Head Assistant Wrangler - Yellowstone National Park

Overview

 

Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Horse Department team in Yellowstone National Park!

 

Are you enthusiastic about horses, hospitality, people, and beautiful places? By working at Yellowstone National Park, you will get all four! You will play a vital role in providing services to enhance our guests' experiences through guided tours! We’re hiring Head Assistant Wrangler to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!

 

Job Summary:

The Assistant Head Wrangler supports the Head Wrangler in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality corral operations, including animal care, equipment inspections, employee training, guest service, incident reporting, and documentation. This role requires advanced horsemanship, strong leadership and communication skills, knowledge of Yellowstone National Park, and the ability to work outdoors with large animals in varying conditions.

 

The Details:Position Type: SeasonalSeason Dates: May 2027 - September 2027Pay: $2340.00/biweekly

 

Life in Yellowstone: 

• Employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style) provided.
• Free on-site laundry facility, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth), and utilities included
• Free Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park pass
• Employee Recreation Program (recreation centers, athletics, gear rentals, seminars, van trips, hiking, and more)
• Access to discounted services at Yellowstone Medical Clinics operated by STGi.
• Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
• $350 Referral Bonus Program 

Benefits: 

• Xanterra offers competitive benefit programs and services for eligible employees. For more information, click here. 

Responsibilities

• Assists the Head Wrangler in maintaining guest and employee safety throughout corral operations, ensuring all employees and guests follow established Horse Department safety procedures.
• Evaluates horses and other stock for suitability and welfare, completes required Equine Suitability Checklists, coordinates feeding and scheduling, and promptly reports signs of illness or injury.
• Monitors tack, radios, vehicles, and other Horse Department equipment for safe condition, maintenance needs, and inventory deficiencies.
• Evaluates trail and weather conditions with the Head Wrangler and location management to determine whether horseback, stagecoach, or wagon activities can be conducted safely.
• Ensures horseback tours, stagecoach tours, and wagon tours are conducted safely, efficiently, and with knowledgeable commentary about Park features while delivering excellent guest service.
• Maintains accurate and timely safety and operational documentation, including Horse Use Sheets, Acknowledgements of Risk, accident reports, safety inspections, and other required departmental records.
• Assists with employee training, coaching, evaluations, uniform and appearance standards, and employee interactions, ensuring training and performance documentation is completed appropriately.
• Supports staff scheduling and daily payroll/labor monitoring to maintain adequate service levels and appropriate staffing, and verifies company vehicle operators meet required training, licensing, and background-check requirements.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and professional corral operation, follows company environmental practices and departmental policies, and communicates effectively with Location Management, Risk Management, Operations, the Horse Department Manager, and other departments.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor and flexibility in interactions with guests and employees, including under pressure and while off duty, and performs additional or different duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
• Advanced horsemanship and/or team-driving skills, including catching, saddling, riding at all gaits, tack inspection, and emergency procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of Wrangler and Coach Driver responsibilities, tack, trails, corrals, and humane animal care.
• Strong knowledge of Yellowstone National Park’s natural, cultural, and geologic history, with the ability to present information clearly and engagingly to guests.
• Knowledge of Yellowstone features, facilities, and services.
• Ability to learn and follow department and company policies and procedures and complete required departmental, Risk Management, and Learning and Development training.
• Must possess or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.

 

Preferred: 

• Guest service experience, especially guiding and delivering interpretation to tourists
• Experience teaching new riders the basics of horsemanship.
• Eligibility to drive a company vehicle (at least 19 years of age, with a clean driving record).
• Experience with Opera or another guest reservation system.
• Experience managing employee schedules.
• Experience coaching and delivering feedback effectively.

 

Physical Requirements include:

• Must meet applicable weight requirements: 280 lbs. or less for Stagecoach/Wagon duties and 240 lbs. or less for individual horseback rides.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 lbs.
• Ability to repeatedly mount and dismount a horse independently on uneven terrain and in adverse conditions, and ride for up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stretch, kneel, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to speak and project voice for extended periods. 
• Ability to work with large domestic animals in a corral/ranch environment and use chemicals for cleaning or animal care.
• Ability to work at high altitudes in variable weather, including rain, sleet, snow, high winds, direct sunlight, and temperatures ranging from 0°F to 100°F

 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.