Yellowstone National Park Guide - Summer Season 2025

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.

SUMMARY

The Naturalist at Lone Mountain Ranch plays a key role in guiding guests through unforgettable outdoor experiences in the spectacular landscapes surrounding Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, and the breathtaking areas in between. This position is ideal for an adventurous, knowledgeable individual with a passion for the outdoors. As a Naturalist, you will have the opportunity to lead a variety of engaging activities, sharing your expertise about the region’s rich wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Your guidance will help guests connect deeply with the environment while ensuring their safety and delivering an exceptional experience. 

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and skilled professional with a deep knowledge of the local landscapes and a genuine passion for outdoor recreation. You will be responsible for not only leading trips and activities but also for inspiring and educating guests, all while managing the challenges that come with an outdoor setting. If you thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to share the wonders of nature, this is the perfect opportunity for you. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead outdoor activities, guiding guests through trips in the areas surrounding Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, and the diverse landscapes in between.
• Drive guests to various outdoor destinations and activity sites, ensuring safety during transport.
• Provide expert knowledge of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and natural history.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed and maintain a focus on risk management throughout activities.
• Engage guests through friendly and informative communication, enhancing their outdoor experience.
• Promote the Ranch’s outdoor programs and experiences, ensuring guests are aware of all available opportunities.
• Assist with gathering guest feedback after activities to continually improve experiences.
• Maintain and care for outdoor equipment, ensuring it is in top condition for guest use.
• Support social media and marketing efforts by contributing content related to the outdoor activities.
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to ensure smooth operations and excellent guest service.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Relevant experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, or hospitality.
• Valid US Driver’s License.
• Comfortable driving a 15-passenger vehicle to transport guests to activity locations.
• Must be 21 or older for insurability purposes.
• First Aid & CPR Certification (can be completed during the season).
• Strong guest service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the local area and its outdoor offerings is required.
• Experience in teaching, coaching, or mentoring is a plus.
• Ability to lead groups in outdoor settings and manage guest expectations.
• Basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and internet navigation.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating manuals, and related documentation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, including hiking and skiing.
• Flexibility in work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with minimal supervision.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or without notice.  

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 future employment, they may reapply but will be considered a new employee for all purposes.

HOURLY EMPLOYEE & SEASONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

In addition to a great hourly wage, we think Lone Mountain Ranch offers more opportunities than most!

• Seasonal Bonus Program:
  • All hourly employees will be 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. 
• Staff Cafeteria:
  • We also want to keep you hydrated and nourished. 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.
• 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? If 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.
• Discounted stay in the cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch: 
  • If you book a cabin in advance, you will receive 25% off the current best available rate. Alternatively, if you wait until 14 days before your stay, you can book at a special employee rate of $100 per room, per night, meaning a one-bedroom cabin costs $100 per night and a two-bedroom cabin costs $200 per night. Please note, this rate does not include taxes, fees, and gratuities. This discounted rate is exclusively for employees and applies to the Bed & Breakfast package. All requests will be reviewed by Auric Road. Requests will be reviewed Monday - Friday. Once approved, the employee will be contacted, and the booking will be processed with the Lead Sales & Reservation Agent. Requests are based on availability. Blackout dates do apply. 
• Arrival
  • 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 you come to us by air. 
• Uniforms:
  • Receive free uniforms from the ranch and you’re ready to become a valuable member of the Lone Mountain Ranch team!
• Opportunity to move to Full-Time, Regular Status and receive additional benefits.
  • If you remain with us for 1 full year and worked a minimum of 1560 hours during our 12-month lookback period (that takes place at the end of each year), you are eligible to move to full-time status. Full-time status means Vacation and Sick pay, medical, dental, life and vision insurance. This will be effective the first of the month following 30 days of your full-time employment hire date or status. The Ranch will pay for 80% of the premiums for employees and any dependents. Employees will be responsible for paying the remaining 20% of the premiums. Payment is deducted automatically from the employee’s semi- monthly paycheck at a pre-taxed rate.