Horsemanship Coordinator

PCCC VISION

Palomar exists to reach the lost for Christ and pursue spiritual growth through the study of God's Word. As a staff team, we fulfill our mission by creating an uplifting, distraction-free, and Christ-centered camp experience for guests and staff.

We serve our guests through our Core Values: Ready to Serve, Ready to Host, Ready to Give. We build a healthy organizational culture by living according to our Organizational Behaviors: Operate with Kindness/Grace/Respect, Maintain Conversational Integrity, Take Personal Ownership, and Pursue Growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The main responsibilities include (1)  Caring for, Training, and Maintaining the Readiness of the Horse Herd , (2)  Planning, Leading, and Ensuring the Safety of PCCC's Horse Programs, including trail rides and Girls Summer Horse Camp; and  (3)  Training, Leading, and Supporting PCCC Staff Who Work with the Horses. 

The Horsemanship Coordinator is responsible for the year-round care, health, and readiness of PCCC's horse herd and for providing safe, engaging, and Christ-centered equestrian experiences through trail rides, retreats, and Girls Summer Horse Camp. The position also recruits, trains, and supervises seasonal horse staff and year-round support staff to ensure safe and effective program delivery. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· The employee must accept the lodging from PCCC as a condition of employment in order to carry out responsibilities as outlined in the fire evacuation plan. The employee would not be able to perform this service without the lodging.

· Must take part in the fire evacuation plan and  serves as the primary coordinator for horse evacuation and care during wildfire, natural disaster, or other emergency situations in accordance with the PCCC Emergency Response Plan. 

(1)  Caring for, Training, and Maintaining the Readiness of the Horse Herd 

      a. Keeps the herd healthy and well cared for. 

             i. Feeds horses daily and keep an updated feeding program that provides the nutritional needs of the herd, including senior        horses.

             ii. Grooms horses as needed to keep their coats and skin healthy, check for injuries, fungus, etc. and treat as needed.

             iii. Implements fly control system that will keep the fly population down as much as possible around the barn, pastures, and        arena.

             iv. Maintains written and electronic horse health records including veterinarian, farrier, de-worming, vaccinations, etc. 

             v.  Coordinates veterinary and farrier services, horse health care, hay deliveries, and the acquisition of feed, medical supplies, and other horse-related materials necessary to maintain the health and readiness of the herd. 

             vi. Works in coordination with Program Supervisor to recommend sale and purchases of horses to keep a usable and thriving horse herd (Executive Director approval needed). This includes evaluating potential horses as to whether they are appropriate for PCCC camp programs. Continually, re-evaluates the suitability of each horse for PCCC programs.

      b. Keeps horses fit, well trained, and ready for guest use. 

             i. Rides horses as needed to keep them in shape, continue their training, and ensure excellent behavior from them for all campers and retreatants.

             ii. Corrects unwanted or unsafe behaviors through appropriate training techniques. Assess if horse should stay in the program. Discuss with Program Supervisor to make a decision.

             iii. Trains new horses for their specific duties in the program – trail, arena, vaulting. 

      c. Maintains a clean and safe stable and facility.

             i. Maintains a clean and organized barn area by helping with cleaning the stalls, keeping tack and supplies in designated areas and in good condition, making small repairs to fencing, stalls, etc., and reporting larger maintenance needs to the Program Supervisor or Maintenance Manager.

             ii. Inspects pastures on a regular basis for hazards, down fencing, etc. Make smaller repairs and report larger needs to Program Supervisor or Maintenance Manager.

             iii. Ensures horse and rider safety and comfort on trail rides by checking the trails regularly for hazards, trimming the trails of brush when needed, reporting larger needs to the Program Supervisor.

             iv. Works within the budget provided by the Program Supervisor, give feedback and share horse program needs, and seek approval for any purchases from the Program Supervisor.

             v. Plans the seasonal inspection of all horse and barn vehicles, trailers, carts, etc. with Maintenance Manager to keep them in great condition and in use.

(2) Planning, Leading, and Ensuring the Safety of PCCC's Horse Programs, including trail rides and Girls Summer Horse Camp

      a.  Provides safe, engaging, and memorable equestrian experiences that foster guest enjoyment, confidence, and spiritual growth. 

             i. Prepares horses for trail rides. 

             ii. Welcomes and orients guests. 

             iii. Evaluates riding skills of guests.

             iv. Safely matches suitable horse with rider’s ability and mental state.

             v. Prepares them for their ride.

             vi. Conducts a safe, enjoyable and successful ride/lesson.

      b.  Plans and leads a high-quality Girls Summer Horse Camp that combines horsemanship, Christian discipleship, and outdoor recreation in a safe and engaging environment. 

             i. Develops and implements horse curriculum – i.e. vaulting, horse science, riding lessons, etc.

