Summer Animals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about horses, youth development, and creating unforgettable outdoor experiences!? Camp Horizons is searching for an energetic and experienced Equestrian Program Director to lead our equestrian program during summer camp and support outdoor programming throughout the spring and fall seasons.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, enjoys mentoring staff and campers, and wants to help shape meaningful experiences in the outdoors.

Full time year round position with housing provided at no cost as part of the compensation package!

Job Summary: The Equestrian Program Director will work with the Outdoor Leadership team to analyze program needs and develop, implement, and coordinate the delivery of a variety of equestrian activities at Camp Horizons supporting various business entities including Camp Horizons Summer Camp, The Outdoor Learning Center at Horizons, and Horizons Hospitality. This candidate will be expected to create a positive atmosphere while establishing opportunities for learning and authentic growth for all participants. While the majority of the client groups will be campers enrolled in summer camp, other clients include scout groups, public and private schools, college and university groups, and specialty retreat groups.

Duties:

• Leads and coordinates the delivery of a wide variety of equestrian programs for Camp Horizons and The Outdoor Learning Center including arena instruction, trail rides, and horse care.
• Oversee and coordinate logistics from pre-arrival to post-departure for all client groups including preparing program areas, facilitating schedule programs, developing staff and group schedules, developing programming, cleaning, and general maintenance of barn area and animals.
• Oversee and ensure care of animals including grooming, feeding, changing and maintaining hay levels, watering, and exercising horses, as well as daily turnout and mucking stalls and paddocks.
• Participate as an active member of the Outdoor Leadership team including attending camp events such as marketing events, camp fairs, open houses, and conferences.
• Maintains safety at all times instructing user groups on camp policies and the details of emergency procedures, enforces camp safety regulations and supervises user group health and safety, and maintains safety as a primary focus in all equestrian activities.
• Maintains healthy and safety conditions in the riding areas, ensuring safety and cleanliness of riding areas and all horse equipment and ensuring riding areas meet ACA and CHA healthy and safety standards
• Submit maintenance requests for stable area repairs as needed
• Assists in facilitating staff trainings for Summer camp and the OLC with the rest of the director team.
• Leads Equestrian specific staff training for any staff who work at the barn and ensure understanding of riding program responsibilities.
• Demonstrates and facilitates horseback riding (including arena and trail) and horse care lessons based on age and skill level of the campers for all participants and guests at Camp Horizons and the Outdoor Learning Center at Horizons.
• Coordinates staff and program schedules to ensure adequate staffing and desired program outcomes.
• Maintains a positive attitude and open communication with the director team, staff, and coworkers
• Supports with maintaining effective relationships with various vendors and contractors such as the Ferrier and Veterinarian.
• Provides consistent and clear communication including communication expectations with clients boarding horses on site, clients participating in riding lessons, and other clients of the program.

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• English or Western riding experience; must be willing to learn English if needed
• Minimum 3 years equestrian experience such as riding lessons, horse care, and trail rides
• CHA Instructor Certification or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience working with children preferred
• Desire and willingness to work in a natural camp setting in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays mandatory

Compensation: $35,000-$40,000 annually and on-site housing available.