Wrangler

THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEDORA FOUNDATION; Medora (ND); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEDORA FOUNDATION seeks a Wrangler for the Medora Stables Crew to lead guided trail rides, participate in Medora Musical events, and maintain the stables and grounds with a focus on guest safety and horse health in the Badlands.

Ideal candidates have at least one year of horse-handling experience, strong English skills, and a customer-service mindset. Outdoor work in all weather across Medora, ND is required.

Qualifications

• At least one year of horse-handling experience including grooming, tacking, riding, and animal behavior.
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred or willing to obtain.
• Fluent in reading, writing and spoken English; bilingual a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with safe driving record preferred.
• Strong safety mindset and exceptional guest service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Guide trail rides and provide interpretive information about the Badlands and Medora.
• Check equipment daily and report defects to supervisor.
• Learn horses’ names and dispositions; maintain saddles and tack.
• Care for horses: grooming, feeding, and stall/pen upkeep.
• Process reservations and ticketing for trail rides; assist with events.

Skills

Verbal communication

Punctuality

Attention to detail

Team player

Safety focus

Adaptability

Guest service

Job description

Description

Our Company

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) is a premier tourism operation and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. TRMF welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year through a diverse lineup of entertainment, historical, and educational attractions. We are committed to connecting people to Medora through positive, life-changing experiences.

Summary/Objective

As a member of the Medora Stables Crew, a Wrangler will report to the Medora Riding Stables Manager. A Wrangler will have a primary day-to-day responsibility to conduct guided trail rides through the Badlands, ride in the Medora Musical, attend camps when needed, and maintain the stables and grounds, while keeping the safety of the guests and the health of the horses as a high priority.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Guide trail rides and inform guests of their surroundings; provide interpretive information about the Badlands and Medora; also provide information regarding all aspects of TRMF, upsell offerings in all departments/venues.
• Check equipment each day before saddling; report any defective equipment to the Stables Manager, Assistant Manager or Supervisor.
• Learn the horses’ names, identities, personalities, and dispositions.
• Properly saddle and unsaddle horses for guided trail rides.
• Clean and maintain the horses’ pens, water tank, and hay trough to ensure health.
• Daily feeding and care for the horses, including grooming as needed or directed.
• Put horses up according to procedures, safely store saddles/tack, and feed is properly maintained, put away, and stored and that all buildings and gates are secure at the end of the day.
• Always be aware of the string on the trail, pay close attention to riders, keep string together, keep rider safety at the forefront.
• Pay attention to and report trail conditions, pending weather conditions, trail hazards, and other trail users that may pose a safety risk to the horses and/or riders.
• Adhere to all safety policies while performing tasks.
• Process reservations and ticketing for trail rides and private rides.
• Greet and direct guests as they visit the Medora Riding Stable for trail rides.
• Handle all guest requests, observations, and complaints in a timely and effective manner, achieving guest satisfaction.
• Maintain the cash drawer at the Medora Riding Stables.
• Participate in workplace safety training sessions and meetings.
• Ride in the Medora Musical and other special events in Medora such as the Fourth of July Parade.
• May assist with the training and socializing of new horses before they go on the trails prior to the season.
• Potentially be called to assist in the operation of any Medora Cowgirl Camps.
• Promote sales of events and services by providing all guests with enthusiastic and accurate information for these offerings.
• Interact and maintain positive relationships with guests, co-workers, and management consistent with TRMF values.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities -

None

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to give instructions to guests and provide interpretive information about the Badlands and Medora.
• Reliable, on time, and ready for every shift.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills.
• Able to work well in a team.
• Adaptability to changes in schedule and procedures.
• Must give exceptional service to all guests.
• Must be able to troubleshoot problems and create solutions if needed.

Required Education and Experience

• At least one year of experience handling horses and proven equestrian skills, including grooming, tacking, riding, and animal behavior.
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred or willing to obtain
• Valid driver’s licenses with safe driving record preferred.
• Work experience to make decisions that will keep our guests and horses safe.
• Must be fluent in reading, writing and spoken English, bilingual a plus.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional trail riding environment. This role continuously requires the employee to work outside in all weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and wind. May be exposed to strong livestock smells and animal waste products. Works with horses to maintain a growth mindset. Occasionally works around chemicals, sharp objects/tools, grease, oil, and mud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.?

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to stand, balance, talk, hear, walk, push or pull and reach with hands and arms, lift/carry up to 50 pounds and the visual acuity to determine safety of workplace and surroundings for themselves and guests. Must be able to see details and use visual acuity in operating the equipment and while riding horses.?
• Walking on trails, up and down hills, for long distances. Physically fit to mount the horse from the ground (not a mounting block). Able to ride at least six hours or more hours per day.

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of TRMF to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, TRMF will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Our Location

• TRMF is in Medora, North Dakota, in the heart of the Badlands and near the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
• Located near the North Dakota and Montana border along Interstate 94, Medora offers convenient access to 110 square miles of rugged natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and regional attractions. Employees have opportunities to experience the surrounding Badlands through activities such as stargazing, biking along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and exploring the Medora area.
• The Life Skills Center serves as TRMF’s central hub of operations and provides a state-of-the‑art campus designed to support employee work, learning, wellness, and community. The facility includes a dining room, fitness center, and designated spaces for music, studying, learning, prayer, reflection, and social connection.