POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Barn Director assists the Barn Director to implement the riding program, supervise barn staff, maintain barn facilities, and care for the horse herd. They are responsible for the development and implementation of curriculum for advanced horseback riding lessons (High Rider level). The Assistant Barn Director provides leadership and horsemanship instruction for the Wrangler-In-Training program & CITs. They lead out-of-camp pack trips and lives with campers in the WIT program, collaborating with their co-counselor to ensure each campers physical, social, and emotional health and safety needs are met.

OUR CULTURE:

At YMCA of the Rockies, we firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary experiences for our guests and for each other and we expect constant demonstration of our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ALL CAMP CHIEF OURAY STAFF:

• Create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff. Promote safe work practices to allow for development and growth for all.
• Possess the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first
• Respond to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshoot problems and develop solutions in a patient and respectful manner.
• Contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, be a team player
• Be responsible for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Report any repairs in a timely manner.
• Assist other departments as needed

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ASSISTANT BARN DIRECTOR:

• Participate in admin and staff training prior to working with campers. Helps to coordinate and implement curriculum for staff training.
• Be concerned with the needs of camper and staff development and growth
• Supervisory
  • Help supervise Wranglers-In-Training with their work in the Riding Program.
  • Direct and supervise areas of Riding Program as assigned by Barn Director including, but not limited to, classes, trail rides, pack trips, WIT and CIT.
  • Work with the CIT coordinator if any CIT want Horse/Barn experience during their program.
  • Act as on-duty staff for one stayover weekend throughout the summer
  • Support Cabin Counselor Wranglers by addressing concerns and problems in a patient manner
  • Assist with overall administration of the camp as organized by Camp Executive.
  • Assist in nighttime responsibilities, assuring campers and staff are safe after lights out
• Training
  • Participate in admin and staff training prior to working with campers.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation of curriculum for staff training. Evaluate trainings after delivery.
  • Support the implementation of Wrangler Training week for Barn Staff.
  • Help with training and in-services appropriate to areas supervised to assure quality programming and camp activities.
  • Acquaint all camp staff with the Riding Program and coordinate the Riding Program with other camp programs.
• Program
  • Help maintain the standards and procedures as set forth in the Riding Manual and as required by the ACA, the YMCA and Colorado Child Care Licensing.
  • Organize, operate and maintain a meaningful program geared to the ages, interests and abilities of the campers.
  • Become familiar with total camp program providing both leadership and support to the camp community.
  • Assist in developing and/or reviewing lesson plans appropriate for each section of instruction in the Riding Program.
  • Help maintain, and keep barn areas (including corral, barn, work areas, trails and pastures) clean, in good repair and in safe condition to ensure safety for campers, staff and horses
  • Expand campers knowledge of safety riding and care of horses.
  • Make certain all trail rides and instruction are supervised, led properly and conducted safely.
  • Be responsible for the health and safety of staff, campers and horses related to the Riding Program.
  • Help enforce all safety rules and regulations, making certain staff and campers understand and practice safety and good horsemanship.
  • Work with the Trail Department staff in preparation for pack trips, including but not limited to packing food, keeping equipment in good condition and repair, and following Trail Department check-in/out procedures.
  • Maintain adequate and thorough meal plans and ensure that they are followed.
  • Maintain sanitation standards.
  • Plan the detail of each pack trip, becoming familiar with the route, activities, emergency procedures, Leave No Trace Principles and contacts.
  • Lead High Rider classes with the aid and support of the Barn Director.
  • Assist the Barn Director in organizing riding participants, staff, and horses to instruction classes.
  • Assist in the promotion and collaboration of barn programs and other camp programs.
• Meetings
  • Meet weekly with the Summer Camp Director and Barn Director to discuss and evaluate Riding Program activities and staff.
  • Consult with Summer Camp Director and Barn Director relative to suggestions for improvement of activities and general camp experiences.
  • Support Barn Director for weekly one-on-one meetings with every staff in Riding Program to discuss successes, goals, and areas for improvement.
  • Meet weekly with other camp administrators to evaluate program.
• Reports / Evaluations
  • Help Barn Director submit mid-season and end-of-season evaluations on barn staff.
  • Help with inventory at summers beginning and end, complete with recommended purchases and needed repairs.
  • Write and submit an end-of-season report evaluating the summer including programs, leadership, site and facilities, and recommendations for the future.
  • Help Barn Director with all records of campers, achievements and daily happenings (weather, special activities, evening programs, etc.) in the Riding Program. Make sure that weekly summaries of camper success in various levels of the Riding Program are turned in to the Summer Camp Director.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferably be at least 20 years of age, and have experience working with youth in a summer camp setting
• Two years of education, training, and/or experience related to horse management, horsemanship and riding
• Have backcountry travel and living experience
• Have organizational and scheduling skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time.
• Must have current certification in Wilderness First Aid or be willing to obtain certification
• All other duties as assigned

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is required
• Possess excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional
• Support the Association safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse environment
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• All other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to comply with YMCA and DOT rules to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles, including 15-passenger mini-buses.
• Must conduct all vehicle operations within the DOT Regulatory Requirements that apply to the position's specific driving duties.
• Must have a valid US Driver's license or, if required, a Commercial Driver's License.
• Must have a satisfactory driving safety record (Verified by MVR Review)
• Must have the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card (Complete DOT Physical) in order to perform driving duties.
• Drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Drivers must complete a YMCA driver training program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions
• Be able to hike on rugged terrain
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb/work on ladders and in tight spaces.
• Must be able to lift a saddle and bridle onto a horse
• Must be able to lift bales of hay at least 4 feet off the ground