The Barn Director is responsible for managing the barn program, barn staff, barn facilities, and horse herd. They are responsible for the development and implantation of the riding program, which includes five levels of riding, specialized leadership programs, and beginner trail rides. The Barn Director is responsible for the care and maintenance of the horses, tack, equipment, barn and pasture areas. They are the main point of contact for our farrier, horse leading partner, and veterinarian in summer. The Barn Director is a part of the Admin team and supports the overnight camp program.

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 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
  • Supervise Cabin Counselor Wranglers, with their work in the Riding Program and other camp activities.
  • Direct and supervise riding programs including, but not limited to, Tenderfoot, Cowpoke, Wrangler, Trail Rider, and High Rider, beginner trail rides, horse pack trips, WIT and CWIT.
  • Act as “on-duty” staff for one stayover weekend throughout the summer
  • Be first point of contact for problems that Cabin Counselor Wranglers may be having at the barn, addressing concerns and problems in a patient manner
  • Provide daily feedback to barn staff as necessary and within guidelines discussed with camp administration during pre-camp administrative training.
  • Assist Summer Camp Director with staff corrective action conversations as needed
  • Assist with overall administration of the camp as organized by Executive Camp Director.
  • As 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.
  • Design and lead Wrangler Training week for Barn Staff.
  • Provide 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
  • Make sure the standards and procedures as set forth in the Riding Manual and as required by the ACA, the YMCA and Colorado Child Care Licensing are followed by all members of the Riding Program.
  • Make sure the barn, corral, work areas, trails, and pastures are kept clean, safe, and in good repair to ensure safety for campers, staff and horses.
  • Oversee set-up and maintenance of Riding Program geared to the ages, interests and abilities of the campers. Expand campers’ knowledge of safety riding and care of horses.
  • Become familiar with total camp program providing both leadership and support to the camp community.
  • Develop and/or review lesson plans appropriate for each section of instruction in the Riding Program.
  • Provide leadership in the development of the riding program in harmony with the Camp’s policies, goals, objectives and procedures.
  • 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 (including maintaining horse and program first aid kits).
  • Help enforce all safety rules and regulations, making certain staff and campers understand and practice safety and good horsemanship.
  • Schedule riding participants, staff, and horses to appropriate instruction classes.
  • Coordinate with the Summer Camp Director to make staff arrangements for Riding Program when riding staff is injured or absent.
  • Provide health care for horses and/or make appropriate decisions to contact vet.
• Meetings
  • Meet weekly with the Summer Camp Director to discuss and evaluate Riding Program activities and staff.
  • Consult with Summer Camp Director relative to suggestions for improvement of activities and general camp experiences.
  • Meet weekly one-on-one 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
  • Submit mid-season and end-of-season evaluations on barn staff.
  • Compile inventory at summer’s 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.
  • Be responsible for 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 21 years of age, and have experience working with youth in a summer camp setting
• Three years of education, training, and/or experience related to horse management, horsemanship and riding (minimum of six weeks previous experience in a management or supervisory position at a horseback riding facility, preferably in a camp setting).
• Have supervisory experience
• Have organizational and scheduling skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time.
• Must have current certification in CPR/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