Barn Assistant

Position Location: Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center Scheduled Weekly Hours: 3 Work Shift: First Shift Department: Manes and Motions Riding Center We are dedicated to creatingan environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day! ***(6587) BARN ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS Required: Ability to take a horse's vital signs and identify health concerns, illnesses and unsoundness. Required: One year experience in the field of equine care. Preferred: High School Diploma. Preferred: At least two years horse ownership experience. JOB SUMMARY The Barn Assistant is responsible for the daily care and management of the horses at Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center to include daily feedings and administering of supplements/meds, blanketing, mucking stalls and paddocks, cleaning feed and water buckets and associated barn chores. This position is responsible for turning horses out and bringing them in, in accordance with program schedules, farrier/vet/dentist schedules and weather conditions. The Barn Assistant monitors the overall health and soundness of the horses and communicates any concerns or problems to the Program Coordinator or designee. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Stand or walk 90-100% of each shift. Sit 0-10% of each shift. Perform physical skills including lifting, carrying, reaching, raking, shoveling, sweeping, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 100% of each shift. Grasp with both hands on frequent basis to handle equipment and horses. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Fine hand manipulation with both hands is required on occasional basis to manipulate small objects. Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment. COGNITIVE DEMANDS Job requires a working knowledge of horse care and health and the ability to take a horse's vital signs and identify health concerns. Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Quick decision making is required. Job requires use of good judgment in determining horse turnout, weather conditions and whether blanketing is required or not. Position requires reading and auditory comprehension of abstractions and an ability to make inferences. Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed. WORK DEMANDS Job requires working primarily outdoors with moderate exposure to dust and allergens. There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens. Job requires working independently and interdependently with others listed in principle relationships (Section III). There may be a need to respond to equine medical or behavioral emergency situations. Schedule flexibility is occasionally required. Adheres to assigned schedule. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Removes manure from stalls, pastures, riding arena and trail according to established procedures to ensure hoof health and equine comfort and wellness. Demonstrates proper horse handling techniques when entering and exiting the stalls, placing the horses on cross ties, leading the horses and turning the horses out and in. Provides direct care for horses including daily monitoring for health and soundness, administering supplements and medications, feeding, blanketing, filling/refreshing water buckets and turning horses out and in. Effectively implements equine first aid measures using appropriate supplies and practice methods. Performs cleaning of feed and water buckets and completes associated barn chores.