The Bar W Guest Ranch | Dude Ranch Employment | MT
The Bar W Guest Ranch - Whitefish MT - Employment

What it is like to work at the Bar W

Dude and Guest Ranch Montana

 

The Bar W Guest Ranch - Core Values - Whitefish MT

We Create a Positive Environment:

Here at the Bar W Ranch we have fun, alot of fun; always striving to support one another, encourage everyone from the youngest to the oldest of our guests, laugh often and never take ourselves to seriously!


 

The Bar W Guest Ranch - Core Values - Whitefish MT

We Connect People:

Connecting people and building relationships, this is what we do and we love it! You will immediately feel a sense of belonging when you meet the Bar W family. Our staff is warm and welcoming ecouraging our guests to try new things and grow through fun experiences on the ranch.


 

The Bar W Guest Ranch - Core Values - Whitefish MT

We Do What We Say:

Our staff exudes integrity in everything they do, asking what is the right thing and being committed to the Win-Win in every situation. And they do that for every person on the ranch making sure to circle back constantly adjusting and making sure everyone feels valued, secure, safe and having the time of their lives.


 

Bar W Employment

Live, Work and Play!

Bar W staff housing is located on-site, at the ranch. Bar W provides beautiful, clean, and comfortable housing for staff. There is a stunning lounge area with a pool table, big couch, and TV. Enjoy a full, modern kitchen in staff housing. The bathrooms are immaculate. Cozy bunk rooms line the hallway, and all staff eat three meals a day in the impressive dining center, the Horseshoe.

Bar W takes pride in taking good care of staff. There are activities and events planned exclusively for the ranch staff. In previous years, staff went off-site and enjoyed laser tag, whitewater rafting, dinner on the town, and more. It's imperative we take care of our staff so they can take care of our guests!

 

2026 Employment Opportunities

If you're interested in working at the Bar W Guest Ranch for the 2026 season, please complete our New 2026 Employee Application. Please return your completed application, along with your resume to staffing@thebarw.com We look forward to hearing from you!


Don’t hesitate to contact Bar W with any questions on employment opportunities.

 

Maintenance

Title: Maintenance Staff
Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Pay Range: $14-$16
Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:

As a member of the Ranch’s maintenance team, your high energy and quality driven approach to all that you do will ensure the ranch’s image is maintained as a high quality, professional, guest focused facility as seen through the eyes of the guests. From interacting with guests to tackling repairs and improvements, your enthusiasm will enhance the overall experience for everyone. Responsible for the day-to-day care, organization, and cleanliness of the vehicles, grounds, shop, all buildings structures, and systems.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a first priority is crucial.

Maintenance Duties:

  • Provide each guest; big or small with an unforgettable adventure by sharing stories, eating with the guests, joining in activities during the day and in the evening.  These interactions will help make our Core Values come to life:  Connections, Doing What We Say and proving a Positive Environment.
  • Lawn care:   mowing, weeding, trimming, and watering.
  • Fence repair and maintenance
  • Equipment repair and maintenance
  • Carpentry, both building and repair work
  • Plumbing repair and maintenance
  • Sprinkler system operation, repair, and maintenance
  • Operating machinery to move materials, cut brush and level terrain.
  • Hooking up, inspecting, and driving a truck and trailer
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of vehicles, grounds, shop and all building structures.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Personal requirements

  • Be outgoing, engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.
  • Have good communication and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to lift objects weighing 100 lbs.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, squat, twist, reach repeatedly without restriction.
  • Be flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities and assignments.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must be over 21 to drive vehicles off site.
  • First-Aid and CPR certification preferred.
  • Maintain a presentable image around guests.
  • Self-starter, follows directions and a team player.
  • Willingness and ability to learn new skills.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Guest Relations

Title: Guest Relations Staff
Reports To: Guest Relations Coordinator
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:
The Guest Relations Staff sets the stage for providing our guests a great western experience. This position is responsible for providing interesting evening guest activities, airport shuttle services and importantly engaging guest interactions.

This role is the front line of guest hospitality, you are the first and last face of the ranch. Staff will seek to make strong guest connections and go above and beyond for our guests. Responsible for implementing our guests’ non-equine activities, guests needs, help with shuttles, kids program, staffing the gift shops, and cross trained to help with other ranch tasks.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Provide each guest; big or small with an unforgettable adventure by sharing stories, eating with the guests, joining in activities during the day and in the evening. These interactions will help make our Core Values come to life: Connections, Doing What We Say and proving a Positive Environment.
  • Facilitate a great guest experience and make strong guest connections.
  • Seek to thoroughly understand and follow Bar W Guest Relations Process and Procedures.
  • Assist in leading the guests during evening activities from beginning to clean up.
  • Drive Guest Shuttles
  • Secure guest provisions as directed.
  • Responsible for the safety component of each activity, whether daytime, non-equine, or evening.
  • Work occasionally in Trading Post and Hitching Post gift shops.
  • Internal communication between departments based on guest needs as well as external communication with the guests.
  • Help other departments as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Be outgoing, engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.
  • Self-starter who can lead by example.
  • Must have excellent people and communication skills.
  • Present a clean-cut image with guests.
  • Adaptable to change.
  • Must have valid driver’s license and be over the age of 21 to drive shuttles.
  • First aid and CPR certification preferred.
  • Give clear direction and communicate to guests how to participate in activities safely.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

