Senior Wrangler / Lead Wrangler (Level 3)

Western Camps, Inc. is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Operating under the names Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center, and River Way Ranch Camp, we offer a range of programs and services that emphasize personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

The Level 3 Wrangler is the senior-level wrangler within our Stables Department and serves as a trusted leader and resource for fellow wranglers. While this is not a management position, the Level 3 Wrangler leads by example and helps ensure our horses, guests, students, and staff are safe, supported, and having an exceptional experience.

This role is ideal for an experienced horseperson, trail guide, riding instructor, equine instructor, senior wrangler, or outdoor education professional who combines advanced horsemanship with strong leadership, teaching, and guest-service skills.

Our Stables Department is much more than trail rides and riding lessons. Throughout the year, we provide Outdoor Education programs, school field trips, horse experiences, guest activities, and summer horse camps. We are looking for someone who understands that creating meaningful experiences for people is just as important as providing excellent care for our horses.

• Serve as the lead wrangler and primary point of contact when the Stables Manager is unavailable.
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Support and mentor Level 1 and Level 2 Wranglers.
• Help train new employees and reinforce department expectations.
• Promote teamwork while fostering a positive and respectful work environment.
• Take initiative and confidently make day-to-day operational decisions within department guidelines.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and communicate them effectively to the Stables Manager.

• Independently teach Outdoor Education horse classes.
• Lead engaging educational experiences for school groups, campers, and guests of different ages.
• Adapt instruction to different learning styles and age groups.
• Assist with developing and improving Outdoor Education curriculum.
• Maintain class materials and communicate supply needs.
• Communicate student, teacher, and guest concerns appropriately.

• Demonstrate advanced horsemanship, horse handling, and equine safety skills.
• Safely lead trail rides and guest riding experiences.
• Recognize changes in horse behavior, soundness, health, or temperament.
• Assist with evaluating horses for lessons, trail rides, camps, and Outdoor Education programs.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Safely harness, hitch, and operate driving horses when assigned.
• Maintain high standards of horse welfare and daily care.

• Advanced knowledge of horse behavior, handling, horsemanship, safety, and welfare
• Experience safely handling a variety of horses with minimal supervision
• Experience leading trail rides, riding programs, or horse experiences
• Experience teaching, instructing, mentoring, or working with children and groups
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional customer-service skills
• Calm, sound judgment in changing or emergency situations
• Professionalism, reliability, initiative, and accountability
• Ability to assess horse, rider, trail, weather, and environmental conditions and make sound safety decisions
• Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and continue developing professionally
• Availability for afternoons, weekends, holidays, and seasonal programs