KANSAS 4-H FOUNDATION
General Description:
Kansas 4-H Foundation's Rock Springs Ranch is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to lead our horse herd care and equine program. As part of the Kansas 4-H Foundation, this role is key to shaping unforgettable experiences for campers and guests through thoughtful program design and hands-on herd management. We’re seeking someone who is highly organized, knowledgeable in horse care and pasture management, and an excellent communicator. If you’re excited about creating meaningful connections between people and horses in a beautiful ranch setting, we’d love to hear from you!
The Kansas 4-H Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fundraising arm for Kansas 4-H, the state’s largest positive youth development program, as well as Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4-H camp and conference center. The Foundation works with businesses, organizations, individuals and families who share a common desire to support a statewide effort of growing future leaders. Rock Springs Ranch is a 735-acre property located in the heart of the flint hills and is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Primary Responsibilities
Ranch & Herd Management:
Day-to-day care and support of the horse herd; feed, first aid, grooming, etc and keep horses in working condition
Update and facilitate Herd Management, Trail Management, and Pasture & Barn Management Plans outlined in collaboration with the Camp Director.
Manage pasture rotation and water management to preserve our natural prairie surroundings
Identifying health and behavioral changes of the herd and communicating with staff any changes in care and/or procedures
Turning out and moving of horses as needed
Ensure equipment maintenance and safety
Ability to learn and handle basic machinery needed to perform job (e.g. skid steer)
Maintain Equine Stables and Equine areas in conjunction with Facilities and Grounds Dept.
Collaborate with Camp Director and other departments as needed
Develop & Enhance Equine Program:
Coordinate and teach trail riding and ground lessons
Work with all guests to provide a combination of trail rides, pony rides, horse meet & greets, etc.
Maintain and update staff training materials
Administration:
In collaboration with the Camp Director, build and monitor the equine budget
Scheduling of staff to support horse programming
with feeding, vet and farrier visits, etc.
Maintain herd and program records
Assist in producing special events and programs as needed
Hospitality Management
Serve in Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation for RSR guests
Assist Camp Director as needed
Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Executive Director
Requirements Bachelor’s degree in animal science, equestrian science or equine administration or 5 years of recent related work experience
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive with a trailer
Basic computer skills in Word, Excel and navigating the Internet
Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level 3 Herd Manager, CHA Day Ride Trail Guide, or
higher certification(s). Or ability to obtain within first 90 days of employment
Current certification in American Red Cross First-aid and CPR, or ability to obtain certification
Minimum of two years facilitating instruction in horseback riding
Minimum of two years caring for 8 or more horses in a herd environment
Ability to live on site or within 10 miles
Lift and carry a 50-pound bag of feed for a set distance of 30 feet.
Must be able to ride a horse for at least 8 hours per day.
Successful completion of criminal background check & drug test.
Qualifications Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple projects concurrently, prioritize own workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to remain composed and deliver high-quality service in dynamic and occasionally high-pressure customer environments.
Professional, well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-driven, proactive, energetic, and enthusiastic personality.
Strong conflict resolution and customer service skills.
Benefits $35,000 - $45,000
Private onsite housing & utilities
Meals provided when group is on site
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO) including parental leave
403b retirement plan with employer contribution and matching
Be a part of a positive and energetic work environment.
As the largest positive youth development organization, we value continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
Day-to-day care and support of the horse herd; feed, first aid, grooming, etc and keep horses in working condition
Update and facilitate Herd Management, Trail Management, and Pasture & Barn Management Plans outlined in collaboration with the Camp Director.
Manage pasture rotation and water management to preserve our natural prairie surroundings
Identifying health and behavioral changes of the herd and communicating with staff any changes in care and/or procedures
Turning out and moving of horses as needed
Ensure equipment maintenance and safety
Ability to learn and handle basic machinery needed to perform job (e.g. skid steer)
Maintain Equine Stables and Equine areas in conjunction with Facilities and Grounds Dept.
Collaborate with Camp Director and other departments as needed
Develop & Enhance Equine Program:
Coordinate and teach trail riding and ground lessons
Work with all guests to provide a combination of trail rides, pony rides, horse meet & greets, etc.
Maintain and update staff training materials
Administration:
In collaboration with the Camp Director, build and monitor the equine budget
Scheduling of staff to support horse programming
with feeding, vet and farrier visits, etc.
Maintain herd and program records
Assist in producing special events and programs as needed
Hospitality Management
Serve in Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation for RSR guests
Assist Camp Director as needed
Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Executive Director
Requirements Bachelor’s degree in animal science, equestrian science or equine administration or 5 years of recent related work experience
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive with a trailer
Basic computer skills in Word, Excel and navigating the Internet
Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level 3 Herd Manager, CHA Day Ride Trail Guide, or
higher certification(s). Or ability to obtain within first 90 days of employment
Current certification in American Red Cross First-aid and CPR, or ability to obtain certification
Minimum of two years facilitating instruction in horseback riding
Minimum of two years caring for 8 or more horses in a herd environment
Ability to live on site or within 10 miles
Lift and carry a 50-pound bag of feed for a set distance of 30 feet.
Must be able to ride a horse for at least 8 hours per day.
Successful completion of criminal background check & drug test.
Qualifications Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple projects concurrently, prioritize own workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to remain composed and deliver high-quality service in dynamic and occasionally high-pressure customer environments.
Professional, well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-driven, proactive, energetic, and enthusiastic personality.
Strong conflict resolution and customer service skills.
Benefits $35,000 - $45,000
Private onsite housing & utilities
Meals provided when group is on site
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO) including parental leave
403b retirement plan with employer contribution and matching
Be a part of a positive and energetic work environment.
As the largest positive youth development organization, we value continuous learning and professional development opportunities.