Equestrian Assistant - Part Time

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The district's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens."

Job Summary

This position provides all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of the Danada Equestrian Center, as well as participates with delivering equestrian programs to the public. This role assists in volunteer training and supervision to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for both horses and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive daily care for horses, including cleaning, feeding, watering, grooming, observation, first aid, routine medical treatments, and recording information.
• Prepare and feed horse diets according to the supervisor's guidelines.
• Administer medication and provide medical treatment under the supervisor's direction.
• Monitor horse health by observing various indicators, report abnormalities, and provide end-of-shift notes.

• Recommend changes to diet, facility, herd organization, behavior, and other related matters to the supervisor.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, such as moving bales of hay and straw, bedding, and feed bags, handling wheelbarrows, hoses, and other equipment.
• Conduct minor repairs and upkeep as needed to maintain the facility's functionality and appearance.
• Operate equipment, including tractors, manure spreaders, mowers, string trimmers, power tools, and hand tools, to perform various duties as required.
• Monitor the condition of the facility, equipment, and supplies.
• Manage equipment and supplies inventory and initiate work orders, supply orders, and emergency repairs as needed.
• Lead, train, and supervise volunteers in performing general duties, work groups, and special events.
• Actively participate in the development and delivery of educational programs.
• Engage with visitors and participants to informally share knowledge about equestrian care and related topics.
• Collaborate with other district departments and external vendors when assigned to joint projects.
• Assist supervisor with the selection of staff, schedule, train, provide guidance, and communicate day-to-day work activities, department expectations, and work rules. Relay and provide input regarding work performance, training needs and growth opportunities while promoting morale.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the district's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• High School Diploma/GED required; 1-3 years of related experience in the daily care and handling of horses and maintenance of equipment; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's license in good standing.
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or obtain within 6 months.
• Knowledge of general equine care and handling methods, including behavior, anatomy, and the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of injury and illness.
• Understanding of occupational hazards and adherence to safe work practices.
• Proficiency in working with tools and equipment, including power tools.
• Proficient in documenting observations in a thorough and objective manner.
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, especially in engaging with others and responding to animal behavior problems and emergency situations.
• Comfort and competence in working with and around potentially dangerous machinery and equipment.
• Capability to work in close proximity to potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, allowing for courteous, respectful, and productive interaction with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and participants.

Schedule: Saturday 8-1pm, Sunday 8-1pm, Monday 8-1pm

Pay: $20.79 - 22.71 per hour.

Benefits: Deferred Compensation, Credit Union, Employee Assistance Program.

Location: Danada Equestrian Center.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.