             ii. Creates all content needed for Horse Camp program including theme, devotions, campfire messages, non-horse games and activities with the supervision of the Program Supervisor and input from other Program Staff. 

             iii. Works in conjunction with the Program Supervisor to develop existing and new horse programs.

             iv. Coordinates the horse camp staff and program, and teaches activities at the barn as needed during Horse Camp.

             v. Responsible for keeping wranglers and campers on task.

             vi. Meets regularly with the Head Counselor/counselors and supports them in their responsibilities. Addresses any camper or staff issues.

             vii. Serves as a Health Supervisor (certification process provided), helping with all aspects of medical care related to program including health screening, medical logs, dispensing medications, and providing first aid.

viii. Keeps the Program Supervisor informed of all horse, camper, and staff issues/status throughout all of camp.

             ix. Welcomes and greets parents and ensures the safety of family members at the facility.

             x. Participates in program camp activities as directed.

      c. Maintains a safe atmosphere and facility for staff, guest, and horses

             i. Develops, posts, and enforces all barn rules and safety procedures on a daily basis.

             ii. Notices and corrects safety hazards to campers, staff, and horses.

             iii. Recognizes when a horse is unsafe for a particular rider and takes action to provide safety for riders and horses.

             iv. Reports to the Program Supervisor campers having difficulties or are not feeling well. 

(3) Training, leading, and supporting PCCC staff who work with the horses.

      a. Models PCCC's mission and values to PCCC staff and guests.

      a. Trains, schedules, and directs the Head Wrangler and all Horse Camp staff (wranglers, counselors, WITs) to PCCC standard operating procedures.

      b. Trains and directs PCCC staff who help take care of the horses throughout the year, and requests help from the Program Supervisor when extra assistance/coverage is needed. 

      c. Helps interview and recommends the hiring of potential horse staff.

      d. Keeps the Program Supervisor informed of all staff issues/status, and recommends to them the correcting, promoting, and potential dismissal of the Head Wrangler and Horse Camp staff.

      e. Improves and implements the WIT program, including recruiting campers to be WITs. 

      f. Schedules and orchestrates CHA training for summer/fulltime staff.

· Keeps regular, timely attendance while maintaining a clean, safe and unobstructed workplace *

* These duties are not exhaustive; with consideration of the job requirements and employee’s skills, this job description may be amended at the discretion of the employee’s immediate supervisor.

**This is a salaried position for the Girls Summer Horse Camp and an hourly position for the Fall, Spring, and Winter.

MINISTRY AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ministry and Professional Requirements

• Demonstrates a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, exercising personal faith through consistent daily living in accordance to God’s Word.
• Understands the mission of Palomar Christian Conference Center and is in agreement with its Statement of Faith, and submits all other goals and desires to that main goal.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively train, supervise, and develop full-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff while maintaining positive relationships with guests. 
• Possesses excellent customer service skills and presents a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Possesses strong attention to detail and organization while managing multiple priorities.
• Is proficient in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, email, and electronic recordkeeping systems. 

HORSE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in horsemanship, equine management, ranch operations, or a closely related field, including experience supervising staff or volunteers preferred. 
• Must possess a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level 3 certification or equivalent training. Certification may be obtained through PCCC upon hire if needed. 
• Demonstrates advanced horsemanship skills including riding, training, evaluating, handling, and providing routine care and first aid for horses in a commercial, educational, or recreational equine program. 
•  Must possess or obtain First Aid, CPR, and CCAC certifications as required by PCCC. (will provide training). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 70 pounds independently and push, pull, or move up to 100 pounds with appropriate equipment or assistance. 
• Must be able to safely saddle, unsaddle, lead, restrain, groom, and ride horses for extended periods. 
• Must be able to mount and dismount horses repeatedly throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to perform physically demanding barn work including mucking stalls, loading and unloading hay, feed, bedding, tack, fencing materials, and other supplies. 
• Must be able to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crawl, climb, reach overhead, twist, and work from uneven positions. 
• Must be able to walk several miles per day on uneven terrain, steep trails, dirt roads, and pastures while supervising riders and horses. 
• Must possess sufficient balance, agility, coordination, and reaction time to safely handle horses and respond to emergencies involving riders or animals. 
• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind, dust, smoke, mud, and direct sunlight. 
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to horses, hay, feed, dust, insects, manure, cleaning chemicals, and other agricultural environments. 
• Must possess visual acuity sufficient to observe horse health, identify trail hazards, and monitor rider safety. 
• Must possess hearing sufficient to communicate effectively with staff and guests and recognize warnings, emergency situations, and horse behavior. 
• Must be able to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond during emergency situations, including wildfire evacuations involving livestock. 
• Must be able to safely operate horse trailers, utility vehicles, ranch equipment, and hand and power tools as required.
• Must be able to safely and efficiently assist with emergency response procedures, including the evacuation, handling, and care of horses during fires, natural disasters, or other emergencies.