ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position of Parks / Equestrian Specialist assists in coordinating the operations of the District’s equestrian facilities and spaces, development, management and organization of equestrian programs, special events, senior/adult activities, youth/family activities, and other activities in the District’s parks, trails and open spaces.  The employee will work independently while keeping the Facilities, Parks and Recreation Manager informed of current projects or problems and will seek direction, as necessary. This is a full-time position working a varied schedule with routine evenings and weekends. Due to the District's response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role

Essential functions include but are not limited to

• Oversees and ensures the proper maintenance and safety of horse arena, barn and horse trails
• Develops and produces  equestrian programming, including but not limited to planning of horse shows, clinics and other equestrian programming
• Manages equestrian facilities, prepares related schedules for events and general facility use.
• Works closely with local equestrian organizations
• Lead and supervise guided horse trail events within the District and JW Corbett
• Develop, write and enforce policies, procedures and guidelines of the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park and District horse trails
• Assist in the development of revenue plan to create self-sustaining equestrian operation
• Develops and enforces safe, enjoyable safety policies, guidelines and event management procedures for all equestrian related operations of the District
• Assist in organizing daily activities and events at the recreation facilities.
• Assists with the marketing of equestrian programs.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations as directed.
• Exercises frequent independent judgment while performing a variety of administrative and support tasks relative to various phases of equestrian programs.
• Meets the general public and answers questions regarding programming. 
• Complies with all District policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience in operating commercial landscaping equipment and the safe use of small hand and power tools. 
• Government experience preferred.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Ability to meet “Drug-Free Workplace” standards.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat, and adverse weather such as tropical storms, floods, etc.
• Ability to maintain punctuality and complete work hours as scheduled, including weekends (rotating shifts).
• Be able to ride horses and exhibit skills in Western and English disciplines
• Must be able to operate a tractor, and or any equipment necessary for equestrian operations
• Able to drive truck with trailer
• Thorough knowledge of planning, organization, administration, and management of equestrian programming
• Must be able to understand the intricacies of managing a venue with animals and humans
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Current First Aid & CPR certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Pre-Employment Screening (i.e., Drug Test, Driver’s License, Criminal Background Check, etc.).

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Must possess the supervisory skills necessary to accomplish the District’s mission.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed outdoors.  While performing some of the duties of this position, the employee may work in adverse conditions, near machinery, and/or in inclement weather.  The employee will likely be exposed to dry/hot/wet/humid/cold weather conditions and occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration and other potential hazards associated with the maintenance of parks.  The noise level in the work environment is normally quiet to moderate, but can be high under certain circumstances. 

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. Hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to operate various office equipment and motor vehicles. .  Ability to walk, stand, and work on unstable soil, and to walk extended distances.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to engage in the following activities: lifting over 80 pounds, sitting, standing, walking, climbing, crouching, crawling, stooping, kneeling or balancing; reaching with arms; using hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; talking, and hearing.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust one’s focus. Occasionally required to wear facial protection gear in application of chemicals.