Become an Upper Canyon Outfitter Team Member

Upper Canyon Outfitters is a family-owned and operated guest ranch located in southwest Montana.  One of the biggest investments we make is in our staff and we work hard to find a crew that works hard to get the job done and support other UCO teammates.  If you are interested in becoming part of the UCO team, it is important to know that working at UCO is filled with long days and hard, manual labor.  It is also an opportunity to experience all that rural Montana has to offer.  We try hard to give our staff two days off, consecutively, to provide the opportunities to explore this beautiful area.

Housing is possible.  It is best if people have their own form of transportation as we are very isolated and it is nice to be able to leave the ranch on your days off to explore this beautiful area.

Here are the qualities we look for in an applicant

  • Strong work ethic
  • Flexibility
  • Strong sense of team
  • Ability to communicate with guests
  • Willingness to learn
  • Honesty

Montana is very easy to romanticize, but we don’t do that, but if you want to be part of an incredible team and an authentic experience, please apply.

2022 Available Positions

UCO is currently hiring for the 2022 season.  If you are interested in working here, please fill out the application below.  Please be sure to complete the application to allow us to streamline the hiring process.

Guide Positions – Wrangler, Fishing, Tours

Wrangler – Apprentice (Filled)

General Responsibilities

The wrangler apprentice will help with all horse and barn responsibilities. They will be trained to provide a safe, fun trail ride and horse experience to our guests. Wranglers will be responsible for the care and preparation of horses, organization, and cleanliness of barn, corrals, arena and stalls. They will ensure the care of tack and manure clean up. The best applicant will be a responsible, safety oriented person.

It is important to note that this position will hold other responsibilities. It is a must that the person that applies to this position will be willing to help out in other departments such as housekeeping, kitchen, and dinner service.

Wrangler Duties

  • Stay committed to the safety of humans and horses on each ride
  • Prep horses for rides
  • Provide fun, safe rides for guests
  • Untack and take care of horses after each ride
  • Keep the barn clean
  • Check tack for any problems and fix them or report it to Head Wrangler
  • Two to Three dinner shifts a week
  • Breakfast help and Housekeeping on Fridays
  • Be sure to finish each job to completion
  • Be willing to help other UCO teammates
  • Other jobs as assigned

Schedule

  • Monday – Thursday
    • 7 till done
  • Friday – breakfast help and housekeeping
    • 6:30 am – 2:30 pm

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

  • High-level communication skills – we expect this person to be able to engage in conversations with guests.
  • This person will have to help guests feel comfortable on the horseback rides.
  • Have proper, western attire – jeans, boots, nice shirts
  • Must have prior horse experience and be willing to learn how we handle our horses. We ask our wranglers to come with a learners mind to add to their existing knowledge
  • Be willing to be flexible and fill in where needed
  • Strong work ethic
  • Willing to help other UCO teammates

Fishing Guide – Apprentice (Filled)

General Responsibilities

We have 5 professional, experienced fishing guides at UCO that come back annually.  This year, we would like to hire one Apprentice Fishing Guide.  UCO will provide ample opportunity and continued education opportunities for this person.  We would like to invest our time and efforts into someone that would like to become a professional fishing guide that would like to return for more than one season.

Fishing Apprentice Duties

  • Stay committed to the safety of all guests and fellow staff members, on and off the river
  • Prep coolers daily for fishing trips of unguided guests
  • Help senior fishing guides prep their coolers and equipment
  • Be prepared and ready for each fishing trip before the guests’ arrival
  • Transport guests to and from fishing access points
  • Attend the weekly continued education classes put on by my senior fishing guides
  • Provide a knowledgeable and fun experience for our angler guests
  • Upon return of each fishing trip help senior guides put away all equipment
  • Help with dinner service 1 to 2 nights a week
  • One day of the week this person will help with check-in. They will be available to take guests on tours of the ranch and answer any fishing-related questions.
  • Be knowledgeable about river conditions and what flies are working well
  • When there are no fishing trips going out, this person will be expected to help with work around the ranch. This can include manual labor, lawn care, and other duties.

Schedule

  • Saturday – Work Check-in and dinner service/dish
    • 11 – Close
  • Sunday – Wednesday
    • 7:00 am – done
    • Fly Fishing or other duties as assigned

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

  • This person should have a base knowledge of fly fishing
  • Willingness to learn – we will provide this person with opportunities to learn the ins and outs of fishing in Montana and we expect them to take this position seriously as we consider this person an investment in the future of UCO.
  • Be willing to be flexible and fill in where needed
  • Strong work ethic
  • Willing to help other UCO teammates and the UCO Fishing Team

Tour Guide (Filled)

General Responsibilities

This person will take out 4×4 tours, hiking tours, teach intro to fly fishing class to beginner anglers, and provide transport for Bill Tate during History tour.  When tours are not going out, this person will be asked to help around the ranch.  

