Rockford Park District
Location
Rockford, IL | United States
Job description
Department: Lockwood Park Office Location: Perks Family Equine Center Reports To: General Manager, Lockwood Park and Trailside Equestrian Center FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Description: Promotes a therapeutic atmosphere for youth to enjoy and work with horses through safe experiential activities. Creates an ethical and safe environment for our equine partners to live and work.
Duties: Ensures quality and humane equine and animal care for those participating in operational activities at the Perks Family Equine Center (PFEC). Upholds quality animal-based programming for the public through sustaining high standards in equine care and training. Develop and execute individualized schooling and conditioning programs for every horse on the property. This includes groundwork and mounted work. Follows horse training procedures to maintain standard equine performance levels necessary to ensure the safety and suitability of horses used in program. Work with team members and facilitators on learning dispositions of the equine used in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). Responsible for the continued education of team members on equine behavior and psychology. Address and correct any horse behavior concerns in a timely fashion. Evaluate and acquire new horses for the PFEC. This includes phone interviews with the owner, on-site evaluation, trial period training and evaluation, brand inspection, and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed. Monitors equine and animal behavior in programs and evaluates readiness to be integrated into programming. Analyze horse dispositions and anticipate any possible behavioral problems and training accordingly. Diagnosis of lameness, injury or disease of horses and work with the Equine and Farm Animal Supervisor on scheduling veterinary care. Coordinate, supervise, train, evaluate and recognize any staff and/or schooling team and conditioning team members.
Associates degree in Equine, Agriculture Education, or related field, plus three to five years professional experience in equine barn management or equivalent equine medical experience. A background in natural horsemanship, equine training and conditioning required. Experience working with budgets is a plus.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
Professional experience in mounted and unmounted equine training, conditioning, and behavior management. Extensive experience with and training using the principles of natural horsemanship. Experience utilizing a round pen for training work with equine. Experience with Equine Assisted Activities. Knowledge of Agricultural Practices and general stable management . Experience and awareness of all safety concepts. Extensive training, understanding, and experience in horsemanship techniques. Extensive animal and horse care experience. Knowledge of supervisory skills and techniques. Experience with operating farm equipment. Ability to maintain a positive teaching relationship with all types of staff, volunteers and students. Knowledge of Rockford Park District policies and safety standards. Excellent Customer Service. Must be a team player. Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Eligible for all Full Time benefits including: Medical, Family Coverage, Dental, Vision, Life, Health Spending Accounts, Flex Spending Accounts, & more.
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