Equestrian Assistant - Temporary

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County•Wheaton, IL

4d•$21 - $23

About The Position

The Equestrian Assistant 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. This is a temporary position, expected to last approximately six months, with the possibility of altering based on operational needs

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
High School Diploma/GED required; 1-3 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 Driver's 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.

Responsibilities

Provide daily horse care, including feeding, watering, grooming, cleaning, observation, first aid, routine treatments, and recordkeeping.
Prepare diets and administer medications per supervisor's direction.
Monitor horse health, report concerns, and document end-of-shift notes.
Recommend changes to diet, facility, herd organization, and behavior as needed.
Perform physically demanding tasks (moving hay, bedding, feed bags, handling equipment).
Conduct minor repairs and maintain facility appearance.
Operate equipment such as tractors, mowers, manure spreaders, power tools, and hand tools.
Monitor facility, equipment, and supply conditions; manage inventory and initiate orders or repairs.
Lead, train, and supervise volunteers for general duties and events.
Assist with staff selection, scheduling, training, and daily guidance; provide input on performance and growth opportunities.
Support educational programs and engage visitors with equestrian care knowledge.
Collaborate with other departments and vendors on joint projects.
Promote safety by following all rules, maintaining a clean work area, and reporting hazards.
Maintain a positive, customer-focused work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.