Manager of Equine Programs

Job Title: Manager of Equine Programs

Department: Recreation Programs

Reports to: Senior Manager of Equine Programs

Classification: Exempt – Full Time

SUMMARY

Directly supervises the administration, operation and management of program equines and related facilities and equipment. Responsible for the health, well-being and daily care of all program equines and animals on a year round basis. Directly supervises Therapeutic Horsemanship instructors, staff, interns and volunteers who provide animal care. Collaborates with and supports the Achievement Centers for Children and Senior Manager of Equine Programs in the development and implementation of equine services.

ONGOING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to successfully perform each ongoing duty.

1. Promotes a positive image by representing the Recreation Division and the Achievement Centers for Children in a courteous, professional manner.
2. Adheres to all Policies/Procedures in the Achievement Centers for children Staff Handbook.
3. Promotes a team approach within each program and throughout the agency
4. Works in family-centered partnerships with the individuals and families served by the Achievement Centers for Children
5. Practices safe work habits and contributes to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment.
6. Maintains the department to allow for safe, efficient and organized delivery of services.
7. Maintains all equipment in safe working order, notifying supervisor of repairs/replacements as needed.
8. Practices appropriate safety techniques related in Infection Control and Universal Precautions including hand washing and toy disinfecting.
9. Fosters and maintains good public relations with all community sources.
10. Conducts self with professional dignity; understands the importance of good human relations; able to motivate others; and possesses initiative and good judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed. To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. Responsible for overall health, daily care and well-being of program equines, cats and other barn animals, including feed and turnout.
2. Conducts and leads the development of and documents a comprehensive equine training program tailoring care and training regimens to individual horses’ needs and usage within therapeutic programs.
3. Oversee and tend to all equine emergencies, medical care, vet appointments and farrier appointments.
4. Maintains neat, clean, organized and safe facilities, fencing and environment for horses, participants and volunteers.
5. Collaborate with Maintenance Coordinator to ensure the proactive maintenance and operational readiness and safety of all equine related facilities and equipment.
6. Manage and oversee the use of specialized equine equipment, including staff training on proper care and use.
7. Orders hay, grain, shavings, medications and all animal supplies. Manage inventory including following AR policies for invoicing, purchase orders and receipts in a timely fashion.
8. Meets regularly with Senior Manager of Equine Programs to evaluate current and prospective horses.
9. Works with the Asst. Manager of Equine Programs to assist with training classes and addressing areas that relate to horse handling.
10. Assists Senior Manager of Equine Programs and COO as needed for overall program effectiveness and continued development of the program schedule and staffing.
11. Assists Senior Manager of Equine Programs with the coordination and execution of summer camps, school groups, specialty groups, therapeutic horsemanship classes and special events. Including on-site audit to maintain the PATH Premiere Accredited Center status.
12. Support student registration, new participant intakes and rider reassessments.
13. Conduct regular audits of tack sheets and progress notes and serve as the liaison between instructors and families regarding program eligibility, safety and other related concerns.
14. Maintain a sound understanding of the program budget and all business operations of the program.
15. Support Senior Manager of Equine Programs with researching and identifying potential donors and funding opportunities and the management of donor relations for the program and ACC.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Directly supervises the following year-round and seasonal staff: Barn Assistants, Equine Camp Programming Interns, Barn and Maintenance Volunteers, PATH Instructors and Instructors in Training.
2. Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding and training of new program staff.
3. Serves as the communications liaison regarding all equine related issues or updates.
4. Assists in the creation, implementation and updated of policies and procedures as well as conducting annual safety reviews and drills.
5. Leads specialized training protocols in equine therapy techniques and safety practices for all staff and volunteers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS listed below are indicative of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be successful in this position. If your job responsibilities require you to drive your personal vehicle or an Agency vehicle you will be required to maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance as required by state law, and an acceptable driving record.

Education, Training, and/or Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Equine & Facility Management, Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, or a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
2. Equine Management experience using advanced problem solving skills, particularly in emergency situations involving equine health and safety.
3. Proven supervisory and leadership experience, including managing staff and volunteers.
4. Knowledge and experience working with Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Docs.

Personal Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to thrive in a team work environment
2. Public relations and marketing skills
3. Flexibility and willingness to adapt to camp lifestyle
4. Ability to work diplomatically with diverse groups and individuals.

Certifications and Licenses

As soon as reasonably possible after hire:1) Membership in PATH (2) CPR and Red Cross first-aid training (3) Crisis Prevention Intervention Training (CPI) (4) PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (5) Certified Equine Specialist in Equine Assisted Therapy (EAGALA or PATH)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Equine & Facility Management or Veterinary Medicine
2. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Advanced Instructor
3. Previous experience working in a Therapeutic Horsemanship Program
4. Experience working with persons with special needs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS described here are representative of those that must be routinely met by an employee to successfully perform essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. Able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.

2. Work in all weather conditions including outdoors.

3. Ride, lunge and exercise program horses following weight and eligibility guidelines.

4. Load and unload heavy supplies up to 50lbs.

5. Operate camp equipment and some tools.

6. Drive camp vehicles.

7. Actively participate in camp programs and activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee while performing essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

1. On-call 24-hours per day.
2. Requires evening and weekend work.
3. Requires outdoor work in all weather conditions.
4. Some off-site travel required.