Lead the herd, lead the team — ride/Hike alongside Horses & Llamas into the adventure of a lifetime!

Adventure Guide Manager

Llama Guide & Horse Guide

Wilderness Ridge Adventures — Torrey, Utah

Every guest and team member at Wilderness Ridge Adventures has different adventure goals in Capitol Reef country — and as our Guide Manager, you help them all achieve those goals. You'll lead by example, mentor our guide team, and keep both our horse and llama operations running smoothly every single day.

This role is for someone who loves the outdoors, thrives with animals, and genuinely enjoys bringing out the best in the people around them. You'll be held to high standards, stay active, work hard, have fun, and feel proud of the season you spend with us.

PAY & SCHEDULE

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, referrals, and work ethic. Tips are a significant part of your earnings and are paid directly to you by guests — our guests are generous and tips on the higher end of normal are common. Managers also receive a pay differential that reflects their leadership responsibilities.

We have multiple availability windows to fit different schedules:

·       Full Season: March 1st – November 15th (Manager & guides — preferred)

·       Summer: May 1st – August 1st (guides)

·       Extended Summer: May 1st – August 31st (guides)

Year-round positions are also available for the right candidates.

You'll receive 2 days off per week because we value personal time. Extra hours are almost always available for those who prefer a 6–7 day work week. Managers receive 4 paid days off in July in recognition of peak-season dedication.

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE

Leading & Managing the Guide Team

·       Supervising daily guide staff across both horse and llama operations

·       Assigning daily duties, checking in on performance, and offering coaching and encouragement

·       Running pre-shift briefings and end-of-day debriefs

·       Holding guides accountable to safety protocols, guest experience standards, and ranch checklists

·       Attending and helping lead team meetings and training sessions

·       Being the go-to problem solver when guests or staff need support

Interacting With Guests

·       Keeping guests safe — always

·       Learning and sharing local flora, fauna, rock formations, and history

·       Getting to know guests and understanding their goals for their visit

·       Learning guest names and creating genuinely memorable moments

·       Answering questions and making everyone feel welcome, from first-timers to seasoned riders

·       Encouraging guests as they learn and step outside their comfort zone

Guiding Horse Trail Rides & Arena Lessons

·       Loading and unloading riders

·       Leading guest trail rides through the mountainous desert

·       Learning and teaching our vast trail system

·       Taking guests of all skill levels into the arena for riding instruction

·       Teaching western horsemanship principles clearly and patiently

Guiding Llama Treks

·       Leading guests on llama hiking adventures through our exclusive trail system

·       Teaching guests how to handle, lead, and interact safely with llamas

·       Sharing the story and personality of each llama with guests

·       Navigating varied terrain with groups of mixed ages and fitness levels

·       Ensuring llamas and guests are paired appropriately for a safe, enjoyable experience

Caring for Our Horse Herd

·       Sticking to feeding and watering schedules

·       Assisting our Herd Manager with horse training

·       Performing basic veterinary procedures

·       Learning every horse's name and personality

·       Approaching and haltering horses from pasture and catch pen

·       Grooming, picking feet, saddling, and bridling

·       Turning horses out and working with varied personalities

Caring for Our Llama Herd

·       Maintaining feeding and watering schedules

·       Haltering, leading, and handling llamas safely

·       Grooming and basic health checks

·       Learning each llama's name, quirks, and temperament

·       Packing and unpacking llama gear for treks

·       Supporting the overall health and wellbeing of the herd

Ranch Chores & Operations

·       Completing daily checklists across both operations

·       Picking pens and spreading manure

·       Barn and barnyard cleanup

·       Clearing trails and prepping for guided activities

·       Cleaning, organizing, and making repairs

·       Assisting in other departments as needed

Housing

Limited housing is available for the right candidates. Rooms are double occupancy and include two beds, a private bathroom, and a built-in computer desk. Residents share a common kitchen area. Housing availability is considered as part of your overall compensation package.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

·       Experience with horses and/or llamas (willingness to learn both is essential)

·       Natural leadership — calm, clear, and encouraging under pressure

·       A genuine love of people, the outdoors, and sharing that with others

·       CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification (or willingness to obtain before start date)

·       Food handler's permit (or willingness to obtain)

·       Overnight trek experience required, including backcountry cooking and hiking

·       At least a 90-day commitment during the season; full season strongly preferred

ABOUT US

Wilderness Ridge Adventures is a family-owned ranch in Torrey, Utah, offering guided horseback trail rides and llama hiking adventures near Capitol Reef National Park and Fishlake National Forest. We're real ranchers sharing our way of life — not a theme park. No experience necessary for our guests, but passion and integrity are non-negotiable for our team.

Your Partners in Adventure!