Equine Care Assistant

Responsible for the care and maintenance of equine and farm animals, including feeding, medication administration, and cleaning tasks.

TitleEquine Care AssistantDepartmentLockwood ParkStatusSeasonalOffice LocationLockwood ParkReports ToEquine and Farm Animal ManagerWage$15/HourPosition Description

Responsible for the care and maintenance of equine and farm animals, including feeding, medication administration, and cleaning tasks.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Operational Excellence

• Performs equine chore tasks including but not limited to catching and feeding animals assigned for grain, feeding hay, medicating and worming animals as needed, tending to animal injuries, catching and holding horses for the farrier and veterinarian services.
• Responsible for administration of medication to identified equine and farm animals; must be able to accurately record dosage information.
• Responsible for reviewing all feed and medication charts accurately and assuring all tasks are complete in an effective and safe manner.
• Maintains cleanliness of barn such as: cleaning stalls, runouts, sweeping, dusting, etc.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to constantly changing conditions around them.
• Must be able to observe and understand equine behavior; should be able to identify animals who are sick and/or injured.
• Informs Equine and Farm Animal Manager of supplies needed.
• Preserves and cares for equipment of the Rockford Park District.
• Assesses and informs Equine and Farm Animal Manager and Maintenance Manager of site safety concerns such as: facility users, equipment, hazards, etc.
• Represents the Park District in a friendly and positive manner when communicating with program participants, parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, and all other park visitors.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as determined by the Equine and Farm Animal Manager.
• Responsible for opening and closing the facility with security privileges.
  
  

Education/Experience

High School Diploma, Some Experience With Horses Required.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old
• Some horse experience required
• Knowledge of horse behavior required
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and function in a high stress environment
• Ability to work in an active setting with staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including times from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. including holidays and weekends.
• Ability to provide customers with expert care, sensitive consideration and efficient service.
• Ability to perform simple addition and subtraction, copying figures, counting, and recording.
• Ability to follow direction from the Equine and Farm Animal Manager, Program Manager, Maintenance Manager, and/or Manager on Duty, demonstrating flexibility as a team player.
• Ability to observe and troubleshoot issues throughout park and determine when a supervisor needs to be called.
• Must have valid Driver's License
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District) ..
  
  

Physical Requirements

The Physical Demands Described Here Are Representative Of Those That Must Be Met By An Employee To Successfully Perform The Essential Functions Of This Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions

Heavy work

• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, & repetitive motions.
• Ability to stand and work with large animals exerting excessive amounts of force.
  
  

Work Environment

The Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those An Employee Encounters While Performing The Essential Functions Of This Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions

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.