Employment Opportunities
THE 2012 SUMMER at The Colorado Mountain Ranch blends camp tradition, innovation and a proactive future. In September of 2010, the Fourmile Fire swept through part of the Ranch, burning a number of acres of forest and a few buildings. Our new barn, built in the spring of 2011, graces our extended meadow. Rebuilding continues with plans in the works for a new Activities Building for Gymnastics and Challenge, the fire ecology program and Eat Real! programs to enrich our experiences in Earth and Sustainability.
Summer 2012 offers ten weeks of children's programs, June 4 - August 10. All new applicants must be available to commit as counselors and instructors from May 29-August 12, 2012. For a complete list of jobs, look below under Job Descriptions. From May through October there will be fire rebuild construction projects as well as regular upkeep projects. Throughout this time, staff memkbers also attend to every detail of 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, diverse and hardworking summer as we rise to meet many challenges, old and new!
One of our newer programs is the Water! Focus Camp, for all ages of campers from 7-15. Each day includes a half-day outing to Water. Our lifeguards and swimming instructors will coach Water! Focus Campers for a half day each day as they practice swim strokes, style, strength and safety at local Boulder swimming pools or at nearby lakes and streams. There are Boating Outings for lake kayaking, too!
The 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 organic agriculture, fire ecology, construction using renewable resources, and exploring the benefits of various methods of transportation. Frolf! features lots and lots of Frisbee golf, also known as Disc Golf.
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 reside and work at The Ranch for the minimum time of May 29 to August 12, which includes training week and the weeks of our children's program sessions. Wranglers arrive May 28; Bus Driver Trainees arrive May 23. Arrival dates are non-negotiable. Applicants will be considered for times contiguous with these dates, from May 15 through November 1, 2011. We work 6 days and 4 evenings each week. Salaries range from $150 to $250 per week plus room and board. There is no allowance for transportation. Staff members live at The Ranch in separate male and female bunkhouse-style dormitory cabins. In addition to salary and room and board, staff members receive laundry service, leadership training, future personnel references, and the opportunity to make good friends and to create, contribute and serve in a cooperative, active, supportive, outdoor mountain community with children.
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); Lake Kayaking, Low Ropes Course (Initiatives, Team-building and Challenges); Gymnastics and Trampoline; Frolf, Nature Awareness, Outdoor Living Skills, Camping, Hiking, Tracking, Native American Indian Lore, Sustainability, Ecology, Teen Leadership.
- Wranglers - Teach Western riding, natural relationship with horses, 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 - Plans and serves regular well-balanced meals to staff three meals and snacks every day, to children three meals a week and snacks daily, and gourmet meals for wedding receptions. Also: plans menus, orders supplies, manages other kitchen and dining room staff.
- 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 the following:
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Staff Application Package
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Reference Form
- Complete and return the Application to us by fax, U.S. Mail or scan and email.
- Contact those who are familiar with your work with children, other work abilities and character. Ask your references (we need at least two) to call us, email us, and/or download, print, complete and return the reference form. We need all of your experience with children documented by your supervisor - signed, dated and sent to us by fax, U.S. Mail or scanned and emailed. Our online form may be used. If you are applying for wrangler, ropes course facilitator, gymnastics, or hiking and camping, we need documentation of your pertinent experience from others.
- Please call us for a telephone interview and to check on the status of your application.