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.  Exceptional fly fishing for all levels of fishermen and women – with six ponds stocked with brook trout, browns, rainbows and cutthroats and three miles of the Smith Fork of the Gunnsion running through the ranch. In addition SFR has direct access into the national forest and wilderness areas for hiking or riding horseback to backcountry streams and ponds. For big river fishing, the gold medal fishing waters of the Gunnison are 30 minutes from the ranch. In addition to first rate fishing opportunities the ranch offers archery – a range as well as a course through the woods, a nine-hole disc golf course and hot air ballooning. Off ranch, we offer river rafting in the Gunnison Gorge and sporting clays and excursions to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  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:

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/or Hiking as well as other outdoor interests is important. Guides man “Trout Central”, the on-site, full service fly shop that sells merchandise such as fly rods, reels, flies, leaders, packs, vests and other general ranch clothing.  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.  A typical work week is approximately 60 hours- some weeks more, some weeks less. 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 shop, 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 (sweep and bring used towels to housekeeping)
• Maintain hiking and fishing trails, ponds and fishing areas on the river
• 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 whole guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest luncheon, Saturday night cookout, campfire, and dances, and other special events
• Take part in evening dish duty rotation (amongst all available staff- between once and twice a month)
• Assist in areas outside of your own in times of need with things such as such as wood cutting, lawn care, housekeeping, washing vehicles, airport runs, ranch tours, etc. -particularly on Sundays)
• 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:

• Fly fishing, hiking and general outdoors experience necessary; archery helpful
• Strong knowledge of fly fishing techniques and equipment for trout
• Basic Aquatic Entomology Identification
• 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 and able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification
• Must he able to lift 50 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.)

Compensation

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