Equestrian Riding and Horse Care Instructor (summer camp, housing provided)

Join Our Team as an Equestrian Riding Instructor at Camp Augusta

Location: Nevada City, California
Position Type: Full-time, seasonal (May 13th-August 9th)
Compensation: $9,000 plus on-site housing, fresh-made organic meals, paid utilities, and numerous perks!

Are you passionate about working with horses and youth in a fun, collaborative environment? Do you thrive on creativity and bringing new ideas to life, both with horses and within a camp community? Camp Augusta is looking for an Equestrian Riding and Horse Care Instructor to help support our dynamic equestrian program, ensuring both horse care and camper safety while delivering enriching and memorable experiences for our campers.

About the Role:

As an Equestrian Riding and Horse Care Instructor at Camp Augusta, you’ll play a vital role in the execution of our equestrian programming, providing care for our herd of horses, and ensuring our riders’ safety and enjoyment. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong equestrian experience, teaching skills, and creativity, along with a willingness to adapt and grow with the camp.

In addition to supporting our equestrian program, you’ll contribute to the broader camp community by engaging in other camp activities, creating magical moments, and collaborating with a passionate, creative team.

Read more about our EQ program: https://campaugusta.org/portfolio/wonderful_summer_camp_job_with_horses/

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Herd Health & Safety: Support the EQ director(s) in the care of a small herd of 9-10 horses, including feeding, mucking, and ensuring their well-being throughout the summer.
• Program Development & Execution: Assist in the development and implementation of creative equestrian programming, making sure to integrate horses into other camp activities when possible.
• Assess & Match Riders: Use your knowledge of horses’ temperaments and strengths to match each rider with the right horse and activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Equipment & Supplies: Maintain and order supplies for horse care and equestrian activities, including feed, medications, and gear.
• Lead Trail Rides: Learn and explore local trails in preparation for leading safe and enjoyable trail rides.
• Collaborate with the Camp Community: Engage with staff and campers across all aspects of camp, offering fun and memorable experiences beyond just equestrian activities.

About You:

• Equestrian Expertise: You have a solid understanding of horses and their care, and you can assess riders’ skill levels to ensure a high level of safety.
• Creativity & Flexibility: You’re open to new ideas and approaches, finding innovative ways to integrate horses into the broader camp experience.
• Safety First: You’re always aware of potential risks and manage them effectively, while still providing an exciting and engaging program for campers.
• Teaching & Mentorship: You love working with children and have a passion for teaching in a safe, intentional, and fun manner.

Minimum Requirements:

• 19 years or older by June 1st, 2025.
• Available for the full summer: May 13th to August 9th, 2025.
• Able to commit to 5-8 hours/week of pre-camp onboarding (reading materials, training videos, and prep work).
• Must be willing to get a COVID booster before arriving at camp.
• 1-2 years of riding experience in English/Western arena work; comfort in walk/trot flatwork; looking to advance beyond your foundational riding skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certificated Horsemanship Association certification OR 3 years of Equestrian instruction experience. Camp Augusta can help access and pay for CHA training if needed!
• A passion for horses and a strong background in equestrian skills.
• Experience in mentoring and working with diverse youth populations.
• A variety of interesting hobbies, passions, or life experiences to share with the camp community.
• A GPA of 3.0 and enthusiasm for learning
• .

What We Offer:

• Certification Opportunity: Potential to receive CHA Certification (Certified Horsemanship Association), or equivalent certification, with the costs covered by Camp Augusta.
• Housing & Meals: Live on-site in a unique rustic accommodation (platform tent, cabin, or even a treehouse!), with meals made from fresh, locally-sourced organic ingredients.
• Salary & Perks: Take-home salary of $9,000, plus additional perks and benefits, including ongoing training and professional development.
• Read more about perks: https://campaugusta.org/staff/benefits-and-perks/
• Supportive Community: Work alongside a close-knit, diverse group of staff from around the world, fostering a positive, collaborative, and fun working environment.
• Professional Development: 300 hours of training in topics such as child development, communication skills, and group facilitation, offering long-lasting benefits for your personal and professional life.

About Camp Augusta:

Camp Augusta is a nonprofit residential summer camp in Northern California, offering an enriching, creative, and growth-oriented environment for both campers and staff. With a focus on child development, excellent programming, and fostering a strong camp community, we aim to create an experience that’s transformative for everyone involved. Read more about our vision and see why Camp Augusta stands out as a unique summer job opportunity. https://campaugusta.org/vision

We aim to include and celebrate many facets of human identity – gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, and other aspects that make us unique. We are working to craft an inclusive culture founded on ideals of curiosity, honesty, empathy, and acceptance – a place where people are seen and acknowledged for their shared humanity as well as their unique individuality. Read our full Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (DEIB) Statement here: https://campaugusta.org/diversity/

Do you have any questions?

Send us a message on really, and we'll get back to you by the end of the next day! You can also send any questions you have to applications@campaugusta.org.

Feeling ready to apply?

1. Take 5 minutes to fill out our Staff Interest Form: https://campaugusta.org/staff/staff-application/staff-interest-form/

2. Someone from our hiring team will reach out to you within 24 hours.

3. Schedule an Intro Chat with us, and complete a full application!

We can't wait to hear from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal

Pay: $3,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Extended hours

Application Question(s):

• Staff must be present for the entire summer, including staff training.

Will you be available to work the entire summer season: May 13th-August 9th, 2025?
If within a few days, inquire within via really messaging.

• Will you be at least 19 years old by June 1st, 2025?

Note: This is a deal-breaker. If the answer is "no", do not apply.

• We require all staff to be up to date on recent vaccinations. Would you be willing to get a COVID booster - if eligible - at the beginning of summer employment?

NOTE: This is a deal-breaker. If 'no', do not apply.

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,000 - $9,000