ADAPTIVE
RIDING INSTRUCTOR
DEPARTMENT: Mercer County Equestrian Center
SALARY: $19.25 – $21.25 per hour, DOE
LOCATION: Pennington, NJ
POSITION(S) AVAILABLE: 1
SCHEDULE: 10–15 hours per week (current program schedule; may include
Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays) PART TIME
POSITION
OVERVIEW
The
Adaptive Riding Instructor plays a vital role in delivering high-quality
equine-assisted programs at the Mercer County Equestrian Center (MCEC). Located
on 243 acres in Pennington, NJ, MCEC provides English riding lessons, adaptive
riding, equine-assisted therapies, and educational programs for the public
year-round. The Adaptive Riding Instructor oversees adaptive riding classes,
supporting both public participants and Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ)
equestrian athletes.
This
position ensures lessons are safe, inclusive, and aligned with Professional
Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and Special
Olympics standards. The Instructor works collaboratively with management,
staff, and volunteers to maintain a positive learning environment, support
program growth, and promote equine welfare.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assess
potential new clients for program suitability and establish individualized
participant goals.
- Design and
deliver safe, engaging, and effective adaptive riding lesson plans tailored to
participant needs.
- Facilitate
weekly private or group adaptive riding sessions, providing strength-based
coaching and inclusive instruction.
- Maintain
accurate records of participant progress, attendance, cancellations, and intake
paperwork.
- Recruit,
train, and supervise volunteers to support program delivery.
- Ensure
equines are handled respectfully and that horse welfare and safety are
prioritized during lessons.
- Inspect,
maintain, and properly store tack, equipment, and supplies; report issues and
recommend replacements.
- Monitor
and respond to participant or volunteer incidents, completing reports in a
timely manner.
- Coordinate
with the Director/Assistant Director and instructional team to ensure program
quality and communication.
- Uphold
MCEC safety protocols and industry best practices.
- Support
Special Olympics New Jersey athletes as a registered volunteer/coach.
- Maintain
professional certifications, continuing education, and knowledge of equine care
and adaptive riding standards.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION
& CERTIFICATION:
- PATH
Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or Certified Horsemanship
Association (CHA) Instructor of Riders with Disabilities (IRD)
certification (current) or actively pursuing certification.
- Registered
as a Special Olympics coach/volunteer (or willing to register immediately upon
hire).
- First
Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification for child and adult.
EXPERIENCE:
- Strong
background in riding, horsemanship, and equine care.
- Experience
with adaptive riding, equine-assisted activities, or therapeutic instruction
preferred.
- Familiarity
with equine health, behavior, equipment, and safety practices.
KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Ability to
create individualized participant goals and adjust instruction for a range of
abilities and diagnoses.
- Strong
interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Effective
time management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to
remain calm, professional, and focused under pressure.
- Commitment
to MCEC's mission and dedication to participant and equine safety.
- Reliability,
consistency, and a steady professional presence.
BENEFITS
OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:
Mercer County is committed to supporting the
well-being and growth of all employees, including part-time staff. While
benefits may vary based on hours worked and union affiliation, part-time
employees may be eligible for:
- Access to select health and wellness programs
- Participation in the Defined Contribution Retirement
Program (DCRP), where applicable
- Opportunities for training and professional
development
- Access to employee support services and participation
in county-sponsored initiatives
Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:
Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.
Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.
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