EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM LEAD ASSISTANT

Salary: $19.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Location : Granger, IA

Job Type: Part-Time (less than 30 hours/wk)

Job Number: C25-45 (7127)

Department: Polk County Conservation Board

Opening Date: 11/14/2025

Closing Date: 1/4/2026 10:30 AM Central

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Hours: TBD

Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable

Salary Grade: N/A

Location: Jester Park

Jester Park Equestrian Center is seeking a qualified Equine Program Assistant Lead with carriage driving experience to support and guide equine programs, assist in leading staff and volunteers, and uphold high standards of horse care, safety, and public service.

Under general supervision, provides instruction on safe riding practices and techniques, horsemanship, and the proper care and treatment of horses to the public during programming. Schedules use, maintains records related to wellness, driving, and/or riding program activities; assists in the development and implementation of programs; assists in the care of horses, cleaning of stalls, and removal of manure. Reports to the Barn Supervisor as directed.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Provides both individual and group instruction on safe horsemanship practices and techniques, grooming, saddling, and related horse care, and horse behavior to persons with varying experiences and familiarity with horses; demonstrates mounted and unmounted techniques as needed; provides suggestions to participants to improve their skills.

2. Selects and prepares horses for programs, assessing each horse to determine its suitability for the type of program being offered and the experience level of the participant; continually evaluates and identifies any potential behavioral or health issues impacting the horse's suitability for programs and takes remedial action as necessary.

3. Develops and implements for individual and group programs ranging from basic to advanced riding skills and horsemanship instruction; modifies plans as required to adjust to the participants' needs and previous experiences.

4.Collects, maintains, and prepares documents and records including but not limited to release forms, participant attendance, horse health and behavior, and facilities and premises safety.

5. Assists with monitoring and evaluating facilities and premises to ensure they are safe and well maintained; identifies safety hazards; takes immediate corrective action and/or brings hazards to the attention of appropriate staff to eliminate hazards; terminates program if necessary to protect the rider and/or the horse.

6. Brushes, trims, and curries coat of horses; inspects horses for evidence of disease and injury; administers medication and treats horses in accordance with instruction from the Barn Supervisor.

7. Maintains stalls including water and feeding equipment; feeds, waters, and exercises horses; clean horse quarters and removes manure from paddocks, arenas, and grounds.

8. Assists with monitoring volunteers in existing work methods and proper use of materials and equipment to ensure conformance with acceptable standards.

9. Assists in implementing events, recreational programs, educational programs, and wellness programs as needed.

10. Provides assistance and information to the general public.

11. Operates some heavy equipment in the maintenance of the facility such as a skid loader, tractor, gator, or pick-up truck and trailer.

12. Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of proper care and grooming of horses and common horse disease and injuries.

Knowledge of instructional techniques.

Knowledge of horse behavior.

Knowledge of safe horseback riding practices and techniques.

Skill in horseback riding or driving.

Ability to effectively demonstrate proper riding or driving and horse grooming techniques to persons with varying riding experience and familiarity with horses.

Ability to develop both individual and group programs tailored to the needs, experience, and goals of the participant.

Ability to effectively adjust to new or changing techniques in working with horses and/or riders.

Ability to identify disease, injury, or behavior problems of horses.

Ability to identify potential safety hazards and take appropriate action.

Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time.

Ability to successfully match riders with suitable horses.

Ability to monitor the work of volunteers.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Ability to collect information, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports.

Ability to establish and maintain

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, and the general public.

Ability to administer medication in accordance with instructions from the Barn Supervisor.

Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions.

Ability to lift and carry hay, feed, supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Training and Experience

Graduation from high school, and two years of experience with the care and working of horses, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification from an equestrian institution such as PATH, EAGALA, or CHA preferred.

Check with Polk County to determine if benefits are available.

01

(ED11) Are you a high school graduate with a diploma or an equivalency certificate (GED)?

Yes

No

02

(WS7) Are you able to work weekends and holidays?

Yes

No

03

(WS7) Are you able to work weekends and holidays?

Yes

No

04

(D1) Do you currently have a valid Iowa Drivers License?

