Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This individual will function as a member of the Penn State Extension – Franklin County 4-H team, collaborating with the 4-H educator and other staff in the Penn State Extension Office in Franklin County. Major responsibilities include overseeing equine care- helping maintain a safe, sound, and appropriate herd. Successful candidate will assist in selecting and schooling program horses, schedule and attend equine professional service appointments, monitor, order, and schedule supply deliveries, and provide first aid and medical care to horses when necessary. In carrying out the assigned duties, the individual will work directly with other part-time Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center staff and volunteers. This position is administratively responsible to the Penn State Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator in Franklin County and the Penn State Extension Business Operations Manager.
Specific Responsibilities
Manage scheduling and assist in supervision of part time barn workers and serve as the primary on‑call contact for all barn‑related emergencies 24/7. Work collaboratively with the Program Director, Instructors, Facilities Manager, and Volunteer Coordinator, and provide updates on stable operations at the bi‑monthly Operations Committee meetings. Perform or oversee daily horse‑care operations, including:
AM and PM feedings
Turning horses in and out as needed
Preparing horses for therapeutic lessons
Checking and cleaning automatic waterers in stalls and fields
Cleaning stalls and sheds
Blanketing horses when appropriate
Administering medications and providing first aid as needed
Perform or oversee additional barn and farm maintenance tasks, including:
Monitoring and repairing fencing
Keeping the tack room and feed room organized
Emptying trash
Maintaining appropriate tack and equipment
Ensuring the manure cart is emptied regularly
Develop and implement appropriate exercise schedules for program horses, ensuring fitness, soundness, and readiness for lessons. Source approved vendors, schedule, coordinate, and attend appointments for farrier services, veterinary care, saddle fitting, and dental care. Monitor hay and grain supplies, maintain inventory, and schedule deliveries as needed. Maintain accurate horse files and manage documents for horses leased from private owners. Collaborate with instructors to schedule horse use for lessons and programs. Support efforts to maintain a safe, sound, and appropriate herd, including participation in:
Assessing potential program horses
Traveling to evaluate horses under consideration
Partnering with the Program Director and instructors to assess program suitability before horses enter lesson work
Assisting with the buying or selling of program horses when necessary
Collaborate in the development of annual budget and complete all required financial paperwork in accordance with Penn State policy. Recruit, train, and evaluate part time barn workers annually. Address performance concerns and, if necessary, manage dismissal procedures. Participate in horse selection decisions in collaboration with the Program Director and Lead Riding Instructor. Assist in coordinating volunteer training and lesson scheduling with the Program Director. Engage in ongoing professional development related to the therapeutic riding program. Attend Operations Committee, and Penn State Extension – Franklin County staff meetings. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Therapeutic Riding Center Program Director, 4-H Youth Development Educator or Area Business Operations Manager to support program success.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Technical & Confidentiality Skills
Organizational & Teamwork Abilities
Work Schedule Flexibility
Hourly rate: approximately 20 hours per week. Hourly wage commensurate with education, training and experience.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.