Tour Guide Duties

  • Provide safe, fun excursions for guests
  • Take the side-by-sides out for tours.  This person will be the only one that drives the side by side (not guests)
  • Lead safe, fun appropriate level hikes for guests
  • Teach a very beginner fly fishing class.  This will be for people that have never fly fished and would like to learn the basics
  • Help with dinner service 1 to 2 nights a week
  • Must be able to operate side-by-sides
  • Must know or be willing to learn basic maintenance of side by sides
    • Checking oil, tires, and filling with fuel
  • On days that tours are going out, must be willing to help with other jobs such as maintenance, lawn, and other duties as assigned

Schedule

  • Sunday – Thursday
    • 7 am until done

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Be committed to the safety of self and guests on all tours
  • Willingness to learn
    •  We will train you to know the area and different access points, but this person will have to be able and prepared to lead tours through the mountains by themselves.  
  • Ability to understand and read a map
    • Most guides here use onX maps, an understanding of this or something similar would be beneficial
  • Understand or be willing to learn how to use Garmin for communication purposes
  • Willingness to help other UCO team members
  • High-level communication skills – we expect this person to be able to engage in conversations with guests.  This person will have to help guests feel comfortable on the different tours.

Kitchen

Kitchen Lead (Filled)

General Responsibilities

The kitchen team is extremely important to UCO.  We cannot control the weather or water conditions, but we can always be sure to provide wonderful service and delicious meals.  The person that takes this position will be in charge of the kitchen.  They will be tasked with creating a menu, meal planning, acquiring food, preparation of assigned meals, organizing of kitchen team, and cleanliness of kitchen and storage areas.

Kitchen Lead Duties

  • Create the dinner menu
    • This person will be in charge of the preparation and service of dinner
    • A more comprehensive breakdown of this can be provided upon request
  • Oversee the breakfast and lunch menu
    • This person will manage the breakfast and lunch cook
  • Order all supplies, food items
    • Research best option for food/product purchases 
    • A thorough, weekly inventory of all food items/paper products at the ranch
    • Order all food items/paper products
    • Be sure to be able to find a way to order/purchase fresh fruit and veggies for each week
      • We will no longer be serving canned veggies or fruit
  • Help create a positive work environment
    • This position will be in a lead position and will be expected to have clear, positive communication with the other UCO staff
  • Alternate meal options to accommodate any dietary needs should be done the week before guest arrival
  • Track food costs
  • Oversee cleanliness of kitchen and service area
  • Oversee kitchen team in preparation and service of meals

Schedule

  • Sunday – Thursday
    • Salaried – but hours are around 11 – close

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Strong Leadership Abilities – the person that fills this position will be in charge of creating a positive working environment that allows for hard work and accomplishment by all involved.  We are looking for an inclusive leader.
  • Communication Skills – this person will have to be able to communicate with staff, guests and other food-related business.  It will be important that messages are clear and to the point.  We work hard to treat all our staff with respect and we expect our management team to do the same.
  • Ability to take initiative – There are a lot of moving parts at UCO and we need the leader of each department to be able to make decisions and execute work without a ton of direction or oversight from the head managers.  That being said, we like to place trust in the decisions this person will make and allow them to decide on many aspects of running the kitchen.
  • Flexibility – While we work hard to be as organized as possible, people on vacations can change their mind from time to time.  We want the person in this position to know that we do our best to provide consistency for them, but there are times that dinner count will change by one or two.

Cook Breakfast/Lunch (Filled)

General Responsibilities

This person will be in charge of most breakfasts and lunch and one dinner a week.  This position will require initiative and accountability as they will be in charge of production and service of their meal.  They will also help the Kitchen Lead with preparation, cleanliness, and other kitchen-related responsibilities.  

