Horseback Riding Specialist

Ymca Camp Echo; Michigan; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Meals provided

Job summary

McGaw YMCA Camp Echo seeks a part-time Horseback Riding Specialist to lead horseback programming for youth and family campers during the summer. You will ride instruction, lead trail rides, and help care for horses, living on-site in staff housing.

Responsibilities include maintaining safety, mentoring junior staff, and expanding activities under the Wrangler's direction. Prior riding experience and First Aid/CPR/AED certification are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 per Michigan licensing requirements.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• 1+ years experience working with horses with a strong foundation of equestrian knowledge.
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
• Commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population.

Responsibilities

• Lead instruction during horseback riding activities and lessons.
• Lead trail rides in a safe and instructional manner.
• Care for horses: feeding, watering and medical care as needed.
• Maintain tack and equipment and report needs to Wrangler.
• Mentor less experienced barn staff and volunteers.
• Promote the riding program to staff and campers and lead barn-centered evening programs.

Skills

Horseback riding

Leadership

Youth development

Safety awareness

Job description

Camp Echo Horseback Riding Specialists execute the delivery of all horse programming at camp throughout the summer. At the direction of the Wrangler, Horseback Riding Specialists maintain a safe and healthy working environment for horses and fellow staff while delivering high quality equestrian programming for youth and family campers. Horseback Riding Specialists live on site throughout the summer in staff housing and are responsible for the overall operation and advancement of the Horseback Riding Program at Camp Echo.

Employment Type: Part-time/Seasonal

Reports to: Wrangler, Camp Echo

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Leads instruction during horseback riding activities, riding lessons and all other horseback programs.
• Leads trail rides in an effective, safe and instructional way.
• Facilities the morning care and tack-up of horses for the day’s activities.
• Assists with the feeding, watering and medical care of horses, daily and supports horse care during non-program days.
• Participates in the cleaning of stalls and overall barn area.
• Assists with trail, riding ring, and pasture upgrades and repairs.
• Responsible for upholding safety, community and personal growth for campers and staff in the barn.
• Ensures all equipment and tack is in good and safe working order; reports any maintenance/supply needs to the Wrangler.
• Serves as a mentor to less experienced barn staff and J-staff in general; specific assignments may be made by the Wrangler.
• Promotes the riding program enthusiastically to other staff and campers.
• Leads barn-centered evening programs throughout the summer.
• Supports teen programs in age-appropriate opportunities for horse experiences for their groups.
• Looks for and implements opportunities to enhance and expand horseback riding program activities as deemed appropriate and possible by the Wrangler and Program Director.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Leads the barn orientation of cabin groups, as assigned, on the first day of each session.
• May support the packout of bus lunches during Saska on the last full day of every session.
• Assist with Evening Program/Mid-Session Programs when applicable.
• Works Cabin Group and Saska Trail Rides when assigned by the Wrangler.
• Expected to be present at all-camp programs when horseback riding programs are not in session.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18 per Michigan State Licensing requirements.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• 1+ years experience working with horses with a strong foundation of equestrian knowledge.
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
• Possess a variety of skills and experience working with youth.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL CAMP ECHO STAFF:

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office.
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.

All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.

All McGaw YMCA Camp Echo employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.