Lead Riding Instructor

Girl Scouts of Utah•Provo, UT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Riding Instructor supports Girl Scouts of Utah’s mission by modeling respect, integrity, and service, prioritizing camper well-being, and contributing to a collaborative camp culture. Based at Trefoil Ranch, this seasonal staff member manages the riding areas and equestrian program when the Equestrian Coordinator is absent and otherwise assists with planning and delivering progressive horseback riding and horse care programming. The role provides guidance to equestrian instructional staff, evaluates rider abilities, supports lesson planning and staff training, teaches riding and horse care, coordinates horse and equipment needs, and leads Saddle Club programming. The position also helps maintain safe, clean, and organized riding and stable areas; completes required logs and reports; and responds to accidents, incidents, and safety concerns according to camp procedures. When not assigned to equestrian programming, the Lead Riding Instructor participates in general camp operations, including housekeeping, camper check-in and check-out, camp-wide activities, staff training, meals, camper supervision, and closing duties. The instructor follows applicable Girl Scouts of the USA, American Camp Association, Certified Horsemanship Association, and state and local safety requirements, and may perform additional duties as assigned. The job is based in an outdoor, high-elevation camp setting, potentially involving varying and extreme weather. Physical demands include lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods on uneven and steep terrain, and responding to environmental hazards. The role represents Girl Scouts of Utah professionally and models the Girl Scout Movement’s values while supporting a safe, inclusive, and meaningful camper experience.

Requirements

Have completed certification or documented training from a recognized organization or certifying body for horseback riding instruction, or have equivalent documented experience.
Have extensive experience working with and caring for horses.
Be familiar with western riding style and equipment.
Possess or be willing to obtain Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications or equivalent.
Have or be willing to obtain a Utah Food Handlers’ Permit.
Be capable of following directions, adhering to policies, and following camp procedures.
Communicate effectively with campers ages 6–17 through clear instructions, active listening, and appropriate responses to their needs and questions.
Communicate effectively with groups of adults through clear instructions, active listening, and appropriate responses to questions and feedback.
Observe camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
Complete required council health forms and documentation for living and working in an outdoor camp setting.
Bend, move, lift, stock, and carry boxes, program materials, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Walk, stand, and work on feet for up to 14 hours a day, potentially taking more than 10,000 steps on uneven, unpaved, steep terrain.
Be capable of living and working outdoors at elevations up to 6,500 feet and in varying and extreme weather conditions.
Have visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental and other hazards related to summer camp activities.

Nice To Haves

Certified driver on the council’s behalf; this requires a clear motor vehicle record, being at least 21 years old, and proof of auto insurance and motor vehicle licensing.
Spanish-English bilingual communication skills.
Prior Girl Scout experience.
Hold or be willing to obtain certifications related to specific program areas on the property, including High Ropes, Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding and First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Small Craft Safety certifications or equivalents.

Responsibilities

Manage the riding areas and equestrian program when the Equestrian Coordinator is absent.
Assist with planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering progressive horseback riding and horse care programs for campers.
Guide, coach, and support equestrian instructional staff and advise instructors on lesson progression, rider placement, horse selection, and teaching techniques.
Evaluate staff and camper riding ability, assist with rider placement, and maintain records of skill development and progression.
Teach and enforce equestrian safety rules and procedures.
Train equestrian staff on program responsibilities, instructional techniques, safety procedures, and expectations.
Help develop program outlines and lesson plans for progressive skill development.
Teach riding, horse care, and tack care, including ground, arena, and trail activities suited to campers’ ages and abilities.
Teach and monitor proper use and care of riding and stable equipment and advise the Equestrian Coordinator of supply and equipment needs.
Work with the Wrangler and Equestrian Coordinator to ensure suitable horses are available and assigned.
Assist with opening and closing the barn and riding areas for the season.
Supervise and mentor Counselor-in-Training and Wrangler-in-Training campers assigned to the stables.
Lead and coordinate Saddle Club programming.
Assist with weekly program reports and end-of-season reports.
Maintain safe, clean, and organized riding, stable, and horse care areas.
Ensure first aid kits are stocked and accessible; report and document accidents, incidents, and safety concerns promptly.
Monitor the condition and cleanliness of riding areas, tack, and equestrian equipment, and submit maintenance requests as needed.
Ensure riding areas and program practices meet applicable health and safety standards and complete daily stable logs and program documentation.
When not assigned to equestrian programming, assist with general camp operations, housekeeping, sanitation, supplies, and equipment care.
Help with weekly camper check-in and check-out and participate in camp-wide activities, staff training, and end-of-season closing.
Eat meals with campers and assist with camper supervision and meal clean-up as assigned.
Implement safety guidelines and standards established by Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Camp Association, the Certified Horsemanship Association, and applicable state and local requirements.
Represent Girl Scouts of Utah professionally, collaborate with staff and community partners, model Girl Scout values, and prioritize campers’ needs.
Perform additional duties as assigned; duties may be adjusted based on camp and organizational needs.