Equine Specialist

Position Summary:

The Equine Specialist works under the direction of the Equine Program Manager (EPM) to ensure appropriate and safe equine programming for clients. This individual is motivated to have a positive impact on the lives of youth by helping them to engage meaningfully in growth and learning experiences with horses and other animals. They develop transferable life skills including communication, organization and time management, commitment to safety, teamwork, goal setting, follow through and celebration. The ideal candidate will have a passion for horses, experience as an instructor/trainer, knowledge of stable management, be capable of the physical demands of the role, and have experience working with youth in a residential setting.

Position Functions & Responsibilities:

EAP

• Facilitating horsemanship classes for small groups in coordination with therapist

• Facilitating individual EAP sessions with therapists

• Providing EAL sessions in natural horsemanship, mounted and unmounted sessions

• Demonstrate compassion for people and animals consisted with the trauma informed workplace

Instructor

• Providing individual and small group riding lessons for eligible clients, as determined by EPM

• Ability to safely guide individual and small groups on trial rides

• Working in collaboration with EPM, Program Managers, and support staff to coordinate group horsemanship lessons of large groups of clients

• Match horses and riders for safety and success

Trainer

• Exercising and schooling horses

• Identifying and treating soundness issues

• Inspect tack & equipment for proper fit and safety, including tack cleaning and maintenance

• Use only non-violent training and communication methods when working with horses

Barn Management

• Assisting the EPM in all aspects of horse care, including grooming, bathing, clipping

• Assist the EPM with facilities maintenance and repairs, including fencing and putting in hay, etc.

• Recognition of illness and injuries and reporting to EPM

• Following treatment plans for illness and injuries as directed by EPM

• Supporting and training clients in completing chores

• Completing chores as needed to ensure horses/animals receive quality care

• Assist during emergencies as needed. Ability to make decisions regarding calling a vet should the EPM be unavailable.

• Ensure proper and prompt communication with EMP of any incidents or concerns regarding either client safety in the barn, or horses' behavior that should be addressed.

• Applying knowledge and ability to care for goats and other farm animals.

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge

Required Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to give and receive appropriate and timely communication

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

• Ability to dependably & consistently serve as a positive role model to cleints and peers

• Strong collaboration skills & teamwork ability

• Demonstrates empathy and compassion to support diversity and inclusion

• Proven success operating in dynamic and changing environments

• Demonstrates sound judgment & professionalism

Physical & Cognitive Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical showing the ability to:

• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds

• Must be able to carry 50 pounds for 30 feet

• Must be able to lift 35 pounds over head

• Must be able to traverse irregular, uneven, and steep terrain

• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment

• Must be able to adhere to process protocol

• Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner

Required/Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience working with and riding horses required

• Experience with behavior and group management required

• College degree in related fields preferred (social work, psychology, human services, etc.)

• Certification as an Equine Specialist a plus

• Current CPR & First-Aid Certifications, and Certified BHP a plus

• Must be able to pass extensive background checks, including fingerprinting

• High School Diploma/GED required