Recreation Assistant (Animal Caretaker)

Summary

About the position: This position is Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) and will be assigned to the Equestrian Center, Air Force Academy, Colorado. This position does not include benefits.

Duties

Provides care to government and privately owned horses at the Equestrian Center. Feeds and waters horses. Cleans stalls and stable areas, cleans water tanks and buckets, and cleans pasture and other facility areas. Makes minor repairs to fences and facility. Feeds and waters horses. Observes horses for obvious changes in behavior, appearance, and activity; informs supervisor if necessary. Medicates and treats government horses per management and veterinary guidance. Assists with working with government horses for the trail riding program, both on the ground and under saddle. Reports routine horse work status, including completing horse evaluation forms. Assists with horse tack/equipment maintenance and care, including tack recommendations and proper fitting to horses. Guides trail rides and assist with various recreation horse riding trips and events. Assists with working special events and programs on and off base. Provides input in developing and maintaining safety standards for the rental riding program, including providing guidance on safe riding and horse handling to patrons, volunteers, and staff. Drives vehicles and trailers as assigned. Provides administrative tasks such as: checking voicemails, answering phones, customer service, and other rental activity related administrative support. Sells retail items and products for the Equestrian Center. Operates a POS computer system for reservations, payments, runs credit cards, and performs monetary transactions using PCI. Assists in a variety of duties to help ensure the success of the Equestrian Center boarding and rental riding activities. Promotes Equestrian Center and Outdoor Recreation programs, activities, and events to patrons. Assists at events. Performs other related duties as assigned. If interested in applying for this position you may preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107919

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 11/23/2026 Business Based Action, Military Spouse Preference, Outside Applicant Veteran, Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran, and Transition Hiring Preference In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if the position allows for qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Qualifying Experience: You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Must have extensive working experience in the equine field, detailed knowledge of horsemanship and horse care, and skilled experience with horse training, horse evaluation, horse tack, farm equipment, and rules and procedures as related to equine activities particularly with safety practices. Applicant must have experience in providing safe horsemanship and trail riding instruction. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is required. Applicant must have good organizational and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, and policies. Must have computer experience to perform basic computer operations. Subject to hazards of equipment, contagious diseases, and exposure to bites, scratches and animal waste. This position requires the incumbent to satisfactory complete the applicable background investigation. May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty. Equine related certifications and/or documented equine related training preferred, including risk management and safety protocols equine related.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. This position does not allow for education substitution. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.