Kids Program

Title: Kids Program Lead
Reports To: General Manager
Pay Range: $16-$18/hour
Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:
Lead the Bar W Guest Ranch Kids Program for ages 2 – 6 (Cowpokes) and 7 -12 (Outlaws) to provide an enjoyable western experience for the kids visiting the Ranch. This person will lead, manage, and hold their team members accountable to provide this experience for the guests in our Kids Program. Our Kids Program runs from June to mid-August.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Provide each guest; big or small with an unforgettable adventure by sharing stories, eating with the guests, joining in activities during the day and in the evening. These interactions will help make our Core Values come to life: Connections, Doing What We Say and proving a Positive Environment.
  • Manage the Process and Procedures of this department and train team members accordingly.
  • Execute the approved Kids schedule.
  • Communicate with parents as needed about the Kids Program and activities.
  • Facilitate a great kid and parent experience.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of children’s behavior and basic needs.
  • Troubleshoot issues during activities.
  • Check equipment for safety and functionality prior to activities scheduled.
  • Prepare, set up and participate in daily activities and delegate tasks as needed to staff.
  • Keep an accurate inventory of all Kids Program equipment - repair, organize, and clean as needed.
  • Maintain and clean Kids Room and play area.
  • Manage children’s behaviors for safety of themselves and others.
  • May work in other departments during non-active times.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Be engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.
  • Enjoy working with children of all ages.
  • Experience working and teaching kids of all ages in group settings preferred.
  • Must have excellent communication skills.
  • Able to problem solve on the spot.
  • Have excellent time-management skills.
  • Physically able to be active throughout day.
  • Must be able to lift to 40 pounds.
  • Maintain presentable image in front of guests.
  • First aid and CPR certifications preferred.
  • Live by the Bar W Core Values.

Title: Kids Program Counselor
Reports To: Kids Program Lead
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour
Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:
Facilitate activities within the Bar W Kids Program for ages 2 – 6 (Cowpokes) and 7 – 12 (Outlaws) to provide an enjoyable western experience for the kids visiting the Ranch. Our Kids Program runs from June to mid-August.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Provide each guest; big or small with an unforgettable adventure by sharing stories, eating with the guests, joining in activities during the day and in the evening. These interactions will help make our Core Values come to life: Connections, Doing What We Say and proving a Positive Environment.
  • Follow the Process and Procedures for all activities within the Kids Program.
  • Help to set-up, execute, and clean up each activity.
  • Facilitate a great kid and parent experience.
  • Teach kids how to do each activity safely, while having fun.
  • Encourage kids to join in activities.
  • Assist in keeping Kids Room clean and organized.
  • Assist Kids Program Lead with daily tasks as needed.
  • Manage children’s behaviours for safety of themselves and others.
  • May work in other departments during non-active times.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Be engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.
  • Self-starter who can lead by example.
  • Experience working and teaching kids of all ages in group settings preferred.
  • Must have excellent people and communication skills.
  • Maintain presentable image around guests.
  • Able to problem solve on the spot.
  • First aid and CPR certifications preferred.
  • Physically able to be active throughout day.
  • Must be able to lift to 40 pounds.
  • Live by the Bar W Core Values.

Housekeeping

Title: Housekeeping Staff / Kitchen Staff
Reports To: Housekeeping Manager
Pay Range: $14-$16 Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:

The Housekeeping Staff will make connections with our guests while providing a clean, comfortable environment for our guests throughout the Ranch. The Housekeeping Staff is responsible for the day-to-day cleanliness of the ranch, including all guest accommodations, common areas, porches and decks, and staff common areas. On an as needed basis, the Housekeeping Staff will assist in the Kitchen.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Housekeeping Staff Duties:

  • Demonstrate a full commitment to providing the best possible positive experience for guests.
  • Example of duties, but not all-inclusive:
    • Making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms, bathrooms and hallways, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping of surfaces, etc.
    • Cleaning windows
    • Laundry, including stain treatment
    • Restocking and filling paper products and toiletries
    • Notifying Housekeeping Manager when supplies are low
    • Trash removal
    • Tidiness of Ranch property
  • Using equipment and cleaning chemicals appropriately and safely.
  • Follow Housekeeping Process and Procedures
  • Report any housekeeping concerns or issues to the Housekeeping Manager.
  • Assisting in the Kitchen includes kitchen and dining area cleaning and stocking.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Personal requirements

  • Be outgoing, engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.
  • Must have good people and communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Maintain presentable image around guests.
  • Live by the Bar W Core Values.

