Summer Camp Horsemanship Program Director

Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is an overnight summer camp in Northern California for kids ages 7-16. For over 95 years, we've welcomed children and families to our beautiful 450-acre ranch in the beautiful mountains of Trinity County to experience nature, challenge themselves, form deep friendships, gain a sense of community, and have big fun. Life on the Ranch is rustic and unplugged: we spend our days swimming, hiking, riding, caring for animals, gardening, and making music and art. Campers choose freely from activities that range from horseback riding, gardening, animal care, and maintenance projects, to backpacking trips, crafts, campfires, singing, and much more!

About the Position

Our Horsemanship Director is responsible for the overall supervision of Camp’s horsemanship program. This is a full-time, seasonal position with the possibility for multi-year seasonal employment. As a key member of our team, the Horsemanship Director works with the Camp Directors to plan, organize, and execute a comprehensive program that focuses on education, skill-building, and adventure, and teaches campers about the joys of working with horses. Our program teaches primarily Western riding, and we offer a range of activities for campers at various skill levels including trail riding, arena lessons, groundwork lessons and demonstrations, grooming and tacking, horseback games and events, and horseback overnight trips. The Horsemanship Director is responsible for managing the Horsemanship Team, coordinating daily barn tasks and horse care for our herd of 20-25 horses, and scheduling camper activities. We are eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment, and who are excited about the opportunity to help build and sustain a core Camp program. Come join our big ranch family and spend your summers working, living, and playing in the mountains!

Major Job Functions

1. Program Management
2. Plan and organize daily horsemanship program activities including occasional evening activities and special events.
3. Manage health and safety conditions in the riding areas and in the barns/corrals, including ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and standards as outlined by the Bar 717 Ranch and the American Camp Association.
4. Communicate with the Directors in a timely manner regarding any concerns related to safety and well-being of campers, staff, and horses.
5. Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community.
6. Complete necessary forms and reports as needed.
7. Horse Care & Education
8. Manage health and care of a herd of approximately 20-25 horses including feeding, basic first aid, medication administration and documentation, and communication with local veterinary office. 
9. Oversee basic daily barn chores including stall cleaning and catching, grooming, and tacking horses.
10. Teach basic skills to riders of all levels including how to mount, dismount, steer, and maintain safe position in the saddle.
11. Leadership
12. Supervise and support the horsemanship staff, including a Program Assistant and 4-6 Counselors.
13. Demonstrate good judgement, leadership, self-sufficiency, and respect for others.
14. Set a good example for other staff members demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores.
15. Miscellaneous
16. Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy.
17. Job duties may be subject to change pursuant to the activities of the camp, camp needs, and the organization as a whole.

Requirements

1. Personal Characteristics
2. Desire, commitment, and ability to work with and care for children ages 7-16.
3. Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity.
4. Excellent role model for children with outstanding character, integrity, and leadership skills.
5. Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control.
6. Minimum Qualifications and Experience
7. Minimum age 21.
8. 5+ years of relevant experience riding, working with, and caring for horses; familiarity with both Western and English riding style and equipment.
9. 3+ years of relevant experience with team and program management. 
10. Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors.
11. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
12. Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance.
13. Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of the employer.
14. Possession of a valid Driver’s License.
15. Preferred
16. 10+ years of experience working with and caring for horses; prior experience teaching riding skills to all levels.
17. Completed certification or documented training from a recognized organization or certifying body for horseback riding instruction, or equivalent documentation.
18. Current Red Cross First Aid & CPR certifications or the equivalent; Wilderness First Aid (training available on-site).
19. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
20. Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people.
21. Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
22. Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; lifting hay bales up to 60lbs, carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Hours, Benefits, and Compensation 

1. Full time May - September
2. Compensation dependent on experience starting at $800 - $1000 per week
3. Resident staff preferred
4. Housing, meals, and laundry service are provided for resident staff for the duration of our summer camp season
5. Supportive community of coworkers and supervisors
6. A rewarding summer spent outside and unplugged in a beautiful place

Equal Opportunity Employment: We are committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply: Please send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing relevant experience and your interest in the position to [email protected] with subject line “Horsemanship Program Director.” Priority Application Deadline: December 1, 2025.

View the full job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_86WqMf2jPfdT5PIW2deOv4q-vCGG1Jo/view?usp=sharing