On-Site Caretaker

Therapeutic riding center located in Milton, Delaware is seeking an experienced On-Site Caretaker. The On-site Caretaker plays a crucial role in supporting the facility maintenance, landscaping and horse care for Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR). This position is responsible for equine care and facility operations which includes after hours care and monitoring of horses and facilities for safety and security.

This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds and to work outdoors in all weather conditions. This position requires the ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers, the ability to take direction and then work to complete tasks independently. The On-site Caretaker requires knowledge of and comfort with horses and horse care. The On-site Caretaker is required to reside in a designated 3-bedroom, 2-bath, single family home adjacent to SDTR’s property. Competitive pay + near Delaware beaches!

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. A schedule to perform tasks will be determined by employer and employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Horse Care:

1. Provide basic horse care and assistance to ensure horse safety. These tasks may include, but not be limited to the following:
2. Executes equine feeding according to each horse’s dietary plan. Feeds the herd their breakfast (up to) 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
3. Feed horses providing feed, medications, and hay; clean feed bowls.
4. Soak hay, clean and refill water buckets. 
5. Provide hay and water out in pastures.
6. Responsible for making sure every equine has a clean and plentiful water supply.
7. Put on or take off blankets, fly sheets and fly masks (seasonal) and take each horse to proper pasture and/or return to the barn.
8. Clean all stalls; muck stalls, dump water buckets, add shavings.
9. Straighten up feed room area.
10. Serve as point of contact for Horse Care notifications. May be required to cover horse care shifts that are unable to be filled by SDTR volunteers.
11. Contact Program Director regarding Horse Care notifications, when necessary.
12. Perform late evening walk through barn to check hay and water buckets and inspect facility and horses. Report any issues to supervisor. 
13. Close and latch gate near road at night; unlatch and open gate in the morning.

Facility Maintenance:

1. Maintain to the highest standard all aspects of facility – arenas, barn, offices, out buildings, and residential dwelling – for maximum safety and function.
2. Conduct weekly inspections of the barn, equipment, facilities and property to identify safety issues and repair needs.
3. Oversee property and perform regular maintenance and basic repairs of fences, structures, and equipment in a timely manner and with a focus on safety.
4. Serve as the liaison to the volunteer Facilities Team providing support, maintenance assistance, scheduling service and inspections.
5. Facilitate manure management program for SDTR.
6. Schedule and coordinate inspections of fire extinguishers, fire protection system and lifts.
7. Maintain overall appearance of grounds including grass cutting, garden upkeep, snowplowing, and arena/pasture/outdoor trail footing.
8. Maintain all farm equipment, including tractor, mowers, golf cart, etc.
9. Remove trash and recycling; bring receptacles to curb and return.
10. Basic snow removal during inclement winter weather for the pasture and south parking lot.
11. Supervise groups of volunteers for periodic service projects.
12. Assist with construction/set-up/tear-down needs for special events.

Planning:

1. Create, update and execute annual planning calendar for seasonal and ongoing maintenance activities.
2. Maintain accurate records of daily work in work log and distribute weekly to the Program Director and Executive Director.
3. Proactively identify cost savings opportunities.
4. Advise leadership on short- and long-term capital expenditures.

Other Requirements:

1. On-site Caretaker should be on the premises every night, unless communicated and approved by the Program Director to be off the property overnight.
2. Be a reliable, self-motifvated and directed individual comfortaable living on-site, and being available in case of emergencies.
3. Must be able to clear an agency background check.

Required Education and Experience:

1. Must be at least 21 years old.
2. Minimum two (2) years of related experience in barn management and equine care and health.

For more info, visit https://www.sdtrhr.com/about/opportunities