Interested in joining the Knob Hill Ranch team?
Knob Hill Ranch offers privately guided horseback tours through Joshua Tree National Park on 253 miles of equestrian trails and corridors that traverse slot canyons, dry washes, and open deserts to reveal spectacular views across the Mojave Desert. We offer riding experiences for all abilities, from beginners to the very experienced, with a focus on education and connection with your horse, and with the land.
To apply to any of our open positions, we ask that you please provide a video of yourself catching, tacking up, mounting/dismounting, and riding a horse in the walk, trot, and canter (youtube link preferred), as well as a letter outlining why this role is appealing to you and how your background makes you a good fit. Please also include a resume and three professional references, at least one of which should be able to provide detail about your experience with horses. Send everything to hello@knobhillranch.com with the job title in the subject line.
Positions will remain open and posted until filled.
Equine Specialist & Horseback Guide Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Equine Specialist & Horseback Guide Manager to oversee the care and wellbeing of our horse herd, manage our team of guides, and uphold our commitment to exceptional guest experiences, safety, and a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
You will report directly to the Owner, and work closely with the Sales & Business Development Manager to uphold the values of Knob Hill Ranch and support the greater mission of bespoke hospitality, environmentalism, and educational horsemanship.
In this role, and in all roles within Knob Hill Ranch, there is the possibility and expectation that sometimes you will be required to help out and accommodate guest services that do not involve riding, such as: setting up/tearing down for events, assisting with meal service, town errands, and other similar duties as it relates to the business.
Key Responsibilities
Horse Herd Management
Our horses are the foundation of our business, and their care and wellbeing is our top priority. As the Equine Specialist & Guide Manager, you will:
Develop and maintain a feeding schedule and nutrition plan tailored to each horse’s needs.
Oversee feed delivery, purchasing, and food budget management.
Manage tack fitting, repair, maintenance, and acquisition, with approvals from upper management.
Schedule and oversee veterinary, farrier, and dental care, ensuring accurate medical records are maintained in a shared system.
Maintain clean and organized stalls, corrals, and tack rooms, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the horses and a guest-friendly space.
Supervise and schedule stall cleaning and general barn chores.
Monitor horse soundness and overall condition, spending time with each horse regularly to ensure their continued health, wellness, and rideability.
Collaborate with upper management on herd size adjustments, including purchasing, rehoming, and vendor relations.
Horseback Guide Staff Management
As a leader, you will be responsible for supervising and developing our guide team while fostering a positive, safety-conscious, and collaborative work environment. In managing the Horseback Guide staff you will:
Setting the standard for a strong work ethic, teamwork, and guest safety, ensuring guides follow suit.
Managing guide schedules and assigning guides and horses to each guest.
Conducting weekly 1:1 meetings with each guide to review successes, address concerns, and discuss opportunities for growth and improvement.
Supporting staff development by identifying areas of interest and skill enhancement related to the business.
Serving as the first point of disciplinary action, following company guidelines outlined in the employee handbook.
Following a Western riding style in discipline, tack, and dress code.
Participating in weekly team meetings with management team, and all staff to discuss key updates, including:
Horse health and herd management (e.g., weight concerns, injuries, scheduling adjustments).
Scheduling or programming changes impacting staff and guests.
Guest updates and other operational considerations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a skilled horse professional with a passion for equine care, expert horsemanship, strong leadership abilities, collaborative, and excellent communication skills. You have experience managing a horse program, supervising staff, and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for both horses and guests.
Desired start date: April 15, 2025. Employee housing available.
Horseback Guide
Position Overview
We are seeking individuals to make up a small crew of Horseback Guides to lead guest rides through Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding areas. The ideal candidate is an expert-level rider with a strong understanding of teaching and managing groups of riders in a trail setting at all speeds (walk, trot, canter), a proven interest in conservation and ecology, horsemanship, a strong work ethic, and will strive to uphold our commitment to exceptional guest experiences, safety, and a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
You will report directly to the Equine Specialist and Horseback Guide Manager, and work closely with the entire team, including other Horseback Guides and Knob Hill Ranch staff on a daily basis.
In this role, and in all roles within Knob Hill Ranch, there is the possibility and expectation that sometimes you will be required to help out and accommodate guest services that do not involve riding, such as: setting up/tearing down for events, assisting with meal service, town errands, and other similar duties as it relates to the business.
Key Responsibilities
Horse Care
Our horses are the foundation of our business, and their care and wellbeing is our top priority. As a Horseback Guide, you are expected to:
Participate in a feeding schedule and nutrition plan tailored to each horse’s needs.
Maintain clean and organized stalls, corrals, and tack rooms, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the horses and a guest-friendly space.
Daily stall cleaning and general barn chores.
Monitor horse soundness and overall condition, spending time with each horse regularly to ensure their continued health, wellness, and rideability, as directed and scheduled by your Manager.
Horseback Guiding
As a Horseback Guide, you are the face of the organization with guests on their rides, and will be expected to give each guest the best possible experience, every time.
Demonstrating a strong work ethic, teamwork, and guest safety, holding yourself and your teammates accountable.
Participating in weekly 1:1 meetings with your Manager to review successes, address concerns, and discuss opportunities for growth and improvement.
Adhering to the terms of the employee handbook.
Following a Western riding style in discipline, tack, and dress code.
Participating in weekly all-staff meetings to stay informed on:
Horse health and herd management (e.g., weight concerns, injuries, scheduling adjustments).
Scheduling or programming changes impacting staff and guests.
Guest updates and other operational considerations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a skilled equestrian professional who is passionate about nature, committed to safety, and thrives in a collaborative team environment, while also capable and confident guiding groups of riders solo. You should have excellent communication skills, enjoy engaging with guests, and feel comfortable providing guidance to ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for both riders and horses.
Employee housing available.