Become a Children’s Wrangler!

Children’s Wrangler Responsibilities

Dude Ranch Children’s Wrangler responsibilities vary between ranches. In general, however, this is what they do:

• Constructing and maintaining a children’s program for pre-schoolers through young teens (5 to 15 years old). Curriculum and lesson plans should be based on introduction and acquisition of skills; and
• Should include fishing, riding, archery, astronomy, baking/cooking, Native American lore, first aid, orienteering, and leatherwork.
• Age-appropriate activities to draw from including pony rides, attending naturalist activities with your young guests, hikes, outdoor and indoor games and crafts, swimming, etc.
• Acting as an advisor to those children who are working on Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit badges.
• Overnighters, family games, and all other children’s activities.
• Ring Master for games
• Note: the Children’s Wrangler also shares all other wrangler duties listed in the “Wrangler” Job Description including feeding on a rotating basis; pulling, tacking, brushing, picking feet, etc., assisting in bussing tables and washing dishes, etc. This position is not appropriate for those who are not strong “team players.”
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Experience working with and enthusiasm about children
• Child care and teaching/leading experience,
• Professional teaching and scouting experience strongly preferred.
• Moderate horseback riding and equine knowledge. Extensive horse knowledge and skills is preferred, as this allows the employee to also assist with wrangling duties.
• Able to lift and carry 85 pounds a minimum of 100 feet while working at altitudes of 8,000 feet or higher
• Drive vehicles with stick shift.
• Able to communicate to kids and parents with tact and clarity, and exhibit a patient and knowledgeable attitude with horses.
• High enthusiasm and energy.
• A genuine love of working with children.