Equestrian Program Lead Instructor

National Ability Center • Park City, UT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Equestrian Program Lead Instructor provides leadership and instructional support within the National Ability Center’s Equestrian Program. The role teaches adaptive riding and equine-assisted lessons and mentors instructors and volunteers. The Lead Instructor helps maintain consistent program standards and supports the safe, effective use of horses, equipment, and facilities. Working with Equestrian program leadership, the position ensures lessons are organized, participants receive individualized instruction, and programming aligns with the organization’s mission, safety standards, and adaptive horsemanship best practices.

This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt hourly position based on-site in Park City, Utah. Programming generally runs Tuesday through Saturday, and the position requires regular weekend and after-hours work. Remote work is not available. The position also provides instructional coverage when staffing needs arise and may occasionally support special fundraising events.

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, including across disciplines such as English and Western; must demonstrate proficiency at walk, trot/jog, and canter/lope on a variety of horses and disciplines.
• 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; the employer does not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to lead by example, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and mentor instructors with varying 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.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with 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 providing instruction or facilitating programming.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors with horses in various weather conditions, including extreme weather.
• Ability to work weekends and after hours; occasional support is required 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 adapt lesson plans to individual participant goals, abilities, diagnoses, and riding skills.
• Work with the Equine team to select appropriate 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 consistent practices 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 continued education to support staff development, program 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed