Summer Dude Ranch Jobs - Free Living, Hard Work, and Horse Play
Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008
by Lisa Jenkins
JobMonkey
Working at a dude ranch for the summer is a different type of employment experience. If you are hired to work on one, you can expect to put in long hours. The needs of the ranch guests must be looked after with a smile, since they are the reason the ranch is in business.
There are no late starts for people working at a dude ranch. If you are scheduled to work, you can expect that your day will start at dawn (if not earlier) and will go on until after dark. You will need to have great stamina to be able to put in these kinds of hours throughout the guest season.
When you are applying for a position, ask whether you will be housed in a bunkhouse, shared room, or a shared cabin. You will also want to know how many staff members you will be sharing your living space with. Male and female staff members will be housed separately.
Meals will also be provided at no cost during your employment period at a dude ranch. Jobs at a dude ranch provide for three meals a day, while others may only provide for breakfast and lunch. Again, you will want to clarify the terms of your employment before accepting the offer.
Staff members who choose to stay for the entire season (from mid-May to September or October) may be given a bonus. This is also important information that you will want to clarify before committing to the position.
Spending the summer on a dude ranch is hard work, but there are benefits as well. During your time off, you may participate in a number of recreational activities, including riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, or playing sports. The opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world is sure to be an interesting experience.
A number of positions are available for people interested in spending their summer working on a dude ranch. You may be thinking that you need to be experienced in working with horses to get hired. This is not the case. Certainly, a dude ranch needs horse wranglers but they also hire for a number of other positions.
You can apply for a position as a cook, baker, food server, or housekeeper. Front desk, groundskeepers, and maintenance workers will also be needed. If you have experience in hiking or fishing, you can get hired as a guide.
Some dude ranches also offer spa services and hire massage therapists. If you love children and are looking for a different type summer employment, look for a dude ranch that needs babysitters.
Dude ranch owners generally have strict policies regarding the use of alcohol on the premises. Some ranches prohibit alcohol use entirely, while others allow staff members to drink in moderation, but only when they are not on duty.
Smoking in front of guests is definitely frowned upon by dude ranch owners. Non-smokers are preferred as far as employees are concerned, while those staff members who smoke are often asked to smoke in designated areas, away from guests. If you are found using illegal drugs on the property, your employment will be terminated immediately.
Spending the summer on a dude ranch is a lot of work, but there are some definite perks. You will be eating the same types of meals as the guests, which means that you will be eating very well. Not having to pay for accommodation means that your hard-earned money stays in your pocket longer. If you are intrigued about this type of summer employment option, why not start looking for a position now?
AUTHOR BIO
A summer dude ranch job can be among the most memorable summer jobs a person has in their lifetime. Dude ranches provide free room and board, decent pay, and discounted or free activities including horseback riding, fishing, river rafting, and hiking. The work hours are long and guest demanding, but workers make new friends and enjoy outdoor adventures. Learn about ranch jobs from Lisa Jenkins on JobMonkey.com.
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