Explore Western Montana - Comfortable Affordable Housing + End of Season Bonus

Eagle Lodge
Mountainside Cabins
Log Cabin Style Hotel Property
Creekside Cabins
Drone of Property
Bear Creek
Creekside Cabins

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. 

Loading video...

Current Job Openings

    Housekeeping

    Housekeeper

    $18.00 - $20.00 / hour + tips
    Ennis

    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 of Office

    FRONT DESK / GUEST SERVICES (HYBRID ROLE)

    $18.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ennis

    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

    LANDSCAPING / MAINTENANCE

    $18.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ennis

    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

About CoolWorks

Since 1995, CoolWorks has connected adventure-seekers with job opportunities in amazing places—from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps to dude ranches. We help people trade screen time for real time—meaningful experiences that spark connection and growth. Your next great adventure is waiting.More About CoolWorks

Need Help?

Check out our Help Center for FAQ's and helpful articles on how to use CoolWorks. For more in-depth information on how to navigate the world of Jobs in Great Places®, whether you're a Job Seeker or an Employer, visit our Resources page.
Scroll Less. Live More.