Interested in joining the
EQUI-KIDS team?

Job Title: Barn Staff

Reports to: Barn Manager

Objective: The objective of the Barn Staff is to carry out the duties associated with the feeding, stall care, and maintenance of the program horses and ponies as instructed by the Barn Manager, Assistant Barn Manager, Program Director or Executive Director.

Salary/Terms: Each member of the barn staff will be paid on the 15th (last eligible work on 14th) and last day of the calendar month (last eligible day of work is one day prior) based on shifts worked. Shifts consist of two hours (6:00-8:00 a.m.), four hours (3:00-7:00 p.m.) and others to include, but not be limited to, night checks, lunch feeding, storm coverage, event staffing, as agreed upon with supervisor. Expressed written authorization for overtime due to emergency conditions should be submitted with timesheet for processing for each pay period.

Qualifications:

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have a minimum of one (1) year experience working with horses
• Must have working knowledge and understanding of horses and horse behavior
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be able to take temperature/pulse and have basic medical understanding for equine emergency
• Ability to manage time effectively and manage multiple projects
• Adaptable and flexible in a busy environment
• Must be able to represent EQUI-KIDS in a professional, courteous and cheerful manner
• Must be willing to comply with all employment manual stipulations including timekeeping, drug testing, dress code, time off request processes and anti-discrimination/harassment policies

Responsibilities:

• Provides daily care and feeding of all horses, ponies and other animals on property as scheduled
• Cleans stable area, including stalls, on a daily basis
• Provides water and hay to all horses, ponies and other animals as scheduled
• Administers medications and/or supplements as requested by their managers
• Examines all horses and ponies for lameness, injury or sickness as it travels to/from the barn
• Contacts Barn Manager and/or Assistant Barn Manager and/or Program Director concerning equine and/or human emergency
• Sweeps aisles, remove cobwebs and ensure daily cleanliness of all barn areas
• Responsible to work all shifts assigned or find appropriate staff to cover with manager approval
• Records time daily, following completion of each shift
• Performs other duties as assigned by Barn Manager, Assistant Barn Manager, Program Director and/or Executive Director

Reviews: Periodic evaluations will be made for all employees on an ongoing basis and in written form commencing at one year of employment and each subsequent year.

Job Title: PATH/Therapeutic Program Instructor

Reports to: Program Director

Supervises: Team Leaders, Barn Volunteers and Lesson Volunteers

Objective: To provide mounted and unmounted equine-assisted activities to EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program participants and further the program outreach within the community. Position is salaried, not to exceed 35 work hours per week.

Qualifications:

• Must be a certified instructor through PATH, Intl. accreditation and maintain certification to instruct at EQUI-KIDS
• Must have a current First Aid/CPR certification at all times
• Requires a minimum of three (3) years of instructional experience or internship
• Ability to supervise individuals working with the program (Team Leaders, Lesson Volunteers)
• Must have reliable transportation and maintain a current Virginia driver’s license with ability to transport MEO trailer
• Ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically with others
• Willingness to further education through workshops, clinics and related seminars
• Ability to meet required time commitment to serve as a full time Program Instructor

Responsibilities:

• Provides lesson instruction in a safe, nurturing environment
• Provides polite guidance and direction to lesson volunteers
• Must be familiar with a wide range of disabling conditions and therapies for program clients
• Mentors new Instructors and Instructors in training
• Trains new volunteers in partnership with Volunteer Coordinator
• Coordinates with Team Leaders to determine the number of volunteers needed for each session
• Maintains progress notes for each student after each session and tracks performance
• Maintains a positive, nurturing relationship with parents and guardians of minor riders, as well as adult participants
• Oversees management of barn volunteers, including delegation of assigned duties to ensure barn and turnout facilities are properly maintained by barn volunteers
• Assists in the grooming, tacking and schooling of horses/ponies to be used in the lesson program
• Manages and maintains all equine and barn-related electronic reporting, including horse records, horse care workbook, schooling logs, horse usage logs, monthly stall checks, and review of equine first aid kits and human first aid kits
• Ensures all equine equipment, including saddles, bridles, halters, etc. is in good repair and working order at all times
• Completes check and tack cleaning lists monthly
• Performs barn checks on all animals in the morning
• Assists Barn Manager in care and conditioning of equines
• Responsible for offsite equine-related tasks, including feed runs and medical care
• Reports to the Program Director regarding all lesson/program events
• Assists with promoting EQUI-KIDS at community events (including transport and setup of MEO), engages local schools through onsite speaking engagements, and encourages program development and ridership participation through outreach efforts
• Monitors helmets for expiration dates and condition quarterly and as needed
• Maintain Hurricane Binder located in the Instructor’s office

Reviews: Periodic evaluations will be made to all employees to monitor progress and note any discrepancies or added responsibilities. Annual evaluations are mandatory.