The Equestrian Director reports directly to the Director of Operations. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring quality animal programs in many areas including but not limited to North Barn, Anderson Small Animal Learning Center, Ranch and more. The Equestrian Director supervises all Equestrian Program staff (full-time, hourly, seasonal) and volunteers and assists with staff in other departments working with Equestrian programming. He/she ensures equine offerings, animal classes and trainings happen in a fun and SAFE manner according to our policies. In addition, this person is in charge of overseeing purchasing for equine and other animals on camp. He/She is responsible for working with the maintenance and program teams when it comes to repairs, projects and improvements. The Equestrian Director ensures that all animal programs meet the needs of current and potential customers and that the program staff maintains the upkeep of facilities, equipment and grounds.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work well alone and with others. They have a successful background in the equine industry. Good judgment is vital, especially concerning the safety of our guests, staff, and animals. This person needs a strong work ethic and must be responsible. They need to be personable and able to deal with a frightened child or an irate parent. It is a physically demanding job. They need to be able to work outside all day in all kinds of weather. They need to be able to routinely lift 75 lbs. They must be comfortable around horses and other barn animals and have knowledge of care for these animals. Ability to teach about or ride different animals is a must, including advanced riding skills on horses. They must be able to communicate instructions in a fun yet informative manner. They need to be a team player that can work within the YMCA Storer Camps structure. They must demonstrate both personal and interpersonal leadership.
- Oversee the development and supervision of YMCA Storer Camps equine program.
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Develop new program ideas and implement them within Equestrian program.
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Increase YMCA Storer Camps presence in the community and create new community partners.
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Participate in annual campaign.
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Develop marketing materials to promote the YMCA Equestrian Program.
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Develop and analyze rider feedback surveys.
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Select, purchase, sell and lease out suitable animals for animal related programs.
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Hire and supervise assigned staff and volunteers, including training and evaluating their work.
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Work with the camp veterinarian, feed representative, and farriers and maintenance staff to provide suitable care of the entire herd.
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Responsible for scheduling daily feeding, health and care for animals.
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Train and supervise the Equestrian staff in daily barn cleaning, care of horses and end-of-day procedures.
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Ensure horses sense classes, arena lessons, trail rides, grooming activities, and pony rides happen for our guests during the school year. Train other program staff to lead and assist in all these activities.
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Develop and implement a tiered (beginner to advanced) riding lesson program.
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Perform regular audits of herd, inventory, tack, medication and training records, and barnyard.
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Update and maintain Policy and Procedures Handbook.
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Have regularly scheduled meetings with the Equestrian Staff.
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Work according to the mission and four core values of YMCA Storer Camps.
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Schedule staff to assist with horse transportation when needed.
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Understand and implement standards set by the American Camp Association and state licensing regulations.
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Other duties as assigned.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.