Cook Duties

  • Creating a breakfast and lunch menu
    • This will be in collaboration with the kitchen lead
  • Executing the breakfast and lunch menu Sunday through Wednesday
  • Prepping food for Kitchen Lead
  • Helping manage kitchen
  • Prepping and cooking Dinner on Saturdays
  • Other duties as assigned in the kitchen

Schedule

  • Sunday – Wednesday
    • 6:30 am – 2:30 am
  • Saturday
    • 11 am – 8 pm

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

  • Willing to help in all aspects of kitchen work
    • This includes dishes, prep, food storage, etc.
  • Strong Leadership Abilities – the person that fills this position will be in charge of creating a positive working environment that allows for hard work and accomplishment by all involved.  We are looking for an inclusive leader.
  • Communication Skills – this person will have to be able to communicate with staff, guests, and other food-related business.  It will be important that messages are clear and to the point.  We work hard to treat all our staff with respect and we expect our management team to do the same.
  • Ability to take initiative – There are a lot of moving parts at UCO and we need the leader of each department to be able to make decisions and execute work without a ton of direction or oversight from the head managers.  That being said, we like to place trust in the decisions this person will make and allow them to decide on many aspects of running the kitchen.
  • Flexibility – While we work hard to be as organized as possible, people on vacations can change their mind from time to time.  We want the person in this position to know that we do our best to provide consistency for them, but there are times the dinner count will change by one or two.

Kitchen Assistant (Filled)

General Responsibilities

This person will be the Kitchen Leads main helper.  Food prep, kitchen assistance, and dinner service will be the main tasks for this position.  

Kitchen Assistant Duties 

  • Help Kitchen Lead with food prep
  • Lunch clean up
  • Dinner Service
  • Food storage
  • Other duties as assigned 

Schedule

  • Sunday – Thursday
  • 11-Cl

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

  • Willingness to help and execute jobs to completion
  • Flexibility 
  • Good Communication Skills – part of this job will be serving dinner and this person will need to be able to engage guests in a friendly manner while remaining professional and efficient 

Other Team Members

 Office Administration

This position is our ranch ambassador, many times the first interaction with potential and current guests and the “face” and “voice” of the office team here at Upper Canyon.  

UCO is a fifth-generation ranch in the Ruby Valley. Our passion and mission drive everything we do.  We welcome guests and staff to our ranch and share the lands we call home. We’ve worked to create a work environment that is a community of its own and full of people who truly care for one another and want to see each other succeed.

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

  • Highly developed multitasking, work independently, and has organizational skills – This person will be in charge of a number of people, activities, and details.  The ability to prioritize, adapt and change is as important as the ability to stay focused and return to and finish tasks that had to be put on hold. 
  • Strong Leadership Abilities – the person that fills this position will be in charge of creating a positive working environment that allows for hard work and accomplishment by all involved.  We are looking for an inclusive leader who maintains composure in all situations and proceeds with a professional demeanor.
  • Communication Skills – this person will have to be able to communicate with staff, guests, and anyone that walks through the door.  It will be important that messages are clear and to the point.  We work hard to treat all our staff with respect and we expect our management team to do the same.
  • Ability to take initiative – There are a lot of moving parts at UCO and we need the leader of each department to be able to make decisions and execute work independently, without a ton of direction or oversight from the head managers.  That being said, the training period for this position will be fully encompassing and supportive. 
  • Flexibility – While we work hard to be as organized as possible, people on vacations can change their minds from time to time.  We want the person in this position to know that we do our best to provide consistency for them, but changes happen!
  • Being a team player and willingness to work with different personalities.  UCO puts a high value on a candidate with a learner’s mind, who is willing to adapt and grow with us, and who has a significant level of trust and diplomacy. 

Knowledge:

Computer systems, typing, public relations, basic office, organization skills, and clerical duties. We are willing to help you develop the required skill sets rather than already having all the necessary skills.  This is a position that people can grow in and as long a candidate is willing to work hard, we are eager to teach.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Being the initial point of contact for guests and staff, this position requires a positive personality. This person will be answering phones and emails on a daily basis.  Consistent, clear communication delivered in a kind manner is of the utmost importance.  
  • Provide introductory information to new guests and maintain relationships with past guests.
  • Follow up with potential guests, letting guests know about additional products and services UCO offers and organize guest vacation itineraries, invoices, and payments. 
  • Determine the quickest and most effective way to answer a client’s question or concern. 
  • Manage data for reservations and reports and keep them up-to-date and organized.  The software used for reservations is both Lodgical and Werewolf, as these are not commonly used software, we will teach the person in this position how to use them.  Helpful to have knowledge of google drive, Canva, constant contact, excel, and word.  Quickbooks knowledge would be a major advantage.  
  • Monitor incoming invoices and give them to the ranch financial department 
  • Organizing and keeping the office stocked – this person will be in charge of ordering and maintaining office supplies and keeping the office organized and clean.  
  • Store Inventory – This person will be in charge of organization and ordering store merchandise.  They will also help with sales of store purchases and inventory of all merchandise
  • People will use the office as an information hub.  This position gets a multitude of questions, if they don’t know the answer there is always someone available to help with the information. 
  • Check-In and Check-Out – This is the first hello and the last goodbye. These are two of the most important days and this person’s responsibility is to make that a pleasant experience, this person will run the check-in and out days.  
  • Working with UCO management and other departments to find appropriate solutions. But also help advance the business into the future. 

