Ranch Lesson Assistants & Instructors

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  This position assists in leading all equestrian staff members to provide a safe environment for all people by knowing, understanding, enforcing all safety policies.  This position assists in leading all equestrian staff members to provide a high quality, engaging, and courteous environment for all.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination.  We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Teach a variety of ages and disciplines using the CHA and the Equestrian Center Herd division standards to help students grow and learn using positive and safe techniques.
2. Keep the ranch area free of all hazards and performing maintenance duties as needed. Responsible for the safety of participants in and around the ranch area.
3. Responsible for properly tacking and grooming horses for trail rides and lessons
4. Create a positive supportive environment for members, volunteers and other staff; leading by example to provide safe, effective, and fun equestrian experiences for all.
5. Mounting and dismounting riders
6. Cleans and inspects tack for wear and tear. Replaces or repairs when necessary.
7. Teaches horsemanship and mounted lessons using positive and safe techniques.
8. Communicate with staff, volunteers, and parents in a positive and supportive demeanor.
9. Complete all required forms and documents completely and promptly.
10. Complete all other jobs as assigned by Supervisor

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence: Understands the perspective of others and selects appropriate communication methods suitable to the individual needs of those receiving message. Interprets language effectively.

• Emotional Maturity – Acts in alignment with organizational values. Remains calm and objective. Accepts responsibility for behaviors.  Leads with empathy for how words impact others.  Accepts feedback.
• Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions diversity by treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect. Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected.
• Functional Expertise – Knowledge and Skill to do the job at a high level. Uses best practices and standards.  Up-to-date knowledge and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must have at least 3-years prior horsemanship experience to include, teaching of lessons, riding horses, horse care, tacking, and handling
3. Must display an overall willingness to do what needs to be done with a positive attitude to provide the best experience possible for our campers, and guests.
4. Must be able to saddle, bridle, groom, and have knowledge of general care of horses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Indoor and frequent outdoor work, including all outdoor weather conditions with frequent exposure to dust, dirt, hay, mud and animal feed
2. Frequently lifts and carries up to 50lbs
3. Frequently assists child and adult riders up to 250lbs onto horseback
4. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; but can occasionally be loud
5. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
6. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids/waste, or tissues; including those of barn animals
7. Sitting and standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing
8. Walking up to 2 miles at a time without a break or rest
9. Verbally communicates to groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings