Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  The ranch specializes in fine dining, excellent service, extensive wine cellar and luxurious guest accommodations in the rustic style.  Our main activity offerings are trail riding and fly fishing, with other activities that include hiking, archery, team penning cattle on horseback, 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 and flexible individuals who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation.

Job description:

Head Outdoor Guide oversees the seasonal staff of 3 to 4 guides in providing excellent instruction and general guiding skills to the high-end, active clientele at Smith Fork Ranch. The Head Outdoor Guide needs to have a genuine interest in sharing his or her love and knowledge of the outdoors with Smith Fork guests. A high proficiency in Fly Fishing, Big Game Hunting, Archery, Hiking as well as other outdoor interests are a must. The Head Outdoor Guide will be in charge of not only scheduling and managing the other outdoor guides, but also “Trout Central”, the on-site, full service fly shop located at Smith Fork Ranch. This includes the care and maintenance of ranch owned outdoor equipment as well as ordering/stocking and overseeing the sale of merchandise such as fly rods, reels, flies, leaders, packs, vests and other general ranch clothing. Monitoring and maintaining the ranch’s outdoor resources such as 3 ½ miles of private access to the Smith Fork of the Gunnison, 6 trophy ponds, miles of hiking trails, archery course and range as well as a 9 hole Frisbee golf course are also part of the job. The Head Outdoor Guide must be able to aptly interact with not only guests, seasonal staff, other members of management and the ownership, but with local and federal officials, merchants, ranch neighbors, outside contractors (i.e. rafting companies) as well. Outdoor and Management skills are very important, but an outgoing, positive and “do what it takes” attitude will be the most important factor in the success of this position.  The position is currently seasonal- 7 ½ months, from April 1 to November 15.

General Responsibilities:

• Be a part of the SFR team, both as management and general staff- contributing talents, input, and enthusiasm.
• Contribute to the whole guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest luncheon, Saturday night cookout, campfire, and dances, and other special events.
• Participate with other staff in dish duty rotation (typically one to two times a month)
• 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
• Operate a variety of ranch equipment as needed (i.e.Gator, ranch truck, etc)
• Take photos during guest activities
• Assisting with/directing ranch chores as needed such as wood cutting, lawn care, housekeeping, washing vehicles, etc. particularly on Sundays.

Specific Duties:

• Guide SFR Guests in Fly Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Frisbee Golf
• Management of three to four seasonal Outdoor Guides
• Share in Guest Activities Direction with General Manager and Assistant General Manager/Children’s Program Director
• Fly casting instruction
• Care and Maintenance of SFR outdoor equipment with an emphasis on safety and quality
• Work with Outside Contractors to schedule activities for SFR Guests
• Organize and schedule 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 shop, bathrooms,/shower room, weight room, porch, and lattice storage area) 
• Beginning and end of the season inventory
• Purchasing – submit orders for equipment or supplies as necessary ensuring timely arrival
• Trophy trout pond monitoring and management
• Trophy trout feeding and monitoring
• Maintain hiking and fishing trail system
• Stream management and monitoring
• Track and record Smith Fork Ranch’s time and usage of U.S. Forest Service lands in accordance with SFR’s permits with USFS
• Prepare and submit end of year use reports to U.S. Forest Service
• Guide, host and organize 4 seasons of big game hunting as well as fall season cast/blast fishing/upland game trips

Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age
• Management experience
• Mastery of fly-fishing techniques and equipment
• Superior people and customer service skills
• Instruction experience
• Maintain high level of safety while with guests, staff and self
• Adhere to Division of Wildlife fishing regulations
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified
• Must wear proper SFR attire

Compensation

Salary plus room and board (expect to have one or more roommates)