Park Naturalist jobs in Montana

Lone Mountain Ranch (LMR), situated on 148 acres in beautiful Big Sky, Montana, was first homesteaded in 1915 and has long been recognized as one of the premier guest ranch resorts in the country. The property consists of 30 rooms located within 24 unique cabins as well as the Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, event venues and meeting spaces. A National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, LMR is listed on the National Registry of the Historic Places, a member of the Dude Rancher’s Association, and once voted the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier Magazine, LMR offers authentic luxury accommodations, genuine Montana cuisine, exceptional service, and a stunning array of outdoor recreational pursuits. Combine these attributes with proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, as well as Bozeman Airport, and we believe the LMR guest experience is unlike any other in the American West.

LMR Vision: Lone Mountain Ranch is a destination where guests disconnect from the world, while connecting with others through unforgettable adventures in a natural setting. Moments are crafted through discovery, exceptional people, fun activities, and a breathtaking environment.

Position Summary:    The Naturalist is responsible for leading the curation and delivery of world-class activity experiences that safely and fully engage the guests of Lone Mountain Ranch in the vast recreational pursuits available throughout our region. The Naturalist will work with the Activities Manager and Guest Experience Managers to coordinate all elements of the activity program; including training regimens, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, reporting of commercial use on public and federal lands, form submission for special permits, record keeping and regulatory compliance required by the Department of Transportation, inventory management of all outdoor gear and rental equipment, the logistical management and presentation of picnics and outdoor dining experiences according to standards, with all of the above efforts geared towards consistently achieving the highest levels of guest satisfaction.    

Position Qualifications: : To perform this job successfully, the Naturalist must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility in a safe and satisfactory manner, must be punctual and have a good attendance record and have reliable means of transportation to work. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Qualified experience pertinent to hospitality and/or outdoor recreation.
• Valid US Driver’s License required,
• First Aid & CPR Certification (can be completed during the current season)
• Must have excellent guest service and interpersonal skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to carry out oral and written instructions, requesting clarification when needed.
• Must have basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs, and internet navigation.
• Experience working with guests of all ages in the guest service industry preferred.
• Knowledge of the local area preferred.
• Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring preferred.
• Must be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships and perform well in a team.
• Requires an occupationally significant combination of vocational education, apprentice training, on-the-job training, and essential experience in less responsible operator positions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, newspapers, periodicals, journals, and manuals. 
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, business letters, summaries, and reports in English using prescribed format, and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. 
• Ability to speak effectively in English with customers or employees. 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Position Duties include, but not limited to:

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 regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; bend with load in arms and talk or hear. The employee must be able to stand and/or sit for extended periods, run, reach, walk, bend and stoop and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.   Must be able to ascend and descend terrain and navigate uneven and or slippery terrain on skis and on foot. Frequency of the physical functions is based on project and may occur throughout the day or for the entire day.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work effectively in a stressful environment, communicate well with others, effectively deal with guests, and accept constructive criticism from supervisors.
• Must be able to change activity frequently and cope with interruptions.
• Must be able to work when needed, which may include early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work alone and with minimal supervision. 
• Seasonal employees are hired to work for a pre-determined period of less than 12 months. At the end of the temporary period, employment is terminated. If a seasonal employee wishes to be considered for employment following termination, they may reapply but, if hired, they are considered a new employee for all purposes.

Other Important Information:

•    Seasonal Bonus Program:  Hourly employees are able to participate in our seasonal bonus program.  Each hourly employee will receive $1 per hour worked per season and $1.50 per overtime hour worked. Employees who are terminated or resign from their position before the end of each season, will not be able to participate in this program. If the season is cut short due to business levels, the employee will still participate in this program.  Positions that are contracted at a shorter term, like the Outdoor Youth Adventures program, this employee will be able to participate in this program.  All hours worked outside of these seasonal ranges will not apply to this bonus program.  The range for Summer Season is     May 15th to October 15th.

•    Staff Cafeteria: You will have access to our staff cafeteria which provides 3 meals a day, as well as a large selection of grab and go items to suit anyone’s day.

•    Ranch Gratuity: In addition to your hourly rate, you will receive a ranch gratuity unique to us, which averages  $2-$6 per hour worked, dependent on business levels and LMR staffing count.

•    Ranch Wide Activities: We also understand that every full work week requires a little me time. And what better way to unwind than to take advantage of the many summer activities the ranch has to offer? As long as there are openings, you have free access to the following in the summer season: horseback riding, Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, Yellowstone National Park Tours, yoga, and mountain biking.  During the winter months, you will have access to 50 Miles of world renown cross country ski trails right outside your back door.

•    Arrival/Transportation: While we know that we are in one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in America, we also know we are a little off the beaten path. The ranch will provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport, should come to us by air. Once you get on property, you may feel a little altitude. After all, this historic ranch is nestled into this beautiful valley at 6600 ft. so there will be an adjustment period.

•    Uniforms:   Uniforms are provided, but you may need some personal items to go with them.  Please discuss with your hiring manager.