Programs Assistant

Ranchlands Zapata Ranch

*Though the start date is listed as June 1, we will happily accept candidates interested in an earlier start date. We are looking for applicants who are able to stay for the duration of our season (through October 31).*

As a Programs Assistant, you are a primary representative of Ranchlands and Zapata Ranch for guests, and you must be warm, gracious, education and guest experience-focused, able to think on your feet at all times, and present an authentic Western appearance. Your primary duties will be to serve breakfast & dinner to guests; lead Bison Tours and afternoon guest programs on the ranch; educate guests about all aspects of the ranch, surrounding area, our food program, and Ranchlands’ mission; and assist as needed with all other guest programming & services. Safety is our number one concern, followed closely by ensuring that all of our guests have the best possible stay and educational experience at Zapata. 

While this is a seasonal position, for the right candidate this is a great gateway to future opportunities within Ranchlands and its wider hospitality operations. We value people who are passionate about the work they do and want to join a community of people dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, and hospitality. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Breakfast service, dinner service, and occasional dish duties. Represent Zapata’s food program by educating guests about the meat & produce we use as well as the journey of our food, delivering exceptional service throughout meal times.  
• Lead vehicle Bison Tours on the Medano for lodge guests and day visitors.
• Lead and assist with afternoon activities, including but not limited to: leatherworking sessions, naturalist walks, bird watching, appetizers at the mercantile, and assisting with mercantile sales.
• Guide interpretive hikes with guests when scheduled, and in general curate imaginative outdoor experiences tailored to each guest. 
• Assist with weekly town runs for the kitchen and airport shuttles for guests as scheduled.
• During all programs and serving shifts, maintain a focus on educating and informing guests about Ranchlands, The Nature Conservancy, other partners and agents that we work closely with as well as how the ranch operates, our mission, goals and environment. 
• Any other activities that come up as relevant to guest services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
• Service or hospitality experience preferred but not required. 
• Excellent conversationalist and communicator. 
• Valid driver’s license.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Excellent conversationalist and communicator. 
• Willingness and ability to build meaningful relationships with all demographics and ages of people.
• Interest in ecology, biology, geology, land management, ranching, conservation or related field.
• Can-do attitude and excellent, thoughtful problem solver.
• Ability to recognize when tasks need to be done and take initiative to complete them.
• Friendly and warm personality.

WORK SCHEDULE + TIME OFF

• This is a seasonal, full-time position; reasonable overtime to meet business needs are likely.
• Specific work schedules are set on a weekly basis and will vary according to the needs of the business; staff must be willing and able to adapt to meet a flexible weekly schedule.  
• One day off per week guaranteed, according to the weekly work schedule. Further time off where possible.
• Additional five (5) days unpaid time off may be requested within the season, with approval by the Lodge Manager & Programs Manager being contingent upon the ability to meet guest needs and coordination of staff schedules across all departments

HOUSING 

Shared housing is available and utilities are provided.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.