Are you passionate about horses and creating exceptional, inclusive guest experiences? We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to manage and grow our diverse equine programming. This role is responsible for the planning, delivery, and oversight of a wide range of programs—including private and group riding lessons, trail and pony rides, equestrian events, the Therapeutic Riding Program, and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team.
This hands-on role requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and a strong commitment to excellence in programming, people leadership, and animal welfare. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through equine education and recreation—on and off the property—this is the role for you!
At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.
The successful candidate will do the following:
- Develops lesson programs, camps, schedules, and instruction curriculum for various age groups and abilities. Responsible for implementation of procedures to promote guest safety.
- Leads a team of part time and full-time Riding Instructors and volunteers through effective recruitment, comprehensive training, and ongoing development, ensuring a passionate and knowledgeable workforce dedicated to maintaining the farm’s vibrant atmosphere. Schedules appropriate staff. Assists Agriculture and Education Manager in developing strategies for coaching, disciplinary action, and compliance with required trainings for staff and volunteers.
- Engages volunteers in all aspects of farm operations and programming, ; provide training to volunteers; maintain ongoing communication with Volunteer Engagement team regarding opportunities for volunteers.
- Responsible for coaching Interscholastic Equine Association high school and middle school teams; may involve but is not limited to coaching team at on and offsite competitions, maintaining professional communication with riders and their families, staying up to date with current best practices and trends within the youth riding community.
- Coordinates equestrian educational programming and riding activities, including the Therapeutic Riding Program.
- Establishes procedures and practices to protect the health and safety of staff, volunteers and participants. Maintains equine safety, educational regulations, and procedures with horses at all times.
- In situations where required uses current Human First Aid, CPR and Concussion Protocol skills or current Equine First Aid and Safe Practices on Equine Related Falls when needed.
- Evaluates participants’ progress in lesson programming and horsemanship. Responsible for placing in appropriate lesson level, horse pairing combinations.
- Maintains required records and reports for participants to measure program effectiveness. Make necessary adjustments to programming to ensure desired outcomes.
- Ensures equine programming goals and objectives are met. Recommends equine program changes and improvements to meet future goals of facility.
- Makes recommendations on the purchasing of horses for the farm by evaluating the temperament of horses to determine if they are a good fit for the needs of programs.
- Responsible for maintenance of arenas which includes dragging, jump maintenance, and footing maintenance.
- Shares responsibility with supervisor and Animal Welfare Manager for responding to after-hours veterinary triage. May occasionally respond to work after hours or on days off. Assists Animal Welfare Manager, supervisor, and Conservation & Parks staff in operation of the farm as necessary.
- Communicates and ensures strong effective relationships with students, parents, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
- Assists with the cleanliness, efficiency, and safety of the barns and the overall care of the horses and other animals including daily cleaning, grooming, feeding and watering, as well as medical care and training.
- Works closely with the Animal Welfare Manager. Provides general care to ensure the health and welfare of horse herd and other animals at the farm
- Creates training plans for new horses before acquired as well as current horses as needed.
- Assists with purchasing equine supplies and services.
- Works with the Agriculture and Farm Manager and Social Media Manager to manage the WWFEC social media page. Responds to guest inquiries, creates content and posts, and monitors page activity in accordance with social media guidelines outlined by Marketing and Brand Strategy.
- Responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing all equine-related events, shows and competitions which may include but is not limited to: scheduling judges and EMTs, coordination with other teams and competitors, development of all print material, scheduling and managing staff and volunteers. Coordinates scheduling with master schedule for the park district.
- Transports animals as needed using truck and trailer.
- Promotes Great Parks’ equine facilities and activities.
- Accounts for daily cash transactions. Complies with all cash handling policies and enforces cash control procedures including; point-of-sale operation, daily deposits, shift/change tills, required logs and regular cash audits.
- Represents Great Parks in a positive manner; provides general park information and answers inquiries as needed.
- Works and communicates effectively with other departments, leadership, peers and subordinates.
- Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
- Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
- Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance, and works outside of normal schedule as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Employee often lifts items up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifts or exerts force on items up to 50 pounds. Handles equines ranging from 500-2000 pounds for extended periods of time.
QUALIFICATIONS
An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
Associate’s degree in Equine Science or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Two years of experience with equestrian center management and equestrian programming required; four years preferred.
A minimum of two years of experience in a manager/supervisory role required.
Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GP current carrier guidelines.
Current Human First Aid, CPR, AED, and Concussion Protocol Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.
Current Equine First Aid and Safe Practices Equine Related Falls Certification, or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
Current American Riders Instructor Association– Riding Instructor Certification, or ability to obtain within two years of employment.
Current PATH Certification or ability to obtain within two years of employment.
We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.
Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.
