Equine Program Assistant

Description

REPORTS TO: Equine Program Manager

EMPLOYMENT CLASS: Part Time (20 - 26 hrs/week); Non-Exempt 

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday (hours will vary between 1pm – 6pm)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

• To assist Equine Program Manager in managing and maintaining horses, equipment, and equine facilities.
• To care for horses during Equine Program Manager breaks.
• To assist in horseback riding lessons, summer camp, and group development sessions with students.

PRIMARY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintains the barn, arena, trails, pastures, and equine equipment, including fence repair and maintenance, painting, cleaning, manure removal, mowing, weed-eating, and routine vehicle and equipment upkeep.
• Provides daily horse care according to the schedule established by the Equine Program Manager, including feeding, watering, administering medications, grooming and bathing, basic first aid, and assisting with veterinary care.
• Prepares horses and facilities for therapy sessions, riding lessons, and group development activities, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for participants.
• Teaches or assists with riding lessons and other equine activities for children and families, as assigned, providing appropriate instruction and prioritizing safety, horsemanship, and positive interactions between participants and horses.
• Works directly with children around horses and supports their development of confidence, responsibility, horsemanship skills, and a healthy connection with the animals.
• Completes errands and supply runs as needed, including picking up hay, grain, shavings, equipment, and other barn supplies.
• Assists with volunteer groups and volunteer workdays at the barn, providing direction and helping ensure projects are completed safely and effectively.
• Supports the Equine Program Manager with other equine, facility, and program-related responsibilities as needed.

Requirement

QUALITIES

• Affirms and exhibits a life in line with the Eagle Ranch Statement of Faith
• Able to work independently without always having detailed instructions
• Strong internal work-ethic, as well as good personal character and integrity
• Ability to follow direction and take feedback, as well as think creatively and quickly
• Excellent communication skills

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Demonstrated experience caring for horses and/or livestock, with a strong understanding of equine behavior, horse and handler safety, and safe practices around novice riders.
• Experience working with novice students or participants in an instructional, recreational, or equine setting.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to horse behavior and identify potential safety concerns.
• Knowledge of proper herd management practices, including daily horse care, nutrition, grooming, medication, basic first aid, and maintaining high standards of equine health and welfare.
• Experience operating tractors, farm equipment, and other equipment commonly used in the maintenance of a working barn and property.

Ready to apply? Take the first step and send your resume and cover letter to the attention of Kate Baxter at katebaxter(at)eagleranch.org with the subject line "Equine Program Assistant Application". Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.