Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Free food & snacks
Health insurance
Paid time off
Training & development
Tuition assistance
Vision insurance
Mission Statement for Rainbow Acres
Rainbow Acres, a residential Christian community with heart, empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live to their full potential with dignity and purpose.
TITLE: Integrated Animal Science and Horsemanship Educator
DEPARTMENT: Programs
REPORTS TO: Programs Manager
PREPARED DATE: August 2025
SUMMARY: The Integrated Animal Science & Horsemanship Educator is responsible for teaching horsemanship, equine safety, and riding skills to residents (Ranchers) of all levels, fostering therapeutic experiences through both classroom instruction and hands-on animal care. The educator is consistently seeking innovation and improvements to deliver a world-class program. This role includes supervising and instructing residents in the care of horses and other livestock or domesticated animals, managing animal health and training, and maintaining safe, clean environments. The position provides cares for the well-being of all of the animals on the Ranch, including feeding, grooming, exercising, and assisting during veterinary and farrier appointments as needed. The Educator works collaboratively with the Education Team to develop curriculum, oversee Ranchers and volunteers while promoting a culture of safety, empathy, and teamwork. This is a safety-sensitive position.
MINIMUM PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will demonstrate maturity, empathy and patience.
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the following areas is required: horse handling, horse/animal management, riding fundamentals, experience feeding, raising and showing livestock, facility care, and equipment maintenance.
Excellent horsemanship and riding skills required.
Proficient in livestock first aid.
Certification as a therapeutic riding instructor (Eponaquest Apprenticeship preferred) is required within 12 months of employment. Rainbow Acres will sponsor the employee to complete the certification and require a 3-year commitment in support of programmatic development.
High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree highly preferred.
Ability to foster and build relationships in the community related to Rainbow Acres’ program, resulting in opportunities for refinement and continuous growth of our program.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible, adaptive, and creative in the development and implementation of strategies to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Evidence of strong ethical standards and moral character is essential along with sensitivity to the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.
Ability to meet all clearance requirements including: obtaining and maintaining a level one-fingerprint clearance card, pass a background check, pass a drug screen and pre-employment physical, reference checks, verification that the applicant/employee is not listed on the AZ Protective Services Registry, and comply with vaccination requirements.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Teach beginner to advanced riding skills with constructive feedback
Instruct residents in equine safety, horsemanship, and tack care
Assess riding ability and place Ranchers in appropriate programs
Schedule and evaluate riding lessons
Ride and train horses as needed
Maintain tack and barn cleanliness
Plan and organize barn events and parties
Promote kind handling of horses and teamwork
Supervise and instruct residents in feeding, grooming, and cleaning
Monitor, exercise, groom, and train a variety of animals
Prepare specialized diets and administer medications
Coordinate veterinary and farrier appointments
Maintain accurate animal records for compliance
Evaluate and acquire animals within budget; implement exit strategies
Maintain safe, clean, and healthy animal environments
Coordinate Rancher and volunteer schedules for animal care
Develop and implement classroom lessons and hands-on experiences
Create materials and procedures for equestrian and animal science programs
Collaborate with Program Manager on Rancher behavior issues
Uphold Rainbow Acres’ mission, vision, and personnel policies
Maintain and improve facilities, landscape, and equipment
Report maintenance concerns promptly
Personnel policies, mission, and vision of Rainbow Acres to facilitate a quality Christian community on Rainbow Acres for the benefit of the residents
Other duties as assigned
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; have great dexterity of hands and arms; stoop; kneel; twist; reach; grip; handle; lift/carry up to 50 pounds; and push/pull up to 50 pounds up to 2/3 of the work day; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must be able to navigate the Ranch moving from smooth surfaces to rocky or uneven terrain.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to both hot and dry and/or wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud.
You may apply online at www.rainbowacres.com by clicking on the “Join Us” tab and filling out the online application, send your resume to HR@RainbowAcres.com or call 928.567.5231 for more information. Rainbow Acres is an Equal Opportunity Employer.