Get your applications in! We will begin to review candidates for Summer 2020 starting January 1!
Fun atmosphere and lots of perks! At the Vista Verde Ranch, you can have the opportunity to work, live and play for pay at one of America's premiere guest ranches. Spend a season working on a guest ranch on the Western Slopes of the Continental Divide.
25 miles from Steamboat Springs, Colorado
About Vista Verde Ranch
Vista Verde Guest Ranch is one of the best places to spend the summer and fall seasons. Our summer season runs from May - August and we are currently seeking motivated seeking self-starters who are willing to take on challenges with a positive attitude. We will also be hiring staff for our fall season which runs from August to the end of October. As an employee, you will play a vital role in creating a one of a kind vacation for our guests while developing friendships that can last a lifetime. The ranch provides staff housing, meals, and laundry facilities on-site, for a small fee.
Guests are offered a full program in the summer that includes horseback riding, cattle working, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hot air ballooning, fly fishing, paddle boarding, yoga, plus much more.
We have beautifully appointed cabins, lodge rooms, and delectable dining - showcasing the grandeur of the West, 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The Employee Experience
Come spend a season working among some of the best and brightest in the guest ranching industry. It is our goal at Vista Verde to provide our staff with the opportunity to grow as leaders in a safe and positive environment. We believe that community is the cornerstone of our success as one of Colorado's best guest ranches and are always seeking out colorful new personalities for our diverse staff. Our employees come from a variety of different backgrounds but share a common interest in serving those around them.
When we're not on the clock, our staff enjoys taking advantage of all that rural Routt County has to offer. During the winter months, we can be found skiing and snowshoeing a few miles from the rugged back Zirkel Wilderness Area. While the summer months offer great opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, and fly-fishing.
Ideal Candidate
Because we live and work in the same space, we are committed to maintaining a community based on traditional values, authentic relationships, and healthy living. As a staff, many of our young guests view us as role models, and we take seriously the opportunity to exemplify hard work, kindness, gratitude, and an “others first” attitude.
Our community culture is the single most important factor in our guest’s experience, and we are committed to maintaining a positive and healthy staff while avoiding drama – and that which causes it – at all costs. To this end, there is a code of conduct that all of us who work at the ranch subscribe to, and we expect those who come to work at Vista Verde to agree and abide by these rules. The following are not tolerated and are grounds for dismissal:
- Irresponsible behavior regarding alcohol (drunkenness, parties, etc.)
- Underage drinking
- Illegal drug use
- Abuse of prescription drugs
- While the use of marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado for individuals over the age of 21, to be a VVR employee you must be marijuana-free.
You will be required to pass a drug test upon a conditional offer of employment, and we reserve the right to test any employee(s) we reasonably suspect in violation of this policy.
Our housing is gender-based, and we protect the privacy of the individual by limiting access to our housing to the residents of that particular unit. Our buildings and residences are smoke-free, and smoking is limited to remote parts of the ranch, and we strongly encourage staff to be tobacco-free.
Although we love animals, we have plenty already at the ranch so we do not allow staff to bring pets.
We do not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious or political beliefs, race, or economic status.
Our community values are something we feel strongly about and feel the clean lifestyle gives our staff the best opportunity to form authentic relationships, grow, and pursue healthy habits. It is understandable that our community may not be a “fit” for everyone, and we simply ask that you consider our policies before applying to live and work here. If you are concerned about your ability to follow our code of conduct, please consider other options. If we sound like the type of community you would like to be a part of, please continue on to our application. Again, thanks for your thoughtful consideration.
Room and Board
Housing is bunkhouse style. Unfortunately, we don't have housing suitable for married couples, nor is it possible to have any private housing. It is imperative you respect the space and belongings of your roommates. Bed linens, pillows, and towels are provided. Storage space is very limited, so please pack appropriately. We will supply a suggested gear list for new employees.
Employee Perks
Our compensation package consists of a base salary and an equitable share of the tip pool. Because we believe every staff member contributes equally to the overall guest experience, the tip share for all staff members is also equal. There is no extra financial benefit for working in one position or another. Room and board is provided at a nominal daily rate.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Vista Verde Ranch is located approximately 25 miles from Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Resorts. Staff are welcome to bring a vehicle to the ranch, and about half our staff do just that. However, vehicles must be parked in designated staff parking areas, and special arrangements need to be made for trailers.
If you choose to fly, our closest airport is in Hayden, CO (Yampa Valley Regional Airport). It’s approximately one hour from the ranch and we would be happy to pick you up there. Otherwise, you can take a shuttle from the Denver airport to Steamboat Springs, CO and we would pick you up in town.
For Fun
Summer: mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, hot tub, and fitness center are all available on the property.
Winter: cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, sledding, snow-shoeing, hot tub, and a fitness center.
How to Apply
Please learn more about us at our website by clicking APPLY HERE below. You'll find complete job descriptions as well as our online job application.
We look forward to hearing from you!
***All applicants must pass a drug test prior to their date of employment. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration. Any applicant who tests positive for illegal use of drugs will not be hired, this includes marijuana.