Work in Arizona this winter!


Elkhorn Ranch, located in the rugged Baboquivari Mountains southwest of Tucson, Arizona, is a guest ranch offering horseback riding and comfortable living for about 32 guests. The Miller Family has owned and operated Elkhorn continuously since 1946 and enjoys the friendship of many returning guests and crew.


Out for a ride at the Elkhorn Ranch Working at Elkhorn is about making our guests feel like part of our family and helping them enjoy the country horseback. With a small crew, every job is vital and pulling your weight is a must. The crew gathers in October to open the ranch -- a time for getting to know fellow crew, our family, and the ways of the ranch. Guests arrive in mid-November and the season continues through April with the possibility of a week or so of post-season work to help close the ranch in early May. Appreciation of the outdoors and rural living makes the winter here a treat -- if you need city life, we are most likely not the place for you.

Recreation

We welcome our crew to ride during time off (250 lb. weight limit), use the pool, and enjoy our lovely country. Hiking and birding are fabulous. Crew are invited to all ranch social functions and in general, eat the same meals as guests. There is a crew TV room with a video/DVD player and wireless area around the ranch office (also a computer is available for crew & guest use). Tucson and most shopping and entertainment is about an hour drive. You can enjoy great day off adventures at places like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Tubac and more.

Room and Board

Everyone who works at Elkhorn lives on the ranch. Everyone has their own room, and most likely shares a bathroom with one other person. Rooms are furnished and linens are provided.

Benefits

Compensation consists of a monthly salary, guaranteed portion of the gratuity pool distributed monthly, and full room and board. Remaining gratuity pool is distributed at end of season. Six day work week with one regularly scheduled day off. Reimbursement for portion of medical insurance costs after one full season, and we assist crew with finding a medical insurance to compliment your seasonal work life. Baboquivari Mountains

Transportation Info

Most crew prefer having their own vehicle, though many people have lived and worked here without one (we are happy to pick up staples on the weekly town run within reason). Otherwise, fly or bus to Tucson and we’re happy to pick you up in Tucson. The Arizona Shuttle runs regularly to Tucson from the Phoenix Airport.

How to Apply

We confirm plans with our returning crew in July and thus know what jobs will be available beginning in August. We will review applications and references as they arrive, and begin phone interviews and hiring in early August.

To apply:

A) Please email or mail your cover letter and resume detailing your work experience. Please be sure to address the following areas:

  • Why does guest ranch work, and Elkhorn Ranch in particular, interest you?
  • What type of work interests you?
  • The crew and Miller Family live and work together closely during a long season -- how would you adjust to this life style and what would you contribute?
  • What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
  • When are you available?
  • For horseback / guiding jobs only, please provide detailed information about your guiding experience (type of country, packing, length rides), general horseback and equine experience, and shoeing experience. What type of ranch chores have you done? What is your weight and height (necessary to match riders and horses, and assure that our weight limit of 250 lbs. is respected). Experienced applicants only for horseback jobs.

B) Please send professional references and up-to-date contact information.

C) A photo is optional but most welcome.

Please don’t hesitate to email or call with questions. Thanks for considering Elkhorn Ranch!

Mary and Charley Miller and Tom Miller
Elkhorn Ranch
27000 W Elkhorn Ranch Road
Tucson, AZ 85736
520 822 1040

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Season: October to May

Types of Jobs:

  • Food and Beverage
  • Front Desk / Office
  • Horse Operations
  • Lodging / Housekeeping
  • Maintenance/Groundskeeping

Housing:

  • Private Room

Staff Size: 18 - 20

Minimum Age: 18

Location: Arizona