Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  The ranch specializes in fine dining, excellent service, a wine cellar boasting more than 300 labels, 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:

Smith Fork Ranch is known for its fine dining, described in Town & Country Travel Magazine as haute western cuisine, and the wait staff is responsible for the enjoyment of each dining experience of our guests.  SFR chefs prepare gourmet meals each day, from special local ingredients of Colorado’s North Fork Valley – lamb, beef, game, fish and some of the country’s best fruits and vegetables.  A full ranch breakfast is served in the Dinner Bell Cookhouse with the cabin-style ambience.  For lunch, each family, group, or individual picks up a picnic basket with their pre-selected lunch items for a picnic at streamside, on a cabin porch or next to a pond.  Dinner is a special event and is served on the pavilion of the old Elk Lodge in full view of the mountains.  Other specialty meals during summer peak season include a breakfast cooked over a campfire during an early morning trail ride and a weekly cookout at a site near the river.  Overseeing the execution of each dining experience is of utmost importance to the overall guest ranch vacation experience, so superior customer service skills, the ability to communicate and lead effectively, and keen attention to detail are vital to the success of this position.  Days are long, physically and mentally taxing, and filled with interesting guest experiences. 

Responsibilities include:

• Supervise front of the house (hospitality) areas and front of the house service
• Supervise and schedule all wait staff to execute weekly guest plan and to help handle responsibilities listed below
• Manage bar and wine cellar inventory
• Oversee wine and bar service & serve wine
• Assure that bar is open & ready for cocktail hour; & hors d’oeuvres on the deck or in the lodge
• Assure that dining room/pavilion and lodge areas are kept clean
• Keep wait station and bar areas stocked and clean
• Set-up for staff meals (in coordination w/kitchen)- making sure beverages are replenished and food is available
• Responsible for soiled dining linens- making sure they are clean and folded daily – either with help from housekeeping, dry cleaning, or laundered by wait staff
• Responsible for set-up-to-clean-up of dining area for all guest and staff meals
• Serve evening meals to guests in the dining room/outdoor pavilion
• Oversee breakfast service & lunch picnic basket pick-up
• Maintain water, lemonade, soft drink, and cookie station for mid-day snacks and beverage consumption
• Oversee buffing of flatware and glasses and maintenance of dinnerware & serving pieces
• Responsible for overall ambience of dining areas from music to lighting to appropriate seating arrangements
• Coordinate with Children’s Counselors to facilitate kids meals as needed
• Help plan and facilitate special events and celebrations – e.g. birthday cake at dessert, etc.
• Water flower basket/pot on and around pavilion
• Oversee the set-up, restocking, and service (when applicable) of weekly buffets, cookouts and special events
• Assure photos are taken for special events or gatherings on deck or on pavilion
• Assure that proper safety and p.m. closing procedures are followed
• 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
• Assist with any ranch chore or activity in times of need such as wood cutting, lawn care, housekeeping, driving for off-ranch excursions, washing vehicles, etc.
• Maintain a level of dedication and pride in the work at Smith Fork Ranch by completing each job to the best of your ability
• Be a part of the SFR team-contributing talents, input, and enthusiasm

Requirements:

• Management experience
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Previous fine dining and bar tending experience
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Fine wine knowledge a must
• Must wear appropriate SFR clothing during service
• Computer skills