Equine Specialist

Position Description

Serves as the equine assisted services (EAS) expert, working together with the other EAS team members and horses to provide participants with experiential and/or social emotional learning through equine assisted learning. Develops EAS curriculum to focus on the healing power and connection of the horse. Acts as the equine expert working in conjunction with a licensed contracted therapist for Equine Assisted psychotherapy to ensure program safety, the right selection of equine based on behaviors for best anticipated outcomes. Act as Manager on Duty for the facility.

Essential Functions

• Leadership by Values: Establish and maintain a high level of citizen confidence and support. Assist with establishing and maintaining exceptional relationships with internal team members and external stakeholders. Create a work atmosphere that is safe, healthy, secure, and is conscious of work-life balance as well as the Park District's goals. Support and ensure a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging exists in all areas of the Rockford Park District. Contribute to the success of the organization by following local, state, and federal standards. Works with teams to engage in industries best practices to continue to develop and keep abreast of industries standards and best practices.
• Operational Excellence: Responsible for the facilitation and coordination of equine-assisted services (EAS), ensuring the physical and emotional safety of both participants and horses. Collaborates closely with mental health professionals and operations staff to deliver therapeutic and experiential programming grounded in best practices and Lockwood's team approach.
• Program Facilitation & Participant Support: Develop program curriculum as needed. Facilitate equine-assisted therapy and learning sessions in collaboration with the treatment team. Develop and implement experiential arena activities tailored to individual and group needs. Maintain accurate records of sessions, including equine-participant interactions and equine observations. Track and manage participant outcomes for reporting to grant agencies. Recruit and meet with potential customers. Assist with the facilitation of additional Lockwood programs as needed.
• Equine Welfare & Arena Management: Ensure the safety and welfare of equine team members during and outside of sessions. Evaluate equine behavior consistently to identify potential safety concerns. Continually assess the health and wellness of equine partners, working closely with the Equine & Animal Manager and Program & Operations Manager. Select appropriate horses for programming based on participant needs and goals. Develop and implement systems for logging equine behavior and work performance. Prepare horses and arena for EAS sessions to support smooth operations. Provide equine training and exercising as directed by the Equine & Animal Manager.
• Training, Leadership & Staff Support: Train and support team members and collaborative agency staff on horse care, handling, and Lockwood facilitation techniques. Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate part-time and seasonal EAS staff and volunteers. Act as Manager on Duty when assigned.
• Professional Development & Compliance: Stay current on EAS best practices through continuing education. Maintain working knowledge of Lockwood's team approach to ensure program compliance and uphold safety and welfare standards. Collaborate with the Program & Operations Manager to align programming with industry standards and continually improve facilitation techniques.
• Customer Satisfaction: Provides quality customer service to all patrons, guests, 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 to ensure total satisfaction.
• Compliance: Maintain a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, equine studies or related field.
• Minimum 5 years professional experience working with horses.
• Hold EAGALA Certification as an Equine Specialist or ability to achieve within 6 months of being hired.
• 3 to 4 years minimum experience in Equine Assisted Activity facilitation.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong horsemanship background with demonstrated knowledge of equine care and welfare.
• In-depth understanding of horse behavior and psychology.
• Familiarity with training techniques and best practices for the care of horses.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other electronic systems commonly used for communication and scheduling.
• Ability to professionally network and publicly represent the District.
• Excellent verbal, written, and receptive communication skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative.
• Ability to professionally represent the Rockford Park District in public settings and networking opportunities.
• Effective problem-solving skills with adaptability to dynamic or high-stress situations.
• Skilled at multitasking and managing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED equipment usage.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Comfortable following direction while remaining adaptable to changing needs.
• Capable of building and maintaining positive working relationships with staff, partners, donors, volunteers, and the community.
• Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force rarely. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Kneeling: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
• This is a physically active position that involves stamina.

Work Environment

• Working indoors and outdoors most of the day.
• May be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
• Will work with chemicals occasionally while cleaning.
• Will experience work pace/pressure and large crowds during events.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
• Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
• Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.
• Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage.
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.
• Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy.