Equine Specialist
Rockford Park District, Rockford, Illinois, 61101, USA
- Type
- Salary
- $55,681 to $81,307.20
- Work Type
- Permanent
- Work Time
- Full-time
- Live-Out
- Live-Out (No Accomm.)
- Bring Own Horse
- Training Available
- Non-Smoker
- Job No
- 413721
- Status
- Looking
- Posted
- 11/20/2023
- Updated
- 11/20/2023
- Expires
- in 2 months
- Views
- 187
Department: Lockwood Park Office Location: Perks Family Equine Center Reports To: General Manager, Lockwood Park and Trailside Equestrian Center FLSA Status: Exempt Position Description: Serves as the equine assisted psychotherapy/assisted learning (EAP/EAL) expert at the Perks Family Equine Center, working together with the treatment team and horses to provide participants with experiential therapy that produces life changing outcomes.
Duties: Facilitates equine assisted therapeutic program sessions, working in conjunction with the treatment team to ensure the safety and well-being of both horses and participants. Responsible for overseeing experiential learning activities facilitated within the Equine Center and providing a reasonably safe space for participants, the treatment team including horses. Works collaboratively with mental health professionals to develop experiential activities to support each participant’s needs. Keeps up to date records of arena activities, equine/participant interactions and equine observations, and during EAL/EAP sessions. Responsible for equine selection for programming based on needs of the individual and/or group. Works in conjunction with the mental health professionals to assure appropriate fit for goals/needs of the activities and participants. Maintain strong working knowledge of the EAGALA team approach to ensure compliance, safety standards and equine welfare. Consistently evaluate equine behavior to watch for safety concerns both in and out of sessions. Train team members and collaborative agency personnel on proper horse handling techniques. Order Supplies and equipment as needed Supervision of all arena activities/sessions Maintain complete and up-to-date files of equine partners.
Requirements
Bachelors Degree in animal science, equine studies or related field. Minimum 5 years professional experience working with horses. Hold EAGALA Certification as an Equine Specialist or ability to achieve within 6 months of being hired. 3 to 4 years minimum experience in Equine Assisted Activity facilitation.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
Work effectively with other District employees, partners, vendors, donors, and volunteers Ability to professionally network and publicly represent the District Have a team orientation approach when working with others Strong horsemanship skills and knowledge of equine health and welfare Strong understanding of horse behavior and psychology Experience with training, breeding and care of horses Proficient in Microsoft and other electronic systems Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license Ability to work a varied schedule Must demonstrate good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive. Ability to follow direction from facility management, demonstrating flexibility as a team player. Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations. Must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED equipment. (can be obtained during employment) Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and function in a high stress environment Possess strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills and ability to exercise initiative. Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Required Key Skills
- Teaching
Required Expertise
- Working with children
Job Benefits
Eligible for all Full Time benefits including: Medical, Family Coverage, Dental, Vision, Life, Health Spending Accounts, Flex Spending Accounts, & more.
- Employer No
- 403057
- Name
- Rockford Park District
- Website
- https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/
- Location
- Rockford, Illinois, USA
- Facility Type
Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children's Farm is home to a variety of animals including horses, ponies, goats, sheep, llama, rabbits, ducks, and other farm animals.146 acres of gently rolling hills, meadows, woods, natural areas, stream, 15-mile numbered trail system (hiking, biking, or horseback riding), playground, picnic areas, and much more. Lockwood Park is an affordable and family-friendly facility that promotes positive interactions between people and animals. Lockwood Park is beginning construction of an indoor equine center in March 2023. An indoor equine center at Lockwood Park will contribute to the wellbeing of youth living with mental health issues, social-emotional challenges, and developmental disabilities, as well as cognitive and physical challenges. Qualified community therapists will partner with Lockwood equine professionals to provide services including Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.