El Western
El Western
Currently recruiting for the season from May 1st, 2026 to October 15th, 2026.
El Western is a rare remaining glimpse into the changing nature of the west over the past 6 decades.
Ennis, Montana is no ordinary small western town. Our Main Street is host to excellent restaurants, colorful western bars, shops, and galleries. 1.5 miles to the Madison River.
- Location
- Montana
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 10
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Housing can be provided to El Western staff members if needed. Staff accommodations are mostly communal (shared cabins) with private accommodations reserved for managers and returning employees. El Western will provide linens, comforters, pillows, and towels for staff members.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- None
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About El Western
Opening in 1948, El Western played host to those first discovering the sport of fly fishing and the beauty of the Madison River Valley. Although ranching was the primary occupation of the residents of Ennis and the surrounding area, many notable guests came to spend their summers enjoying the growing sport of fly fishing in this "exotic" location.
The Employee Experience
Be a part of a landmark here in Ennis, MT, and help us continue to create an amazing experience for all of our guests. Our work environment is based on service-oriented employees who care about each other, our guests, and the community.
Ideal Candidate
Professional appearance and grooming, Excellent customer service skills, Quick learner & hard worker, Team players & ability to get along with others, Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, and stretch to fulfill cleaning/inspection tasks, Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 4-6 hours in length
Room and Board
Housing can be provided to El Western staff members if needed. Staff accommodations are mostly communal (shared cabins) with private accommodations reserved for managers and returning employees. El Western will provide linens, comforters, pillows, and towels for staff members.
Employee Perks
End of season bonus for those who stay until the end of the season.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We recommend that you bring a personal vehicle as there are limited shuttles from the airport to Ennis and once here in town there are no UBER or Taxi's available. Housing is located on property.
For Fun
This is no ordinary small western town. Our Main Street is host to excellent restaurants, colorful western bars, shops, and galleries. Few places offer as amazing of a fishing trip as Montana does. There are lots of fun small-town happenings in Ennis. Our 4th of July parade and rodeo are practically world-famous. Norris Hot Springs, Madison Meadows Golf Course, Hiking, Madison River Tubing and LOTS of fly fishing!
1 hour to West Yellowstone, 1 hour to Bozeman, 90 minutes to Big Sky.
Current Job Openings
Housekeeper
Housing Available + End of Season Bonus
Join our team for a summer in Ennis, Montana at El Western Cabins & Lodges, a family-run property known for its elevated cabins and strong team culture. This is a fast-paced, physically demanding role for individuals who take pride in their work and enjoy staying busy.
We are a small, tight-knit team delivering a high-quality guest experience across a variety of cabins and lodges.
What you’ll do:
Clean and reset guest cabins to a high standard
Complete stayover services for longer-term guests
Work independently and in small teams depending on occupancy
Assist with laundry and linen turnover
Communicate with front desk to ensure cabins are ready for check-in
This role requires moving between multiple buildings throughout the day.
Physical expectations:
This is an active, physically demanding role
Must be able to carry cleaning supplies and linens between buildings
Lift, carry, and dispose of garbage and debris
Move furniture and assist with occasional setup
Clean cabins thoroughly for full shifts
Stand, bend, lift, and stay active for extended periods
Laundry duties include sorting, stain treating, operating machines, folding efficiently, and maintaining organization.
Additional support may include light property tasks such as watering, restocking, or delivering items to guests.
What we’re looking for:
Detail-oriented and efficient
Strong work ethic and reliability
Ability to work independently
Positive, team-oriented attitude
Willingness to help where needed
Requirements:
At least 1 year of housekeeping experience preferred
Ability to meet physical demands of the role
Why El Western:
On-site housing available
End of season bonus opportunity
Supportive, team-focused environment
Work in one of Montana’s most beautiful river towns
If you enjoy physical work and take pride in doing things right, we would love to hear from you.
FRONT DESK / GUEST SERVICES (HYBRID ROLE)
Housing Available + End of Season Bonus
Join our team at El Western Cabins & Lodges, a boutique, family-run property known for personalized guest experiences. This is not a traditional front desk role. You will play a central role in operations and work closely with all departments.
Works directly with housekeeping, guests, and the General Manager to ensure smooth operations and a high-quality guest experience.
This is a hybrid, hands-on role for someone organized, proactive, and willing to step in wherever needed.
What you’ll do:
Answer phones and convert inquiries into reservations
Manage reservations with accuracy and attention to detail
Check guests in and out while providing a welcoming experience
Handle guest communication via phone, text, and email
Manage guest folios, payments, and records
Serve as the main communication link between departments
Support retail sales and front desk organization
Additional responsibilities:
Assist with laundry and light groundskeeping
Handle mail, packages, and guest deliveries
Support housekeeping during busy turnovers
Assist with group and event setup
Physical expectations:
This is a hands-on role that may include moving shipments, setting up tables and chairs, and assisting other departments
Must be able to multitask and perform in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication is essential, as front desk acts as the command center for property operations
What we’re looking for:
Strong customer service and communication skills
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Confidence working independently
Positive, team-oriented mindset
Strong problem-solving skills
Requirements:
Previous hospitality or customer service experience preferred
Experience with booking systems preferred (ResNexus a plus)
Comfortable with computers and handling payments
Ability to stay on your feet and assist with light physical tasks
Ability to remain calm under pressure and escalate issues appropriately
Why El Western:
On-site housing available
End of season bonus opportunity
Supportive, team-focused environment
Opportunity to work in a beautiful Montana setting
If you enjoy working with people and being part of a team that supports all areas of the property, we would love to hear from you.
LANDSCAPING / MAINTENANCE
Groundskeeper (Flower Focus Opportunity)
Housing Available + End of Season Bonus
Join our team at El Western Cabins & Lodges. Our 16-acre property is known for its well-maintained grounds and beautiful flower beds. This is a hands-on, physically active role combining landscaping, flower care, and general maintenance.
You will work closely with the Property Manager and interact with guests, so strong communication and a professional presence are important.
What you’ll do:
Maintain flower beds, shrubs, and landscaped areas
Mow, trim, edge, and maintain lawns
Set and move hand line irrigation across the property
Assist with general property maintenance and repairs
Support event setup including tables and chairs
Handle garbage removal and general property cleanup
Maintenance work may include basic equipment servicing, repairs, painting, fencing, and cabin upkeep.
Physical expectations:
This is a physically demanding outdoor role
Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs
Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather
Must be able to bend, lift, squat, and stay active throughout shifts
What we’re looking for:
Interest or experience in landscaping and flower care
Experience operating mowers or equipment preferred
Mechanically inclined and comfortable with basic repairs
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
Good communication and guest service skills
Ability to coordinate with staff and management on tasks and repairs
Why El Western:
On-site housing available
End of season bonus opportunity
Supportive, team-focused environment
Work on a beautiful 16-acre Montana property
If you enjoy outdoor work and take pride in maintaining a beautiful property, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
If interested, please email Rachel Von Alvensleben at rachael@elwestern.com. Thank you!
Contact Info
- Rachel Von Alvensleben
- rachael@elwestern.com
- (406) 682-4217
- www.elwestern.com







