Skilled Riding Instructor

Rockford Park District•Rockford, IL

53d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Provide riding lesson instruction to riders of all ages and abilities in a private or semi-private environment. ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds. RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success. ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

Requirements

High School graduate or obtain GED and/or Equine related degree.
Riding Instructor Certification required or to be obtained with one year of hire date.
Three or more years of experience with horses required.
Must be at least 18 Years of Age.
Must have a valid Illinois Driver's License.
Must be willing to commit to up to 15-20 hours per week, hours vary and may include weekdays, weekends, evenings & holidays.
Ability to observe and troubleshoot issues throughout park and determine when a supervisor needs to be called.
Ability to understand and follow verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifying information; request supplies verbally or in writing.
Perform simple addition and subtraction; copying figures, counting, and recording.
Carryout tasks as assigned following written or verbal instruction, knowing when to ask for help or assistance.
Familiarity with animals including horses required.
Understanding of district-wide policies and procedures.
Familiarity with safety rules, disease protocols, confined space, and lockout/tagout procedures.
Proficient in CPR/AED, First Aid, and emergency plans.
Prompt and accurate in reporting incidents and hazards.
Strong in verbal and non-verbal communication, effective in interacting and deescalating situations with citizens.
Efficient team player, adaptable in a changing organization.
Proficient in managing time and personal organization.
Capable of handling tools and job-specific equipment.
Ability to operate Gator.
Medium work:
Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Nice To Haves

Previous work with youth, camp or education preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide riding lesson instruction to riders of all abilities ages 5 and up primarily in a group lesson environment
Have the ability to manage a variety of rider needs within a group
May provide some private or semi-private lessons, customizing each lesson to the skill level of the rider and their individual riding goals
Conduct riding evaluations and assessments and grade riders appropriately
Utilize the riding lesson plans and evaluations already established to help guide skill progression in a manner that aligns with Lockwood Park lesson programs
Use flexibility and creativity to create lesson plans based on the needs of the riders
Must be able to accurately teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced riding skills using flexibility and creativity
Provide a positive and safe space that allows students to grow and gain confidence in a low-stress environment
Assess skill level and needs of equines and match appropriately to riders
Recognize what level of challenge a rider needs to progress without losing confidence and adjust the lesson as needed
Work with and condition horses and ponies outside of lessons
Ensure all safety procedures are followed and provide feedback to supervisors for safety improvements.
Ability to work in an active setting with staff, volunteers, and patrons
Ability to work a varied schedule
Ensures that all work performed is conducted in a safe and timely manner adhering to standards of safety and effective equipment utilization.
Maintains working knowledge of departmental and Park District wide safety procedures.
Attend scheduled trainings and staff meetings
Effectively and safely operates Park District equipment including Gators as required
Provide a riding experience that is clean, professional, safe, and fun
Provides quality customer service to and maintains effective communication with all patrons, guests, volunteers and other District employees.
Ensures a superior customer experience in all interactions through outstanding service capabilities, knowledge, flexibility, and thoroughness.
Quickly and effectively solves customer problems that ensure total satisfaction.
Responsive to the needs of the department by accepting additional responsibility or assisting others.
Willing to adjust work schedule to accommodate changing priorities.