Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is in the Paradise Valley outside of Emigrant, Montana and one of the premier guest ranches in the United States. Along with guest operations, the Lower Ranch Division runs over 250 mother cows. Additionally, we run 500 head of yearlings on its sister ranch, West Creek Ranch as well as a Branded Beef program suppling beef to the ranches. The ranches grow their own replacement heifers and hay roughly 900 acres of irrigated land.
We are looking for a seasonal Ranch Hand to assist with lower ranch operations on both Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch. The Ranch Hand must have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, detail-oriented and have a willingness to work a varied work schedule based on time of year. The position is a crucial component to the Land & Livestock team and will report directly to the Livestock Manager. The position will be primarily focused on assisting in land maintenance - regularly fencing and tending to water tanks. Occasionally, the position will consist of the movement of livestock throughout the ranches. Good people skills are crucial to strive within the dynamic Land & Livestock team as well as interacting with our guests. Additional responsibilities will include but not be limited to building, welding, and repairing of equipment, and maintenance of ATV’s, trucks, and ranch equipment. Individuals with a fair amount of horsemanship skills with experience working with livestock operations is preferred. Roping, doctoring, and farrier skills are also ideal, but not required. The position will run from May 16th to August 31st 2025, with some flexibility on start and end dates.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Focusing on the upkeep of fences, constructing new fence and installing/moving temporary electric fence.
• Maintenance on existing water tanks as well as helping on new water tank projects.
• Driving pickup trucks, hauling trailers.
• Operating tractors and other implements including rake, baler, and manure spreader.
• Operating pickup trucks, skid steers, dump trucks and pulling trailers.
• Operating a variety of power tools including chainsaw, pressure washer, and post-pounder.
• Some basic equipment and vehicle maintenance.
• Assisting the farming manager and farming crew with hay harvest, including but not limited to operating tractors, rakes, balers, hauling and stacking hay.
• Assisting the Livestock Manager with the weekly hayride for our guest ranch.
• Provide great customer service during the weekly cattle drive with the guests.
• Organize and maintain a clean work area and take responsibility for orderliness of tools and equipment.
• Moving, handling, and doctoring cattle from horseback.

Required Skills

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. overhead.
• Must be able to sit for 8+ per day.
• Must be able to stand for 8+ hours per day.
• Ability to ride horseback in mountainous and rough country.
• Ability to move livestock with low-stress handling methods.
• Be comfortable driving truck and trailer, including hauling hay, livestock, and equipment.
• Able to drive tractor and haying equipment.
• Mechanic and welding abilities are a plus.
• Previous farm/ranch work preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Conduct yourself and Ranch operations with the utmost integrity. Work well with others. All interactions with guests and staff must be conducted in a courteous manner. "Caring" is the pivotal word that should dominate all our actions.
• Attend weekly Land & Livestock meetings and any other meetings, as requested.
• Ability to work as a team member in a cooperative environment.
• Personal initiative, motivation, and resourcefulness