Equestrian Assistant - Part Time

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves 175 miles of trails 47 miles of rivers and streams and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The districts mission is to acquire and hold lands containing forests prairies wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora fauna and scenic beauty for the education pleasure and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position provides all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of the Danada Equestrian Center as well as participates with delivering equestrian programs to the public. This role assists in volunteer training and supervision to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for both horses and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive daily care for horses including cleaning feeding watering grooming observation first aid routine medical treatments and recording information.
• Prepare and feed horse diets according to the supervisors guidelines.
• Administer medication and provide medical treatment under the supervisors direction.
• Monitor horse health by observing various indicators report abnormalities and provide endofshift notes.

• Recommend changes to diet facility herd organization behavior and other related matters to the supervisor.
• Perform physically demanding tasks such as moving bales of hay and straw bedding and feed bags handling wheelbarrows hoses and other equipment.
• Conduct minor repairs and upkeep as needed to maintain the facilitys functionality and appearance.
• Operate equipment including tractors manure spreaders mowers string trimmers power tools and hand tools to perform various duties as required.
• Monitor the condition of the facility equipment and supplies.
• Manage equipment and supplies inventory and initiate work orders supply orders and emergency repairs as needed.
• Lead train and supervise volunteers in performing general duties work groups and special events.
• Actively participate in the development and delivery of educational programs.
• Engage with visitors and participants to informally share knowledge about equestrian care and related topics.
• Collaborate with other district departments and external vendors when assigned to joint projects.
• Assist supervisor with the selection of staff schedule train provide guidance and communicate daytoday work activities department expectations and work rules. Relay and provide input regarding work performance training needs and growth opportunities while promoting morale.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules policies and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the districts safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean orderly and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• High School Diploma/GED required; 13 years of related experience in the daily care and handling of horses and maintenance of equipment; or equivalent combination of education training and experience.
• Valid Drivers license in good standing.
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire.
• Must have and maintain CPR AED and First Aid Certification or obtain within 6 months.
• Knowledge of general equine care and handling methods including behavior anatomy and the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of injury and illness.
• Understanding of occupational hazards and adherence to safe work practices.
• Proficiency in working with tools and equipment including power tools.
• Proficient in documenting observations in a thorough and objective manner.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment especially in engaging with others and responding to animal behavior problems and emergency situations.
• Comfort and competence in working with and around potentially dangerous machinery and equipment.
• Capability to work in close proximity to potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals.
• Strong interpersonal skills allowing for courteous respectful and productive interaction with supervisors fellow employees volunteers visitors and participants.

Schedule: Saturday 81pm Sunday 81pm Monday 81pm

Pay: $20.79 22.71 per hour.

Benefits: Deferred Compensation Credit Union Employee Assistance Program.

Location: Danada Equestrian Center.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect integrity teamwork and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.