Overnight Summer Camp Wrangler - Raintree Ranch

YMCA of San Diego County • Julian, CA

3d • $98 - $104 • Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Camp Wrangler is responsible for the safety, well-being, and supervision of campers ages 9–16 and approximately 42 horses in Overnight Camp’s equine program. The role provides a safe, fun, and educational horsemanship experience in a welcoming, horse-focused community, while ensuring camp policies and safety regulations are understood and enforced. The Wrangler supports campers of all skill levels, serves as a positive role model, and assists with general camp functions.

Because the role is residential, the Wrangler must live on-site for the full camp session and remain available and responsive to immediate camper and equine needs, emergencies, and unforeseen situations. The position includes daily horse care, instruction, facility and equipment upkeep, camper supervision, and participation in general camp chores and activities.

The role is scheduled six days per week. Mandatory staff training is May 23, 2027, and the summer camp session runs June 6 through August 7, 2027. Weekly pay is $589.10–$623.10, with the position exempt from overtime under the stated organized-camp counselor exemption. Free on-site meals are included; on-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from the paycheck.

Requirements

• Formal or informal education or training sufficient to read and write at the level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in horsemanship or a related field.
• At least one year of experience as a camp counselor, youth leader, or in a supervisory or teaching role with children ages 9–16, or similar experience.
• Ability to observe equine activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Physical ability to lead and participate in group activities and to stand, walk, hike, ride horses, and/or climb for extended periods, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Visual, auditory, and physical ability to quickly identify, assess, and respond to emergencies involving people or horses.
• Ability to design and deliver age- and skill-appropriate instruction in western riding, arena lessons, ground classes, and trail rides for children ages 9–16.
• Proficient in daily horse management, including feeding, grooming, saddling, basic health observation, and exercise protocols for a large string of horses.
• Ability to assess horse temperaments, match horses safely to riders, and manage herd dynamics and behavior in a structured program.
• Ability to lead group activities, serve as a positive role model for youth, and foster a supportive, confidence-building community atmosphere.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents or guardians, and community members.
• Ability to live on-site throughout the full program season and maintain professional standards in all areas while interacting with staff and campers.
• Must be fingerprinted before reporting to work, with subsequent arrest notifications, as required for YMCA San Diego County staff.
• Must obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certifications covering adults and children/infants within 30 days of hire, from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for horses, including feeding, grooming, saddling, bathing, and exercise, and perform daily health and wellness checks.
• Constantly supervise campers during equine activities and use good judgment to maintain a safe environment and enforce safety rules.
• Teach age-appropriate horsemanship to campers of beginner through advanced skill levels in arenas and on trails.
• Maintain horse facilities, including stalls, pastures, arenas, and trails, and care for equipment such as tack and first-aid supplies.
• Conduct regular safety checks of gear and report and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Follow camp operating procedures, schedules, and instructions from the Program Director and leadership team.
• Know and enforce camp safety rules in barn and general camp environments, and implement emergency procedures when needed.
• Carry and properly use necessary safety and first-aid equipment during activities.
• Work cooperatively and communicate clearly with other wranglers, counselors, and directors.
• Help maintain clean facilities and proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practice stewardship of the natural environment.
• Participate in general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs and special events, and contributing to projects requested by the Program Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free on-site meals
• On-site housing provided; a weekly housing cost is deducted from the paycheck
• Employee benefits information is referenced through the YMCA of San Diego County Employee Benefits link

What This Job Offers

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