Head 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 a Head Wrangler to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!

 

Job Summary:

The Head Wrangler oversees safe, efficient corral operations, including staff supervision and training, animal welfare, equipment, tours, and emergency response. This position requires strong leadership, horsemanship, communication skills, and knowledge of Yellowstone National Park.

 

The Details:Position Type: SeasonalSeason Dates: May 2027 - September 2027Pay: $2552.00/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

• Ensure the safety of guests and employees by enforcing all departmental safety procedures, inspecting tack and equipment daily, evaluating stock suitability, completing required Equine Suitability Checklists, and properly reporting accidents.
• Monitor daily corral operations, including animal welfare, trail and weather conditions, Horse Use Sheets, Acknowledgements of Risk, Accident Reports, and weekly documented safety inspections.
• Manage the feeding, scheduling, care, and overall welfare of stock, promptly reporting signs of illness, injury, or other concerns to the Horse Department Manager.
• Ensure horseback, stagecoach, and wagon tours are conducted safely according to established procedures while providing knowledgeable commentary and excellent guest service.
• Train employees appropriately for their positions, document required training, provide regular feedback and evaluations, and ensure employee interactions follow company policies and procedures.
• Maintain and model professional standards for appearance, uniforms, conduct, and communication, including during emergencies, high-pressure situations, and interactions with guests and employees.
• Schedule staff to maintain appropriate service levels and labor-to-sales ratios, post schedules in a timely manner, and monitor payroll daily.
• Inspect, maintain, and inventory Horse Department equipment, maintain the cleanliness and condition of the corral and surrounding areas, and promptly report equipment deficiencies.
• Maintain open communication and positive working relationships with Location Management, Risk Management, the Horse Department Manager, Operations, and other departments while following company, departmental, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure the safe operation of company vehicles and equipment, verify driver training and required driving credentials, and remain flexible in performing additional or different duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong horsemanship and/or team-driving skills, including catching, saddling, riding at all gaits, tack inspection, and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of Wrangler and Coach Driver duties, tack, trails, corrals, and humane animal care.
• Thorough knowledge of Yellowstone National Park’s natural, cultural, and geologic history, features, facilities, and services, with the ability to communicate this information effectively to guests.
• 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:

• Previous guest service, guiding, or interpretive experience, including teaching basic horsemanship to new riders.
• Experience managing employee schedules and providing effective coaching, training, and feedback.
• Experience with Opera or other guest reservation systems.
• Eligibility to operate a company vehicle, including being at least 19 years old with a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements:

 

• 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, as well as 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 conditions, including rain, sleet, snow, high winds, direct sunlight, and temperatures ranging from 0°F to 100°F. 
• Must be comfortable performing the physical demands of the position for extended periods in outdoor conditions.

 

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.