COMMUNITY SERVICES SPECIALIST I (SELECTIVE CERT - EQUESTRIAN) AFSCME LOCAL 459 (PAY GRADE 14)

New-Castle-County-Government; Arundel (DE); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

New Castle County Government seeks a general maintenance worker to perform a range of tasks at the county facilities, including the equestrian center. The role involves caring for horses, feeding, grooming, cleaning stalls, and assisting with pasture management.

Candidates must be able to lift heavy objects, follow instructions, and work under varying weather conditions. A high school diploma or GED is required, with on-the-job training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of and ability to work with horses.
• Ability to learn a variety of maintenance and manual tasks.
• Ability to perform minor mathematical calculations.
• Ability to lift heavy articles.
• Ability to understand simple oral instructions; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance duties at county facilities, including the equestrian center.
• Feeds, grooms, and cleans stalls; manages pastures and horses as instructed.
• Cleans barns and stables, replenishes bedding, and prepares horses for rides or public events.
• Assists in planting and mulching around trees, shrubs, and flowers; moves equipment as needed.

Skills

Horse handling

Maintenance tasks

Math calculations

Heavy lifting

Oral and written communication

Work under varying weather

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs general maintenance duties involving seven-day coverage relating to special facilities of New Castle County Government; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs routine work relating to special facilities of New Castle County Government. The duties require the ability to do heavy physical labor efficiently. This employee works under direct supervision of the Barn Managers. The details of each specific assignment are laid out and the work is checked upon completion. An employee in this class must express a willingness to learn and prepare for assignments of progressively increasing difficulty. This employee will be required to work a rotating shift and hours which shall include early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Performs general maintenance duties at any of the County's facilities, in particular
• NewCastleCounty'sequestriancenter;
• Watershorsesandmeasures,mixes,andapportionsfeedandfeedsupplements
• accordingto feedinginstructions;
• Dailyinspectionofhorsepastures,fencing,barns,andstalls;
• Generalrepairstoelectricfence,generalpasturemanagement(fillingholes,removingdebris);
• Cleaningout ofthehorsesrun-inshedinpastures;
• Operatesballfieldequipmenttogroomandcareforindoorandoutdoorarena; Exerciseshorsesasneeded;
• Handwalksorexerciseshorsesonmedicaltreatmentinrecoveryafterappropriate
• training;
• Feedsappropriatehay,asrequired;
• Washes,brushes,trims,picksfeetandcurrieshorses'coatstocleanandimprove
• theirappearance;
• Cleansbarnsandstables,replenishesbedding,andstacksloosehayandbalesof
• hay;
• Turnshorsesoutandbringstheminfromthepasture;
• Unloadsandstoresfeedandsupplies;
• Cleanssaddlesandbridlesandotherrelatedridingequipmentandchecksfor
• defects;
• Prepares horses for public riders by properly tacking them up as scheduled and requested;
• Assists children to mount pony, and leading of pony for rides;
• Moves furniture and equipment, organizes tack, and related equestrian equipment; Assists in planting and mulching around trees, shrubs, and flowers;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service; Operates a personal computer, and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Some knowledge of and ability to work with horses; some knowledge of or ability to learn a variety of maintenance and manual tasks; ability to perform minor mathematical calculations; ability to lift heavy articles; ability to understand simple oral instructions; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; willingness to perform heavy manual and sometimes routine work for an extended period under varying weather conditions; ability to pass a Class II County physical examination.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

At least six months general work experience, and completion of a standard high school course or GED certificate program; at least six months experience with horses including leading horses, grooming horses, and cleaning stalls; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Successful passing of hands-on test of horse experience. Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent where the duties of the position include driving a vehicle; ability to pass a security check to include fingerprinting and a Child Protection Registry clearance in compliance with the Child Protection Act.

Laura McDermott

Office of Human Resources

[e-mail]