All Around Help (Filled)

This position will be a “floater”.  Duties will include housekeeping, meal service, lawn care, and any other job that may arise!

Duties of the All Around Help

  • Housekeeping 
  • Dinner service
  • Office work
  • Lawn Care
  • Any other duties that may arise

Schedule

  • Tuesday – Saturday
    • Hours vary based on that day’s duties

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Flexibility! This job can change by the day or the hour, so this person must be open to changing tasks.  
  • Effective communication skills.  We will want this person to be able to communicate clearly and in a friendly manner with our guests and staff team.
  • Multitasker.  This job can have 100 things happening at once!  This person will have to be able to be flexible and open to interruptions.  
  • Initiative.  This person will have to be a self-starter that is responsible to keep themselves busy.

Maintenance (Filled)

General Responsibilities

This position is for the person that will help keep the ranch running from behind the scenes!  This is a multi-tiered position consisting of maintenance, lawn care, and irrigation.   

Duties of a Maintenance Person

  • Maintenance and care of multiple buildings around the ranch
  • Vehicle maintenance 
  • Side by Side Maintenance
  • Checking oil on all vehicles and buggies
    • This is a must as we use our vehicles often 
  • Ability to change oil
  • Lawn Care
    • Lawn care for UCO and three surrounding ranch lawns
    • Watering, taking care of flowers around UCO
    • This person will have some help with mowing from different people at UCO
  • Irrigation
    • Learn the ditch system around UCO and move dams twice a day in order to water UCO fields 
  • Carpentry 
  • Driving truck and trailer
  • Operating skid steer and tractor
  • Other duties as assigned

Schedule

  • Tuesday – Saturday
    • 8-5

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Have a base knowledge of the skills listed above
  • This position is physically demanding which will require the ability to move throughout the day and lift heavy objects 
  • This person will be working closely with Jake McDonald
  • Self starter – this person will have to have the ability to complete tasks without being micromanaged.  They will have to set up a maintenance schedule for all vehicles and they will have to be able to identify tasks that need to be completed and then follow through on the completion of the task

Office Assistant (Filled)

Duties of Office Assistant 

  • Greet clients in a friendly, efficient manner
  • Check guests in and out
  • Help with any questions about the ranch
  • Maintain and sell store inventory
  • Keep office clean
  • Data entry
  • Answering phones and emails
  • Help with dinner service 2-3 nights a week
  • Help with housekeeping on Fridays
  • Other duties as assigned

Schedule

  • Sat (11 – CL)
  • Sun, Wed, Thurs (8 – 5)
  • Friday (8 – 5 Housekeeping)

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Effective communication skills.  We will want this person to be able to communicate clearly and in a friendly manner with our guests and staff team.  Communication will be verbal and written.
  • Initiative.  This person will have to be a self-starter that is responsible to keep themselves busy.
  • Multitasker.  This job can have 100 things happening at once!  This person will have to be able to be flexible and open to interruptions.  
  • Growth mindset.  This person will have to be able to learn a number of new systems and facts about uco.
  • Be a team player.  This person will be a contact point for both staff and guests and they will have to support fellow staff members with pertinent information.

Head Housekeeper (Filled)

This person will be the lead for all housekeeping duties.  They will be responsible for keeping all spaces tidy.  They will also be in charge of our big turnover days, where you will be leading 3 to 4 other coworkers.

Head Housekeeping Duties

  • Tidy all guest spaces
  • Tidy common areas
  • Help put breakfast
  • Help and oversee all cleaning and laundry

Schedule

  • Monday – Thursday
    • 6 am – 2 pm

Characteristics of a Good Candidate 

  • Willingness to help and execute jobs to completion
  • Flexibility 
  • Good Communication Skills – part of this job will be serving dinner and this person will need to be able to engage guests in a friendly manner while remaining professional and efficient
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