Primary objective of this position is to train our NOLS herd of horses (starting/re-starting young mustangs as well as finishing horses to become beginner-safe). Additionally, willingness and skill to mentor and coach our staff to develop their horsemanship skills and work with these horses is of equal importance in this position. 

Key Logistical Points:

• Location: NOLS Three Peaks Ranch (Boulder, Wyoming)

• Position Type: This is a 3 - 5 month position starting in April or May and ending in August or September (specific dates flexible), 2025.

• Start Date: April/May, 2025

•  Private housing and food is provided on-site, throughout employment, for a small fee. Kitchen and living areas are communal.

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Trainer/Horsepacker do?

• Oversee horse training progression for the NOLS herd in collaboration with Three Peaks leadership team.

• Provide herd briefings & debriefings for Instructor teams.

• Train at least a few horses each day for 3-5 days/week.

• Train staff members in how to work with horses that will both empower staff to learn and grow and benefit the horses. 

• Prepare and conduct re-supply trips in remote mountain settings.

• Assist with vehicle inspections, loading, and transporting people and stock. 

• Support operational logistics and transportation tasks.

• Effectively communicate and work closely and in a team.

• Clean and prepare facilities, as a part of a living and working environment.

• Maintain and develop positive relations with local businesses and community.

• Create a welcoming environment and support students and instructors on courses, as needed. 

• Pack food and equipment into remote areas of the Wind River Mountains, in support of NOLS Rocky Mountain hiking, climbing and mountaineering courses.

• Support courses during their time at Three Peaks Ranch and in the field. 

• Be a resource to instructors, students and visitors during their time at Three Peaks.

• Help out the Three Peaks Ranch team, as needed, with other ranch tasks, including but not limited to: cleaning facilities, developing a strong working community, driving, herd care/management, etc.

Other Responsibilities:

• May supervise others on re-supply trips and at Three Peaks. Oversight of training progression for project horses in NOLS herd. Oversight of staff training (in conjunction with the Leadership team) in how people work with their project horses.  Responsible for driving students, other staff and hauling horses to and from re-supply and course locations. Oversee stock well-being in the backcountry and at Three Peaks Ranch.

• Responsible for petty cash, credit cards, and accounts as necessary.

What makes a great Horse Trainer/ Horsepacker?

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Strong work ethic.

• Effective, open communication skills. 

• Experience in training horses, ability to problem-solve and ask for help/use outside resources to achieve desired results, willingness to continue to learn and grow in their horsemanship skills

• Excitement and willingness to teach people how to train horses

• Self-motivated.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to perform physical labor and lift 80 lb. panniers onto the back of a horse, with assistance.

• Desire to learn, live, and work in a small community, and contribute to a positive working and living environment.

• Must be able to accommodate an ever-changing work schedule, which may include working weekends, 13+ hour days, and 60+ hour weeks.

• Desire to learn and then execute ranch operations and horse-packing practices. 

• Experience in some of the following skills: vetting, shoeing, hauling livestock,  and pasture maintenance.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader. We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• Free outdoor equipment rentals

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Next steps

All you need to do is start the process by clicking on the yellow button on the top right.

You’ll answer some questions that are related to your day-to-day job. After the job closes, your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymized, randomized and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes an interview. 

Additional Information

Pre-Employment Check

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for NOLS vehicle insurance coverage.

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location. Applicants must have legal working rights in the location for the position they are applying for.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.