Ranch Facilities & Land Management Steward

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout the Role

Metate Ranch is an 800-acre private desert oasis — pristine wilderness, dramatic canyons, lush natural palm oases, and miles of Jeep and hiking trails. As the Ranch Facilities & Land Management Steward, you’ll trade fluorescent lights for open skies and take on the hands-on care of one of the Coachella Valley’s most breathtaking properties.

This is a highly physical, outdoor role where you’ll maintain trails, improve facilities, and care for the land in a rugged desert environment. You’ll work independently while collaborating with a small, dedicated team at Desert Adventures — the premier outdoor adventure company in the Coachella Valley since 1988.

If you’re mission-driven, skilled, and thrive on meaningful, hands-on work, this is the job for you.

LEARN MORE
What You’ll Do

• Maintain trails and land: Trim vegetation, clear debris, restore trails after storms, and keep the property pristine.
  
  
• Operate equipment: Safely use a compact tractor, Gator (ATV), generators, and other ranch tools.
  
  
• Care for water features: Remove arrowweed and reeds, maintain ponds and creeks, and keep pumps functioning.
  
  
• Event support (secondary): A few times per week during peak season, assist with event setup, décor, lighting, campfires, and post-event cleanup.
  
  
• Maintain facilities: Perform general repairs, maintain irrigation and plumbing, handle basic low-voltage electrical work, and build or repair picnic tables, handrails, and walkways.
  
  
• Ensure security: Remove trash and graffiti, keep restrooms clean and guest-ready, and maintain a visible presence on the property.
  
  
• Support improvement projects: Participate in trail upgrades, event space improvements, and long-term property development.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Military service (logistics, equipment operation, or fieldwork)
  
  
• Park operations or natural resource management
  
  
• Trail building or outdoor recreation
  
  
• Facilities maintenance or construction
  
  
• Skilled trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding)
  
  
• Groundskeeping or landscaping (as part of a broader skill set)

Other Requirements:

• Physically capable of strenuous outdoor labor: hiking rugged terrain, lifting up to 75 lbs., climbing ladders, and working in desert conditions (heat, wind, cold).

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

• Valid driver’s license with a clean record.
  
  
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing (we are a drug-free workplace).
  
  

Why Join Us

• $28 — $30/hour + overtime during peak season ($55K–$60K)
  
  
• 401(k) with employer match
  
  
• Competitive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  
  
• Paid PTO and sick leave
  
  
• Flexible summer schedule
  
  
• A clear growth path to Director of Ranch Operations & Land Management
  
  

This is not just another maintenance job — it’s your chance to be the steward of an extraordinary desert property where every day brings new challenges, meaningful work, and the satisfaction of seeing the direct results of your effort.