in all SFR staff.
Job description:
Outdoor Guides provide excellent instruction and general guiding skills to the high-end, active clientele at Smith Fork Ranch. Our Guides have a genuine interest in sharing his or her love and knowledge of the outdoors with guests. A high proficiency in Fly Fishing, Archery, and Hiking as well as other outdoor interests are important. Guides man "Trout Central", the on-site, full service fly shop that features merchandise that features the best fly rods, reels, flies, leaders, packs, vests and other general ranch clothing for guests use and purchase. Days are long, but fun and can be spent solely on one fishing trip or doing a myriad of things like hiking, weed-whacking, teaching archery, tying flies, and setting up a campfire. Guides have a tremendous opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of rugged Colorado while meeting new and interesting guests and staff.
Responsibilities include:
Hold group fly fishing clinics and one-on-one fishing instruction for all ages
Guide fly fishing guests on ponds, Smith Fork, and the Gunnison
Guide SFR Guests in Fly Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Frisbee Golf
Hold group fly casting instruction
Keep Trout Central and other activities centers clean and organized
Assist guests purchasing flies, tackle and accessories for other activities in "Trout Central"
Guide hiking on and off the ranch (Gunnison National Forest & West Elk Wilderness)
Care and Maintenance of SFR outdoor equipment with an emphasis on safety and quality
Provide transportation to/from off ranch activities for SFR Guests
Fly Shop Management- making sure the store is manned as schedule allows, tidy, well-stocked, and cleaned daily (including the adjoining bathrooms/shower room, weight room, porch, and lattice storage area)
Trophy trout feeding and monitoring
Water flower pots at ponds
Maintain hiking and fishing trail system
Stream management and monitoring
Management of 2 ranch hot tubs as well as area around main hot tub
Assist with pre-season preparation and maintenance of other activity areas including archery range, & course, disc-golf course, children's Homestead Hangout, tree house, ponds and streams
Provide information on local flora and fauna and geology to guests
Assist with children's cookout
Take photos of guests during activities
Accurately record all hikes and fishing trips in log books (forest service logs)
Operate a variety of ranch equipment as needed (i.e. manure spreader, Gator, ranch truck, etc)
Contribute to the overall guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest BBQ, Saturday night cookout, campfire, dances, and other special events.
Take part in evening dishwashing duty “rotation” (among all staff, about twice monthly)
Maintain a level of dedication and pride in the work at Smith Fork Ranch by helping out in times of need and completing each job to the best of your ability (work such as wood cutting, lawn care, housekeeping, washing vehicles, airport runs, ranch tours, etc.)
Be a part of the SFR team, contributing talents, thoughts, humor, and enthusiasm.
Requirements:
Must be at least 19 years of age
Fly fishing, hiking and general outdoors experience necessary; archery and naturalist knowledge helpful
Strong knowledge of fly fishing techniques and equipment for trout
Basic Aquatic Entomology Identification
Must have CPR & First Aid certifications
Experience working with people of all ages
Must adhere to Division of Wildlife fishing regulations and U.S. Forest Service regulations
Must have valid driver's license
Must have CPR & First Aid certification
Musical talents a plus
Must he able to lift 75 pounds.
Must wear proper SFR uniform
Must adhere to all SFR safety procedures with guests and equipment at all times
Musical talent and ability to entertain a plus (guitar, singing, line dancing, etc.)
Ability to work 6 days a week
Must be available for employment from May 15 – August 30
Compensation
D.O.E.
