Program and Animal Assistant

TitleProgram and Animal AssistantDepartmentLockwood ParkStatusSeasonalWork LocationLockwood ParkReports ToLockwood Wage$15/HourPosition DescriptionAssist with teaching horseback riding lessons, guiding trail rides on horseback, leading agriculture education field trips, coordinating and organizing special events, and other programs as determined by the Program and Animal Coordinator.

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

• Assist with teaching horseback riding lessons, guiding trail rides on horseback, leading agriculture education field trips, coordinating and organizing special events, and other programs as determined by the Program and Animal Coordinator.
• Assist as a camp counselor for Camps as determined by the Program and Animal Coordinator.
• Performs horse and animal chore tasks including but not limited to catching and feeding animals assigned for grain, medicating and worming animals as needed, feeding hay, tending to animal injuries and catch and hold horses for the farrier and veterinarian
• Assist in the coordination, supervision and organization of programs and activities for Volunteer Program.
• Assist volunteers with training and demonstrating techniques for handling horses and ponies.
• Cross training in various areas could include Saturday office.
• Initiates, organizes, and leads program activities daily.
• Sets the tone for positive behavior and discipline using positive reinforcement for a safe zone/ environment for all participants following RPD code of conduct.
• Informs Program and Animal Coordinator of supplies needed and preserves and cares for equipment of the RPD.
• Represents the Park District in a friendly and positive manner when communicating with program participants, parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, and all other park visitors.
• Helps enforce program policy and procedures using positive communication with program participants, parents/guardians, staff, and volunteers.
• Be cheerful, positive, a team player, and ready to interact with all participants every day.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as determined by the Program and Animal Coordinator.
• Gives feedback on program concerns and positive experiences.
• Assesses and informs Program and Animal Coordinator of site safety concerns such as: park users, equipment, hazards, etc.

Education/Experience

Experience working with or around horses preferred

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

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 16 years old
• Ability to provide customers with expert care, sensitive consideration, and efficient service.
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive.
• Ability to follow direction from Program and Animal Coordinator, Park Manager, and/or Manager on Duty, demonstrating flexibility as a team player.
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
• May be required to have 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:

Medium work:

• Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force rarely.

• Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force occasionally.

• Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

• This is a physically active position that involves stamina.

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:

• Dirt is common during cleaning part of job tasks continually
• Noise while working on or near tractors while completing checklists/job tasks daily
• Temperature extremes may be encountered during routine job duties.
• Working with chemicals occasionally while cleaning.
• Work pace/pressure large crowds during events.
• May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e., poison ivy) and insect bites while outdoors.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions during camp season, particularly rain and heat.

Assist with teaching horseback riding lessons, guiding trail rides on horseback, leading agriculture education field trips, coordinating and organizing special events, and other programs as determined by the Program and Animal Coordinator.