Equine Caretaker

Equine Caretaker – Horse Program (Residential Treatment)

Position Type: Part-Time- including some hours needed on Friday & Saturday (Weekend Coverage)

Hourly Rate

$16.54

Location: Corvallis, Oregon

Program: Residential Psychiatric Treatment Program for Children & Adolescents

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Position overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Equine Caretaker to support our Horse Program within a residential psychiatric treatment setting for children and adolescents. This role is responsible for the daily care, safety, and well-being of horses, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the barn, equipment, and surrounding facilities.

The ideal candidate is dependable, knowledgeable in horse care, and committed to maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for both animals and program participants.

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Key responsibilities

• Horse Care & Barn Duties
• Feed and water horses according to established schedules
• Turn out and bring in horses safely
• Clean stalls, paddocks, and barn areas
• Monitor horse health and document care, including first aid needs
• Recognize signs of illness or injury and respond appropriately
• Administer basic first aid as needed

• Facility & Equipment Maintenance
• Ensure cleanliness and upkeep of tack, equipment, barn, office, and grounds
• Perform general maintenance tasks (e.g., painting, fence and gate repair)
• Assist with laundry and supply management
• Run errands such as picking up feed or other necessary supplies

• Program Support & Safety
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for horses and program participants
• Assist in crisis situations involving horses (e.g., injuries, escapes, entanglement)
• Support crisis management involving participants when needed
• Model appropriate behavior, horsemanship, and respect for animals
• Report unauthorized visitors and communicate with staff as needed

• Additional Duties
• Exercise and school horses as appropriate
• Transport horses when required
• Participate in required trainings and professional development opportunities
• Complete all required documentation and training

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Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in horse care
• Ability to recognize symptoms of illness and administer basic first aid to horses
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond calmly in crisis situations
• Valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and acceptable driving record required

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in therapeutic, residential, or youth-centered environments
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care or behavioral health settings
• Experience handling horses in high-stress or emergency situations

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• Work environment
• Outdoor and barn setting in varying weather conditions
• Physically active role requiring lifting, bending, and extended periods on feet
• May involve exposure to unpredictable animal behavior

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• Why join us?
• Meaningful work supporting youth in a therapeutic setting
• Opportunity to combine equine care with mental health support
• Collaborative and mission-driven team environment

Physical Demands

For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment, contact the HR department. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

Application Details

Consideration of candidates is on-going, and position may close after 3 business days of posted opportunity.

If you need accommodation to review the information and/or complete the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Trillium Family Services is a drug free workplace. All final applicants will be subject to a criminal record identification check pursuant to ORS 181.536.727.537 and agency policy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider and support a culturally linguistically diverse governance, leadership, and workforce.