Equestrian Program Lead Instructor

National Ability Center•Park City, UT

1h•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Equestrian Program Lead Instructor provides leadership and instructional support within the National Ability Center’s Equestrian Program. The position teaches high-quality adaptive riding and equine-assisted lessons while mentoring and supporting instructors and volunteers. The Lead Instructor helps maintain consistent program standards and supports safe, effective use of horses, equipment, and facilities. Working with Equestrian program leadership, the role ensures lessons are organized, participants receive individualized instruction, and programming aligns with NAC’s mission, safety standards, and adaptive horsemanship best practices. This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt hourly position with benefits, based on-site in Park City, Utah. The schedule must be flexible to support programming, which generally runs Tuesdays through Saturdays. The role is not eligible for remote work.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
At least 3 years of experience in an equestrian program, riding experience, and horsemanship skills.
At least 1 year of supervisory experience in related fields.
Ability to ride and school a wide variety of horses and disciplines, with demonstrated proficiency at walk, trot/jog, and canter/lope.
Experience in therapeutic recreation or working with people with various disabilities, and openness to ongoing learning that supports adaptive thinking and educational growth.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment visa or immigration-process sponsorship is not available.
Demonstrated leadership ability to lead by example, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and mentor instructors with varying levels of proficiency and experience.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced equestrian environment.
Ability to work cooperatively and independently, with creativity, communication skills, and innovation.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently under pressure.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage participants, families, visitors, coworkers, and donors.
Ability to work productively and collaboratively across multiple departments.
Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment.
Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to stand for up to 6 hours and walk and run on uneven surfaces for 2 or more consecutive hours, including stooping, bending, crouching, and repetitive hand motions while instructing or facilitating equestrian programming.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors with horses in various weather conditions, including extreme weather.
Ability to work weekends and after-hours when needed to support programming; occasional support for special fundraising events.

Nice To Haves

PATH or CHA certification.
Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field.
Experience in adaptive riding instruction.

Responsibilities

Teach safe, inclusive, and effective adaptive riding lessons for participants with varied abilities and needs.
Develop and modify lesson plans according to participants’ goals, abilities, diagnoses, and riding skills.
Work with the Equine team to select suitable horses, tack, adaptive equipment, and lesson activities for each participant.
Provide mounted and unmounted equestrian instruction as appropriate.
Lead lessons independently and support lessons requiring additional instructors, leaders, or side walkers.
Evaluate participant progress and provide feedback to participants and families.
Maintain a positive, encouraging, participant-centered learning environment.
Mentor and serve as a resource for instructors and volunteers.
Assist with onboarding and training new instructors and instructional staff.
Coach instructors and provide feedback to promote consistency and professional development.
Help establish and maintain lesson standards, instructional practices, and safety procedures.
Assist with instructor observations, skill development, and training as requested.
Provide instructional coverage when staffing needs arise.
Provide continuing education to develop staff and support programming quality and staff engagement.
Assist with horse care, barn chores, and riding assignments as needed.
Contribute to fundraising outreach and staff and volunteer events.

Benefits

Health insurance with Health Savings Account.
Employer contribution to HSA.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Voluntary accident and hospital plans.
Annual paid time off (PTO).
11 paid holidays and 2 paid personal days annually, including a paid day off on the employee’s birthday.
403(b) plan with employer match.
Parental leave.
Pet insurance.
Pro Deals with gear companies.