Camp Ondessonk Position Description
TITLE: Equestrian Coordinator, Camp Ondessonk, Catholic Diocese of Belleville, IL
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Status: Full-time, exempt.
Location: Camp Ondessonk, Ozark, IL
Department: Camp Ondessonk Stables, Outdoor Ministry, Diocese of Belleville, IL
Reports to: Equestrian Director, Camp Ondessonk.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF POSITION
In support of the mission and goals of Camp Ondessonk, the Equestrian Coordinator will support the
Equestrian Director in managing the stables, horses, and programs to maintain high quality equestrian
experiences and programs for campers and guests.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
The Equestrian Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Equestrian Director in the general management,
operation and supervision of the stable program, personnel, horses, and facility. The Equestrian Coordinator
will help train, maintain, and care for a large horse herd, stable, and pasture system. This person must have
the leadership ability and experience to promote and help maintain a positive, efficient, and safe working
atmosphere. Major responsibilities and activities include, but may not be limited to:
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Assist the equestrian director in caring for the horse herd, including feeding, mucking, grooming, riding,
basic veterinary care, and upkeep.
Teach Camp Ondessonk’s horsemanship and riding program through lessons, guided trail rides, summer
programs, and other horse programs while interacting with guests positively.
Maintain the stable facilities, including barns, arenas, pastures, and fences through operation of heavy
machinery and maintenance equipment.
Help supervise, teach, and mentor summer and seasonal staff.
Help train horses to fit our needs and programming.
Actively display proper horsemanship behavior and riding techniques
Serve as lead equine administrator in the absence of the equestrian director.
Assist the equestrian director in the deliberate development and improvement of Camp Ondessonk
Stables’ equestrian programming.
Insure that proper safety equipment and procedures are being implemented at all times for guests,
campers, and staff to meet ACA and CHA accreditation standards, as well as regulations and policies put
in place by Camp Ondessonk and the Stables.
Assist as needed in other areas of camp operations including, but not limited to, maintenance, marketing,
site supervision, food service and non-equestrian programming.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND /OR REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in related field or strong, documented equine experience.
Experience: No less than 2 years experience working with horses. Experience with youth helpful.
Age: Minimum twenty-one (21) years of age.
Contact: Regular contact with: The equestrian director, campers, summer and seasonal staff, administrative
staff, maintenance department, and guests, as well as other departments within Camp Ondessonk to
exchange information, receive support, and offer support.
Complexity: Duties involve physical labor in a changing outdoor environment, programming, work with
horses, and work with staff and public entities.
Impact: The position can and will have a direct impact on the quality of equestrian programs, the grounds
and facility of the stable, and the herd of horses. The quality of work from this position then impacts Camp
Ondessonk’s school year, summer, and specialty programs.
Environment: Rural outdoor setting involving continuous physical activity.
RESPONSIBILITY
This position supports the Camp Ondessonk Equestrian Director in providing quality care for the Ondessonk
horse herd and stables. The Equestrian Coordinator will communicate regularly with Camp Equestrian
Director and Maintenance departments to continuously evaluate and support the needs of the stable’s
facility, horses, and programs. The Equestrian Coordinator will manage their time to maintain effective
support of Camp Ondessonk Stables and other areas of operation as needed. During the summer, the
Equestrian Coordinator will assist and help oversee the head wrangler, adventure staff and wranglers to
create a good work experience while delivering a high quality equestrian program. During the outdoor
education school year, the Equestrian Coordinator will play an active role in all equestrian programming, help
maintain the facility and horses, and help out where needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Have significant horse care and riding experience
Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years old
Needs leadership ability to supervise campers and staff in a positive, safe, and effective manner
Knowledge of facility maintenance, including equipment, tractors, tools, ect.
Have a mature judgment, good work ethic, and be a responsible person
Ability to have a positive working relationship with the equestrian director and staff
CHA and First-Aid/CPR certifications preferred
BENEFITS
This is a salaried, year-round position with paid vacation days. Annual salary $18,000-$20,000 dependent on
experience. Health insurance offered through the Diocese of Belleville. On-site housing is available.
Interested candidates are invited to email a cover letter and resume to: Alissa.Hollmann@Ondessonk.com