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 and flexible staff members who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation. SFR employees are team players that are extremely versatile and open to learning.

Job description:

SFR’s Lead Outdoor Guide oversees the outdoor / activities department which includes a fully stocked fly shop, three miles of private water, 6 fully stocked ponds, miles of hiking trails, archery range with course, and 3-4 staff. The lead guide is responsible for excellent instruction and general guiding skills to the high-end, active clientele here at Smith Fork Ranch. The lead outdoor guide needs to have a genuine interest in sharing his or her passion and knowledge for the outdoors with our guests. A high proficiency in fly fishing, archery, hiking as well as other outdoor interests is a must. The lead outdoor guide will be in charge of not only scheduling and managing SFR guests but also 3-4 SFR guide staff, along with “Trout Central” the on-site full service fly shop. 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. The lead outdoor guide must be able to aptly interact with not only guests, staff, and other members of management, but with local and U.S.F.S. and D.O.W. 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 most important in the success of this position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Guide SFR guests in fly fishing, hiking, archery, and other outdoor pursuits
• Manage a staff of outdoor guides (3-4)
• Share in activities direction with General Manager and other management
• 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 and from the ranch for outside activities
• Management of “Trout Central” – making sure the store is manned as schedule allows, tidy, well-stocked, and cleaned daily (including the adjoining bathroom, weight room, porch, and lattice storage area)
• Trophy trout pond monitoring and management
• Maintain SFR’s 3 ½ miles of private water on the Smith Fork of the Gunnison
• Maintain hiking and fishing trails system
• 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 “rotation” (among all staff, duty is about twice monthly)
• Operate a variety of ranch equipment (i.e. skid steer, ranch truck, gator, etc.)
• Take photos during guest activities
• Assisting with / directing ranch chores as needed such as wood cutting, lawn care, housekeeping, washing vehicles, etc.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Guiding and or previous guest ranch experience a must
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds
• Must be thorough with attention to detail
• Comfortable and confident with horses
• Valid drivers license
• Musical talents a plus
• Must have CPR & First Aid certification
• Management experience
• Must present yourself according to SFR standards and wear proper uniform (SFR guide shirt, clean pants or shorts, SFR hat / visor and appropriate shoes)
• Maintain the highest level of safety while with guests, staff, and self
• Ability to work 6 days a week
• Must be available for employment from May 15 – August 30

Compensation

Contact Information:
Phone: (970)-921-3454
Fax: (970)-921-3475
Email: info@smithforkranch.com
Send application, photo, and resume to:
Ranch Team, Smith Fork Ranch
45362 Needle Rock Road
Crawford, CO 81415