Job Description
Job Description
Job Description
WE ARE LOCATED IN YEMASSEE, SC
The Equine Technician oversees the daily operations of Cherokee Plantation's equine program while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, safety, and guest service.
This position assists with all equestrian operations, including trail rides, quail hunts, riding lessons, pony rides, and special events. The Equine Technician is also responsible for maintaining the equestrian facilities, arenas, paddocks, pastures, and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both horses and guests.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Equine Care
- Provide exceptional daily care for approximately 30 horses, ponies, and mules.
- Perform twice-daily feeding, watering, and overall health and wellness checks.
- Groom, bathe, exercise, and condition horses as directed.
- Prepare and administer feed, supplements, and medications according to established protocols.
- Apply blankets, fly sheets, fly masks, and protective boots as needed based on weather and activity.
- Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, lameness, or behavioral changes and report concerns promptly.
- Assist with insect control, environmental management, and routine medical treatments.
- Safely handle horses during veterinary and farrier visits.
Training & Equestrian Programs
- Assist with the conditioning and training of horses and mules for:
- Trail rides
- Quail hunts
- Gun, dog, and wagon exposure/training
- Beginner riding lessons
- Prepare horses and equipment for daily rides, hunts, lessons, and special events.
- Guide trail rides while ensuring guest safety and enjoyment.
- Assist with quail hunts, riding lessons, pony rides, and other equestrian activities.
- Deliver exceptional customer service while creating a safe and memorable guest experience.
Facility & Equipment Maintenance
- Clean stalls, paddocks, and barns to maintain a clean, sanitary, and healthy environment.
- Pick paddocks, drag pastures, and clean water troughs and feed tubs.
- Drag and water riding arenas and maintain jumps and riding obstacles.
- Mow pastures, trim grass and weeds, and help maintain fencing and stable grounds.
- Identify and immediately report drainage issues, damaged fencing, or other safety concerns.
- Clean, organize, and maintain tack, wagons, trailers, and other equestrian equipment.
Safety & Team Responsibilities
- Follow and promote all Cherokee Plantation safety policies and equine handling procedures.
- Demonstrate safe horse handling techniques at all times.
- Proactively identify and address potential hazards affecting guests, staff, or horses.
- Assist the Equestrian Manager with special projects and additional duties as assigned.
- Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing schedules.
Qualifications
- Previous experience caring for and handling horses required.
- Experience with trail rides, lessons, or hunting horses preferred.
- Basic knowledge of equine health, nutrition, medications, and first aid required.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Commitment to excellent animal care, safety, and customer service.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require.
- Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, push, pull, and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the workday.
- Ability to safely operate tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, weed eaters, and other equipment used in equestrian facility maintenance.
Performance Competencies
- Demonstrate strong horsemanship skills with the ability to safely handle, ride, and evaluate a variety of horses and mules at different stages of training. Must be capable of riding for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Possess comprehensive knowledge of equine care, including feeding, grooming, health monitoring, conditioning, and safe handling practices.
- Be a motivated self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision while effectively prioritizing tasks and maintaining high standards of quality.
- Exhibit strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in assessing the needs of horses, facilities, guests, and daily operations.
- Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist coworkers across departments when needed.
- Demonstrate professionalism through a neat appearance, courteous demeanor, and respectful interactions with guests, members, and fellow employees.
- Be dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a strong work ethic.
- Provide exceptional customer service while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests participating in equestrian activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required. Additional education or certifications in equine studies, animal science, or a related field are preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience in horse care, handling, and riding horses and mules required.
- Experience training or conditioning horses for trail riding, hunting, or guest programs is preferred.
- Experience driving horse- or mule-drawn wagons and familiarity with quail hunting operations is a plus.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Valid South Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to safely operate trucks and tow horse trailers is preferred.
Employment Details
Job Type: Full-Time
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- 401(k) company matching
- Paid time off
Work Schedule
- Day shift
- Weekends as required
- Holidays as required
- Additional hours as needed to support operational demands
Required Experience
- Horse handling and riding: Minimum of 3 years (Required)
To be fair to all applicants, we do require our company application to be completed. We will email it to you once you submit your resume and meet the requirements
\nCompany Description
We are a private plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina.
Company Description
We are a private plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina.
Job Tags
Full time, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Day shift, Afternoon shift, Early shift