Wranglers and Lead Wranglers - 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 Wranglers and Lead Wranglers to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!

 

Job Summary:

Wranglers and Lead Wranglers are involved with conducting safe horseback and wagon tours while providing informative commentary on park features and wildlife. Responsibilities also include ensuring the welfare of the horses, performing equipment inspections, assisting guests with mounting and dismounting, and maintaining safety protocols. 

 

The Details:Position Type: SeasonalSeason Dates: May 2027 - September 2027Pay: $19.00 - $20.25/hour

 

Life in Yellowstone: 

• Employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style) provided at low cost
• 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

Wranglers

• Safely conduct horseback tours and assisting on wagon tours while giving knowledgeable commentary of Park features and wildlife.
• Follow Company and departmental safety practices to minimize risk to self and others.
• Inspect and report needed maintenance of Horse Department equipment and tack.
• Present safety and guest orientation speeches prior to rides.
• Select appropriate mounts for guests based on their skills and needs and assist guests in mounting/dismounting assigned stock.
• Properly adjust tack based on each guests needs and conduct chinch checks as directed by corral management.
• Care of assigned equipment including radios, keys, etc.
• General welfare of stock including grooming, feeding and cleaning stalls and reporting any suspected health issues of the animal as well as cleaning and maintenance of corrals and surrounding areas.
• Reporting accidents and incidents to the supervisor or manager on duty.
• Other duties as assigned to include assisting in other departments.

Wrangler Leads

• Same responsibilities as wranglers.
• Assist in training wranglers for horseback, stagecoach and wagon tours
• Monitor wrangler competency and provide feedback to horse management regarding performance of wranglers.
• Monitor and correct guest behavior affecting safety.

Qualifications

Wrangler Required: 

• Must possess good communication skills.
• Horsemanship skills including catching, saddling, riding at all gaits, and tack inspection.
• Knowledge of the Roosevelt Corral horse string and the personalities, traits, and skills of its members.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures in and out of the saddle.
• Ability to learn and adhere to department and company policies and procedures.
• Possession of or ability to successfully attain current CPR and First Aid certification.

Wrangler Lead Required:

• Same qualifications as wrangler.
• Thorough understanding of natural, cultural, and geologic history of the northern range of Yellowstone National Park, with the ability to organize it into an understandable, friendly delivery to guests.
• Knowledge of Yellowstone features, facilities and services.
• Experience teaching new riders the basics of horsemanship.

 

Preferred:

Wrangler:

• Thorough understanding of the natural, cultural, and geologic history of Yellowstone National Park with the ability to organize it into an understandable, friendly delivery to guests.
• Knowledge of Yellowstone features, facilities and services.
• Experience teaching new riders the basics of horsemanship.
• If operating a company motor vehicle, must be 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Wrangler Lead:

• Experience leading peers.
• Interpersonal, organizational and conflict management skills.
• If operating a company motor vehicle, must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

 

Physical Requirements:

• Must weigh 240 pounds or less and be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Must be able to mount, dismount, and ride horses for up to 12 hours per day, including repeatedly on uneven terrain and in adverse conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stretch, kneel, and reach for extended periods in a high-altitude environment.
• Must be able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including rain, sleet, snow, direct sunlight, high winds, and temperatures ranging from 0°F to 100°F.
• Must be comfortable working with large domestic animals in a corral/ranch setting and using chemicals for cleaning or animal care.
• Must be able to speak and project voice for extended periods.

 

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.