Equine Program Assistant

REPORTS TO: Equine Program Manager

EMPLOYMENT CLASS: Part Time (20-26 hours/week), Non-exempt

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

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• To assist Equine Program Manager in 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 sessionswith 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.

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@eagleranch.org with the subject line "Equine Program Assistant Application". Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.