Equine

Title: Wrangler
Reports To: Equine Department
Pay Range: $14-$16/hour
Seasonal Position

At Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:
Wranglers provide enjoyable and safe rides for the guests as well as instructing lessons and other arena riding. Wranglers are also responsible for the day-to-day care, organization, and cleanliness of the corral, horses, tack, equipment, arenas, catch pens, hay and manure clean up. Wranglers will lead guests in Ranch activities when not riding.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Wrangler Duties:

  • Provide each guest; big or small with an unforgettable adventure by sharing stories, eating with the guests, joining in activities during the day and in the evening. These interactions will help make our Core Values come to life: Connections, Doing What We Say and proving a Positive Environment.
  • Demonstrate a full commitment to providing the best possible experience for guests.
  • Catch, groom, feed, and saddle horses.
  • Conduct fun and safe rides for the guests.
  • Be in control of your ride and staying alert for any safety issues.
  • Follow the process and procedure for any horse, guest, or staff incidents.
  • Portray a good example of teamwork to the guests and other team members.
  • Maintain a gentle, professional, and educational tone at all times when working with both animals and people.
  • Assist in maintaining fences and corrals as needed.
  • General ranch chores: cleaning stalls, cleaning and caring for tack. Hauling and stacking hay, etc.
  • Assist with minor veterinary care as needed: worming, vaccinating, minor wound, or injury care.
  • Follow and enforce riding guidelines and policies for staff and guests for working with horses, conducting rides, and feeding.
  • Lead guests in various activities during the day and participate in evening activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Be outgoing, engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic, with good communication skills.
  • Physically able to get on and off horses of varying heights multiple times during a ride, without the use of a mounting block.
  • Maintain a presentable western cowhand image around guests.
  • Ability to lift over 50 pounds repeatedly.
  • First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
  • Be an experienced rider that is confident and comfortable riding a lot of very different horses, and riding at all 4 gaits. Able to be on offsite rides for more than three hours with little to no cell coverage.
  • Possess ability to lead guests in activities, i.e. skeet shooting, 3D archery, singing, storytelling, western dancing, guitar playing, etc.
  • Able to hook up trucks, inspect trucks and trailers, and able to drive a truck and trailer preferred. Will need to be 21 to drive truck and trailer off ranch, with a valid driver’s license.
  • Possess a working knowledge of horses, western tack, and ranch work.
  • Live by the Bar W core values.

*In order to be considered for the position please submit a video (no more than two years old) demonstrating the following. (Any additional riding footage or equine skills is always appreciated).

  • Short intro telling us who you are.
  • Catching, leading, and grooming a horse
  • Saddling and bridling
  • Mount and dismount the horse from the ground.
  • Riding the horse at a walk, trot, and lope (canter).

Kitchen

Title: Cook
Reports To: Head Cook
Pay Range: $17-$19 Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for assisting in providing a positive dining experience through delicious meal options in a timely manner. The Cook assists in the day-to-day organization, preparation, and cooking of meals as well as the day-to-day care, maintenance, and cleanliness of the kitchen, food storage areas, food prep stations, and kitchen equipment.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Kitchen Assistant Duties:

  • Assist the Head Cook or Assistant Head Cook as directed with timely preparation of the approved Bar W menu.
  • Assist cleaning the kitchen and dining room.
  • Assist in restocking the kitchen communicate low inventory to Head Cook.
  • Follow Serv Safe and other sanitary practices.
  • Follow the Process and Procedures of the kitchen.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Ability to prioritize details in a fast-paced environment.
  • Good observational and communication skills.
  • Maintain a presentable image in the kitchen and around guests.
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification preferred.
  • Live by the Bar W Core Values.

Title: Kitchen Assistant / Housekeeper Assistant
Reports To: Head Cook
Pay Range: $14-$16
Seasonal Position

At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came with, the other guests, nature, and to themselves. You would be integral in facilitating connection with guests by eating meals with them, sharing your story, listening to them, and spending time engaging at the evening activities.

General Responsibilities:

Assist in providing a positive dining experience thru delicious meal options in a timely manner. The Kitchen Staff works with the cooks to assist in the timely preparation of all meals as well as the cleaning of the kitchen and dining area. On an as needed basis, this position will assist in Housekeeping duties.

The Bar W prioritizes safety so operating and acting with safety as a priority is crucial.

Kitchen Assistant Duties:

  • Assist in getting food out to the dining room, monitor the food in order to keep food hot and plentiful for diners.
  • Bring in dirty dishes and bring out clean dishes.
  • Follow the Kitchen Process and Procedures.
  • Assist the cooks with food preparation.
  • Assisting with the dining area cleaning and stocking.
  • Assist with dishes, cleaning of kitchen and trash removal.
  • Assist with Housekeeping duties on an as needed basis.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personal Requirements:

  • Must have good people and communication skills.
  • Maintain presentable image in the kitchen and around guests.
  • Live by the Bar W Core Values.

 

Bar W Guest Ranch for Kids

Employee Lodging Gallery

Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT
Family Week at the Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish MT

The Bar W Guest Ranch

2875 Highway 93 West
Whitefish MT 59937

Phone: (406) 863-9099
 

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The Bar W Guest Ranch - Whitefish Montana - Dude Vacation Ranch