Program Assistant Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Turn your love of horses and the outdoors into an unforgettable experience for others. As a Guided Trail Ride Lead, you'll lead riders through Jester Park, support a strong team, and help create safe, confident, and memorable adventures on horseback. Under general supervision, provides instruction on safe riding practices and techniques, horsemanship, and the proper care and treatment of horses to the public during programming.

Schedules use, maintains records related to wellness, driving, and/or riding program activities; assist in the development and implementation of programs; assists in the care of horses, cleaning of stalls, and removal of manure. Reports to the Equestrian Services Team Lead as directed. Illustrative Examples of Work 1.

Provides both individual and group instruction on safe horsemanship practices and techniques, grooming, saddling, and related horse care, and horse behavior to persons with varying experiences and familiarity with horses; demonstrates mounted and unmounted techniques as needed; provides suggestions to participants to improve their skills. 2. Selects and prepares horses for programs, assessing each horse to determine its suitability for the type of program being offered and the experience level of the participant; continually evaluates and identifies any potential behavioral or health issues impacting the horse's suitability for programs and takes remedial action as necessary.

3. Develops and implements for individual and group programs ranging from basic to advanced riding skills and horsemanship instruction; modifies plans as required to adjust to the participants' needs and previous experiences. 4.Collects, maintains, and prepares documents and records including but not limited to release forms, participant attendance, horse health and behavior, and facilities and premises safety

5. Assists with monitoring and evaluating facilities and premises to ensure they are safe and well maintained; identifies safety hazards; takes immediate corrective action and/or brings hazards to the attention of appropriate staff to eliminate hazards; terminates program if necessary to protect the rider and/or the horse. 6.

Brushes, trims, and curries coat of horses; inspects horses for evidence of disease and injury; administers medication and treats horses in accordance with instruction from the Barn Supervisor. 7. Maintains stalls including water and feeding equipment; feeds, waters, and exercises horses; clean horse quarters and removes manure from paddocks, arenas, and grounds.

8. Assists with monitoring volunteers in existing work methods and proper use of materials and equipment to ensure conformance with acceptable standards. 9.

Assists in implementing events, recreational programs, educational programs, and wellness programs as needed. 10. Provides assistance and information to the general public.

11. Operates some heavy equipment in the maintenance of the facility such as a skid loader, tractor, gator, or pick-up truck and trailer. 12.

Performs related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of proper care and grooming of horses and common horse disease and injuries. Knowledge of instructional techniques.

Knowledge of horse behavior. Knowledge of safe horseback riding practices and techniques. Skill in horseback riding or driving.

Ability to effectively demonstrate proper riding or driving and horse grooming techniques to persons with varying riding experience and familiarity with horses. Ability to develop both individual and group programs tailored to the needs, experience, and goals of the participant. Ability to effectively adjust to new or changing techniques in working with horses and/or riders.

Ability to identify disease, injury, or behavior problems of horses. Ability to identify potential safety hazards and take appropriate action. Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time.

Ability to successfully match riders with suitable horses. Ability to monitor the work of volunteers. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Ability to collect information, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports. Ability to establish and maintain Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, and the general public. Ability to administer medication in accordance with instructions from the Barn Supervisor.

Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry hay, feed, supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Training and Experience Graduation from high school, and two years of experience with the care and working of horses, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification from an equestrian institution such as PATH, EAGALA, or CHA preferred. Special Requirements Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and Physical Capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position as shown on the attached Physical Capacity Profile. A criminal background check is required.

A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment. Certification in CPR/AED and First Aid is required within six months of hire. Candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.