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Riding Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Head Lifeguard

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$19.86 - $32.75/hr

... Safety Instructor and Membership in Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the National ... Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA Required Question

Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA. As a certified Head Lifeguard ... Lifeguarding Instructor, AED, and Supplemental Oxygen preferred. Water Safety Instructor and ...

Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA. As a certified Head Lifeguard ... Lifeguarding Instructor, AED, and Supplemental Oxygen preferred. Water Safety Instructor and ...

Head Lifeguard

Leesburg, VA

$19.86 - $32.75/hr

... South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA As a certified Head Lifeguard ... Lifeguarding Instructor, AED, and Supplemental Oxygen preferred. Water Safety Instructor and ...

Lifeguard II

Leesburg, VA

$18.53 - $30.58/hr

Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA Responsibilities include, but are not ... Lifeguarding Instructor, AED, and Supplemental Oxygen preferred. Water Safety Instructor and ...

In this role, you aren't just an instructor; you are the leader of the field. You will oversee each ... Leesburg, Ashburn, South Riding, Purcellville * Upcoming Fall League: Sept 12th - Oct 17th (Note:

Showing results 21-29

Riding Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Washington, DC is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a riding instructor do?

As a riding instructor, your primary responsibilities are to provide lessons to students. You often work with both the horse and the rider to teach them skills and help them bond as a pair. Your duties include sharing technique and teaching riders how to communicate with their horses. You also teach horse ownership skills, like saddling, grooming, and cleaning stables. Although no formal qualifications are required, you may need certification through an entity such as the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) or the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) to find employment. Other than horsemanship skills, you also need excellent communication and organizational skills.

What does a riding instructor do?

A riding instructor teaches individuals or groups how to ride horses safely and effectively. Their responsibilities include instructing students on proper riding techniques, horse care, and safety procedures. They may work with riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and can specialize in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or western riding. Riding instructors also ensure the well-being of both the students and horses during lessons. They often work at riding schools, stables, or private facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a riding instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Riding Instructor, you need strong equestrian skills, knowledge of horse care, and relevant certifications such as BHS or CHA accreditation. Familiarity with safety protocols, tack and equipment, and lesson planning tools is essential. Patience, clear communication, and the ability to motivate and build trust with students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective, safe instruction and foster positive learning experiences for riders of all levels.

What are some common challenges riding instructors face when working with students of varying skill levels?

Riding Instructors often work with students who have a wide range of abilities, from beginners to advanced riders. A common challenge is tailoring lessons to meet each student's individual needs while ensuring safety and engagement for everyone. Instructors must be patient, adaptable, and skilled at clear communication, as well as adept at managing group dynamics and addressing nervousness or fear in new riders. Building trust with both students and horses is essential, and progress may require creative problem-solving and ongoing assessment of each rider’s development.

What is the difference between Riding Instructor vs Horse Trainer?

AspectRiding InstructorHorse Trainer
CertificationsRiding certifications, teaching credentialsHorse training certifications, equine behavior knowledge
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, riding schools, stablesTraining facilities, farms, stables
Employer & Industry UsageEquestrian schools, riding academies, private lessonsBreeding farms, training yards, professional trainers

While both Riding Instructors and Horse Trainers work with horses, Riding Instructors focus on teaching riders of all skill levels how to ride safely and effectively. Horse Trainers primarily work on training horses to improve their behavior, performance, or suitability for specific disciplines. The roles often overlap, but the main difference lies in their focus: rider education versus horse development.

What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Riding Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,203 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

$19.86 - $32.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19.86 - $32.75 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations
Job Type: PT Intermittent W Partial BN
Job Number: 26-00629
Department: Parks Recreation & Community Services
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Grade: 106
Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.
Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!
ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
Introduction
Salary offers are based on information contained within the application and any attachments (licenses, certifications, etc.). Please ensure your profile and resume are up to date with all experience, education, and skills you wish to be considered.
Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) is dedicated to connecting all communities through exceptional people, parks, and programs. Our goal is to make Loudoun the community of choice through outstanding experiences while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We collaborate to deliver programs and community services that provide social, personal, economic, and environmental benefits to last a lifetime. Come be a part of something that matters!
Job Summary
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services is currently seeking qualified applicants for Part-Time Head Lifeguard positions. Our recreation centers feature a competition pool and a leisure pool with a water slide, a children's play area, and a hot tub.
We are currently hiring at the following location(s):
• Ashburn Recreation & Community Center, Ashburn, VA
• Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center, Sterling, VA
• Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA
As a certified Head Lifeguard responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Maintain records of aquatics staff certifications and assist with new employee orientation for aquatics staff.
• Performs daily custodial and maintenance duties to ensure a safe, clean aquatic facility, reconfigures pool for activities and events, and assists with special events.
• Observes and enforces pool rules and regulations.
• Assists with clerical duties, including utilizing scheduling software, and maintains required aquatic facility records.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Other essential duties related to the specific role and department may be performed as required.
*The work schedule offers flexibility and will necessitate early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and one (1) year aquatics experience including aquatics programming and pool facility management, working with the public, groups and organizations.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prefer at least 1-year supervisory experience.
• Lifeguarding Instructor, AED, and Supplemental Oxygen preferred.
• Water Safety Instructor and Membership in Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Job Contingencies and Special Requirements
Must undergo criminal background and credit checks. Before beginning work, you must have Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, including First Aid and CPR, and a Loudoun County Pool Operator's License.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at
703-777-0213 or
Benefits elgibility for temporary employees are dependent on duration of assignment and number of scheduled hours.
01
Do you have First Aid/CPR certifications?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have experience working in an environment supporting one of the following?
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • None of the above

03
Please select all the locations you are interested in working at.
  • Ashburn Recreation & Community Center, Ashburn, VA
  • Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center, Sterling, VA
  • Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA

Required Question