Therapeutic Horse Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children is accepting applications for a Stable Attendant II. This position has an essential role in supporting the hospital's therapeutic riding program by providing exceptional care for horses and other barn animals that contribute to the rehabilitation and well-being of children. This rewarding position offers the opportunity to combine a love of animals with work that directly impacts the lives of patients and their families.
In this role, you will help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-organized stable environment while ensuring the health and welfare of the animals that support therapeutic programming. This role is ideal for individuals with experience caring for horses and livestock who thrive in an active setting, enjoy working outdoors year-round, and take pride in delivering dependable, compassionate care.
Please note: this position is full time, 40 hours per week,1st shift, 7:00am-5:00pm. Days off: Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Cares for horses used for therapeutic programming by grooming, feeding, watering and exercising them.
• Inspects food products for horses as well as other farm animals, and approves or rejects them according to quality.
• Examines horses and other farm animals to determine if they are sick or injured and contacts veterinarian when necessary.
• Administers minor medications to horses and other farm animals to treat injury or sickness as prescribed by veterinarian.
• Performs related duties such as maintaining stable and animal room records; cleaning stables; maintaining harnesses and other equipment; and unloading and storing feed.
• Assist in the selection of suitable horses and in the conditioning and training of new horses.
• Prepare horses for therapeutic programming and events.
• Construct horse stalls.
• Drive horse vans and/or trucks with a horse trailer attached.
• Train new employees on the job.
• Ensure that adequate supplies and equipment are on hand by keeping records, taking inventory and reordering stock when necessary.
• Arrange for and conduct tours of stables.
Required Qualifications
• Knowledge of the methods followed in the care and feeding of horses, including grooming and exercising as well as other farm animals.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of feed, materials and equipment used in the care of horses and other farm animals as well as the proper care and maintenance of such equipment.
• Knowledge of sanitation practices and techniques followed in the care and handling of animals.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in the care and handling of animals.
• Ability to understand and apply PRHC policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to make decisions and act quickly in precarious situations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
For this position, a current & valid driver's license is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience caring for horses, livestock, or other large animals in a stable, farm, or therapeutic riding environment.
• Knowledge of horse behavior, handling techniques, grooming, feeding, and general equine health.
• Experience maintaining barns, stables, riding arenas, fencing, and related agricultural facilities.
• Familiarity with recognizing signs of illness or injury in horses and other farm animals and responding appropriately.
• Ability to safely operate trucks, horse trailers, tractors, or other farm equipment.
• Experience supporting therapeutic riding, equine-assisted services, or recreational programming.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain inventory, order supplies, and keep accurate records.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors.
• Positive, dependable, and team-oriented work ethic with the flexibility to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing guidance to new employees or volunteers in animal care or stable operations.
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
At least one year of full time, or equivalent part- time, experience in the care, handling and/or training of horses.
Special Requirements:
Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class II Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.