Yes

No

05

(WS2) Are you willing and able to respond to emergency requests after regular or irregular workdays and on-call emergencies on nights, weekends, and/or holidays?

Yes

No

06

(P3} Do you have the ability to perform work involving the lifting and carrying of materials regularly? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

weighing 50 - 100 pounds

weighing up to 60 pounds

weighing up to 50 pounds

weighing up to 30 pounds

07

(E10) How many years of experience do you have providing riding instruction?

0 to 1 years

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

3 to 4 years

4 to 5 years

5 plus years

08

(E9) What are your total years of experience in the management/supervision of barn support staff?

0 to 1 years

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

3 to 4 years

4 to 5 years

5 plus years

09

(ED14) Selecting all certifications in equestrian instruction you are currently certified in?

PATH Int. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship: CTRI - Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

PATH Int. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship: Driving Instructor

PATH Int. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship: Interactive Vaulting Instructor

PATH Int. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship: ESMHL - Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning

EAGLA - Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association: Equine Specialist

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Assistant Instructor

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Level 2

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Level 3

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Level 4

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Master Instructor

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - English/Western Instructor, Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Assistant Trail Guide

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Level

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Level 2 Overnight Guide

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Level 3 Packing Guide

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Level 4 Wilderness Guide

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: EWI - TRL - Trail Guide, Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: CMB - Combined English/Western Instructor & Trail Guide

Certified Horsemanship Association: SES - Seasonal Equestrian Staff, Assistant Seasonal Equestrian Staff

Certified Horsemanship Association: SES - Seasonal Equestrian Staff, Seasonal Equestrian Staff

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Level 2

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Level 3

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Level 4

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: EFM - Equine Facility Manager, Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Assistant Instructor

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Level 2

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Level 3

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Level 4

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: IRD - Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT - Vaulting Coach, Assistant Instructor

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT, Level 2

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT, Level 3

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: VLT, Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: DID - Driving Instructor, Assistant Instructor

Certified Horsemanship Association: DID - Driving Instructor, Level 1

Certified Horsemanship Association: DID - Driving Instructor, Level 2

Certified Horsemanship Association: DID - Driving Instructor, Assistant Certifier

Certified Horsemanship Association: DID - Driving Instructor, Certifier

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Endurance & Competitive, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Dressage, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Dressage, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Dressage, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Driving, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Driving, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Driving, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Eventing, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Eventing, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Eventing, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat on the Flat, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat on the Flat, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Hunt Seat on the Flat, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Mounted Patrol Training Officer, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Mounted Patrol Training Officer, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Mounted Patrol Training Officer, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Recreational Riding, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Recreational Riding, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Recreational Riding, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Reining, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Reining, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Reining, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Riding to Hounds, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Riding to Hounds, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Riding to Hounds, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Show Jumping, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Show Jumping, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Show Jumping, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Saddle Seat, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Saddle Seat, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Saddle Seat, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Side-Saddle, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Side-Saddle, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Side-Saddle, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Stable Management, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Stable Management, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Stable Management, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Dressage, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Dressage, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Dressage, Level 3

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Equitation/Pleasure, Level 1

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Equitation/Pleasure, Level 2

ARIA - American Riding Instructors Association: Distance Riding: Western Equitation/Pleasure, Level 3

USHJA - United States Hunter Jumper Association

BHS - British Horse Society

Pony Club

Equine Studies Institute

10

(WS5) This position is year-round, working no more than 29 hrs/week. Are you available to work a flexible schedule year-round?

Yes

No

11

(ED15) Are you currently certified in First Aid and CPR?

Yes

No

12

(E50) Have you worked in a management capacity multi-function Equestrian Center?

Yes

No

13

(ED12) Please Indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

High School/GED

AS/AA

BA/BS

Masters

Doctorate

14

(E51) What level do you consider yourself as a rider?

Professional

Expert

Advanced

Competent

Novice

Beginner

15

(M1) Are you 18 years of age or older?

Yes

No

16

(P2} Check all statements you can physically do:

I can perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.

I can climb ladders and work from heights.

I can safely operate equipment such as hand tools, power tools, service vehicles, gators, tractors, custodial cleaning equipment, and pressure washers.

I have the ability walk