Employment

The 2008 summer at The Colorado Mountain Ranch blends camp tradition with a proactive future. We offer nine weeks of children's programs, June 9 to August 8. From May through September we will also be busy with construction projects, updating the log Lodge and building high ropes course elements. Throughout this time, we will also be attending to every detail for mountain wedding ceremonies and receptions, other mountain events and parties, group horseback rides, and facilitating groups on the ropes course and mountainboarding course. It will be a busy and diverse summer!

New Programs for 2008 are Earth! and Water! The new Earth! program features experiences in sustainable living, such as daily recycling, using alternative power such as wind and solar energy systems, experimenting with small-scale agricultural such as organic gardening and use of cold frames, construction using renewable resources, and exploring the benefits of various methods of transportation. Water! offers the American Red Cross GuardStart curriculum for young teenagers and the chance for lots of pool time.

Our staff is instrumental in creating and implementing every aspect of Ranch programs, activities, construction projects, food service, facility use and maintenance. We are looking for a few high-spirited, multi-talented and skilled people to join our team and help with all aspects of the overall operations of The Ranch.

Dates and Benefits. Staff applicants must be at least 18 and able to commit to residential work at The Ranch for the minimum time of June 3 to August 13, which includes the weeks of our children's programs. Applicants will be considered for times contiguous with the these dates, from May 21 through October 1, 2008. We work 6 days and 3-4 evenings each week. Salaries range from $150 to $250 per week plus room and board. There is no transportation allowance. Staff members live at The Ranch in separate male and female bunkhouse-style dormitory cabins. In addition to salary and room and board, staff receive laundry service, leadership training, future personnel references, and the opportunity to make good friends and to be a creator and contributor in a cooperative, active, outdoor mountain community.

Qualities we look for in our staff include a positive attitude, enthusiasm, good judgment and reliability. Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities are necessary. Our staff must be personable, highly energetic, safety-minded, honest, sincere and willing to work hard for rewards beyond financial gain. Staff must stay physically and mentally active and alert. We embrace a Native American philosophy of respect for self, others, nature and stewardship of the Earth. Everyone helps with daily support crews, general maintenance, construction and other work projects. Our clientele expect confident personal presentation and a neat and clean appearance.

Be ready to commit to making The Ranch successful in providing a rewarding mountain experience for yourself and others.

Job Descriptions

Children's Activity Instructors - Teach instructional progressions in relation to each child's ability and development in the following areas: Western Horseback Riding (Wrangler); Mountainboarding; Arts and Crafts; Archery; Swimming (Lifeguard, WSI, Lifeguard Trainer); Ropes Course (Initiatives, Team-building and Challenges); Gymnastics and Trampoline; Outdoor Living Skills, Camping, Hiking, Tracking, Native American Indian Lore, Sustainability, Teen Leadership.

Wranglers - Teach Western riding, bridling, saddling, horse and animal care, breeds and colors; lead instructional and trail rides and games on horses; feed and care for all animals and keep corrals, barn and tack clean and serviceable.

Children's Group Counselors - Lead and guide groups and assist with programs.

Office - Public and staff relations, accounting, telephone and computer.

Drivers - Transport clientele in vans and busses.

Kitchen Manager and Head Chef - Serves regular well-balanced meals to staff and gourmet meals for wedding receptions. Also: plans menus, orders supplies, manages other kitchen and dining room workers.

Kitchen Assistants - Help with cooking, food prep, buffet management, table setting, serving, dish and pan washing, overall clean-up and maintenance of the dining room, kitchen and food storage areas.

Maintenance - General upkeep of all systems -- mechanical, electrical, automotive, plumbing and repair. Loading, hauling, landscaping, set-up and cleanup.

Construction - Carpentry, sheetrock, doors, windows, roofing, welding.

To Apply...

If you are interested in joining our great group of workers for the summer, please download and print:

1. Staff Application and
2. Reference Form
3. Complete and return the Application to us by fax or U.S. Mail.
4. Contact those who are familiar with your work with children, other work abilities and character. Ask them (we need at least two references) to call us, email us, and/or download, print, complete and return the reference forms by fax or US mail.
5. You will need to call us for a telephone interview and to check on the status of your application.