Protected: Equine Specialist

Congo Camp; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Congo Camp is seeking an Equine Counselor to lead safe, engaging horse experiences for campers. You will follow lesson plans, supervise sessions, and help riders build confidence around horses in a calm, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities include grooming, mounted lessons, safety checks, and collaboration with staff to ensure smooth day-to-day camp operations while upholding licensing standards and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience handling and instructing around horses in camp, lesson barn, or school programs.
• Strong group management with calm, clear communication under pressure.
• Solid tack knowledge and basic care/maintenance skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily equine blocks including grooming, ground skills, mounted lessons and pony rides.
• Enforce safety protocols, supervise activities, and maintain orderly areas.
• Perform pre-ride checks and ensure helmet and footwear compliance.
• Teach fundamentals and adapt instruction per director's guidance.
• Monitor welfare of horse and rider and report concerns promptly.
• Set up/tear down areas, keep barns and equipment clean and safe.
• Collaborate with counselors to manage group movement and roles.
• Communicate with camp leadership and complete incident reports as required.
• Meet ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and flexibility; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Horse handling

Group management

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

About the role

Equine Counselors deliver safe, engaging horse experiences using lesson plans and guidance provided by the Equine Manager. You'll focus on instruction, supervision, and safety, helping campers build confidence around horses in a calm, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily equine blocks (grooming, ground skills, mounted lessons/pony rides) as directed by the Equine Director.
• Enforce all barn/arena safety protocols, maintaining constant supervision and clear spacing/commands.
• Perform pre-ride checks and ensure helmet and closed-toe footwear compliance.
• Teach fundamentals (leading, stopping, steering, posture, balance) and adjust instruction per Equine Director guidance.
• Monitor horse and rider welfare, rotating horses per the direction of the Equine Director, and report concerns promptly.
• Set up/tear down activity areas; keep barns, tack rooms, and equipment orderly and sanitary; report supply/maintenance needs.
• Collaborate with Counselors/Junior Counselors to manage group movement and behavior; provide clear roles during sessions.
• Communicate promptly with camp leadership; complete incident/accident reports per procedure.
• Meet or exceed ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards and follow barn policies.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; be punctual, prepared, and flexible; perform other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or designee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience handling and instructing around horses (camp, lesson barn, therapeutic, or school program).
• Strong group management: calm, clear communicator who stays composed under pressure.
• Solid tack knowledge and basic care/maintenance skills (fit checks, simple adjustments/repairs).
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR (or able to obtain before the season and maintain throughout employment).
• Relevant training/certifications are a plus.
• Organized and safety-focused; comfortable working outdoors and able to jog while leading a horse.

Eligibility:

Must be at least 18 by the first day of employment and able to pass required background checks per Virginia regulations.