Temporary Horse Riding Instructor Jobs in Davis, CA

This position reports to the Assistant Director, Equestrian Center, a unit of Campus Recreation. Under general supervision, coordinate all aspects of the instructional program and the herd that supports the program. Supervise student staff that includes instructors, stall cleaners, and non-resident barn supervisors.

Apply By Date August 28, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience working in an equine facility or horse riding program, including daily operations, horse care, and customer service.
• Knowledge of horse behavior, health, proper equine handling techniques, and equine safety practices.
• Demonstrated ability to train, condition, and maintain the health and performance of lesson horses while supporting safe riding instruction.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and interpersonal skills to recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and support staff while fostering a professional and welcoming environment for participants.
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or Google Workspace equivalents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or at least 4 years of relevant work experience
• Certification or documented rating from Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), United States Pony Club (USPC), Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), or other nationally recognized equestrian organizations.
• Ability to develop manuals, reports, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of equine safety standards, risk management, and liability practices related to equine facilities and riding programs.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Operations/Budget
• 30% - Student Development/Supervision
• 30% - Program Management

Department Overview

Campus Recreation is a department within the Division of Student Affairs that provides fitness, wellness, and recreation programs to the campus community through the operation and administration of the following units: Member Services, Living Well, Recreation Sports, Sports Clubs, Equestrian Center, Craft Center, Aquatics, Youth Programs, Outdoor Adventure, and the UC Davis Marching Band. Campus Recreation's mission is to benefit the campus community by promoting wellness, encouraging student and staff development, fostering diversity and developing supportive partnerships.
The UC Davis Equestrian Center is a Campus Recreation facility that supports students and the broader campus community through horse boarding, recreational riding lessons, equine-assisted programming, student employment and educational opportunities. The facility houses approximately 80 horses and serves UC Davis students, faculty, staff, and community members.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.34/hr. - $45.40/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• UC Job Title: RECR SUPV 1
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 50% - Variable
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible:
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Facility is remote from the central campus and Campus Recreation offices. Work is performed outdoors in a dusty, rural environment. Work some evenings and weekends to observe, monitor, teach or manage programs that extend to those hours. Work in a dusty environment. Work with animal dander and hay.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: