Camp Runoia Equestrian Program Manager

About the Position

Our Equestrian Manager is responsible for the overall supervision of Camp Runoia’s horseback riding program. This is a full-time, seasonal position with the possibility for multi-year seasonal employment. As a key member of our team, the Equestrian Program Manager works with the Camp Directors to plan, organize, and execute a comprehensive program that focuses on education, skill-building, and teaches campers about the joys of horses. Our program teaches primarily English/Hunter jumper riding, and we offer a range of mounted lessons for campers at various skill levels. The Equestrian Manager is responsible for managing the Riding Staff, coordinating daily barn tasks and horse care for our herd of 9-12 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 sustain a core camp program. Come join our summer family and spend your summers working, living, and playing in beautiful central Maine.

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 barn including ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and standards as outlined in State of Maine and American Camp Association regulations.
4. Communicate with the Directors in a timely manner regarding any concerns related to safety and well-being of campers, staff, and horses.
5. Complete necessary forms and reports as needed.
6. Horse Care & Education
7. Manage health and care of a herd of approximately 9-12 horses including feeding, basic first aid, medication administration and documentation. 
8. Oversee basic daily barn chores including stall cleaning and catching, grooming, and tacking horses.
9. Teach basic skills to riders of all levels including how to mount, dismount, steer, and maintain safe position in the saddle.
10. Coordinate with local vendors for prompt delivery of hay and grain.
11. Evaluate horse health and schedule vet and farrier appointments as needed.
12. Leadership
13. Supervise and support the equestrian staff, including a Program Assistant and 3-4 Counselors.
14. Demonstrate good judgement, leadership, self-sufficiency, and respect for others.
15. Set a good example for other staff members demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores.
16. Miscellaneous
17. Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy.
18. 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 6-17.
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 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. Preferred
14. 5+ years of experience working with and caring for horses; prior experience teaching riding skills to all levels.
15. Completed certification or documented training from a recognized organization or certifying body (CHA, USHJA, etc) for horseback riding instruction, or equivalent documentation.
16. Current Red Cross First Aid & CPR certifications or the equivalent; Wilderness First Aid (training available on-site).
17. Possession of a valid Driver’s License. Ability to drive a trailer is a plus.
18. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
19. 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.
20. Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, weather emergency, injury, etc.)
21. Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; negotiating uneven terrain; lifting hay bales up to 60lbs, and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Hours, Benefits, and Compensation 

1. Full time June - Mid August
2. Compensation dependent on experience 
3. Resident staff preferred, private or shared bath adult housing
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 “Equestrian Program Manager.”