We require 1 x full time & 1 x part time Horse Adoptions Preparation Rider

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Salary: £23,400 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Location: Rolleston rehoming centre, DE13 9AU

Closing date: Sunday 8 September 2024

Interview date: 18 & 19 September 2024

The Adoptions Preparation Rider will be instrumental in streamlining our adoption services to maximise the number of horses we can help by 2026!

More About The Role

As a skilled horse handler, rider, and trainer, the Adoptions Preparation Rider expertly manages horse cases within our on-site care, including rehoming and crisis care. You'll ensure high welfare standards and swiftly complete the assessment, training, and rehabilitation of horses preparing for new homes.

Each day, you'll handle, ride, and train various horses and ponies, collaborating with the Rehabilitation Trainer and Behaviour Advisor (RTBA) and the Adoptions Preparation Lead.

You'll be part of a team focused on optimising training and delivering excellent customer service to showcase and promote Blue Cross horses and ponies, enhancing their rehoming chances.

As the public face of Blue Cross, you'll prioritise customer service in every interaction. Your role is key in helping us achieve our mission and support more pets and horses.

At our Rolleston rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site. Occasionally, you will be expected to carry out night checks or stay in on site accommodation overnight when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time. These duties are organised on a local rota and shared between all members of the team.

We have two roles available, both working on a rota which includes weekends and bank holidays.

Part time - 22.5 hours over three days with a salary of £14,040 per annum

Or

Full time - 37.5 hours over five days with a salary of £23,400 per annum

For a more detailed look at the role and its requirements, please see the attached job description.

About You

You are intuitive with horses, empathetic, and focused on welfare, having worked in similar environments. You assess horses' needs, recognise behavioural signs, and have knowledge of medications like hibiscrub and worming treatments. You understand that finding a new home quickly is the best welfare intervention.

As a confident and patient rider, you handle a variety of horses and ponies. Self-motivated and forward-thinking, you bring creative and pragmatic ideas to horse care. You quickly assimilate and accurately record information while engaging with clients and stakeholders. Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills make you approachable and effective.

Experienced in emotionally charged environments, you have resilience and "bounce back ability." Your emotional intelligence, empathy, and support for clients and colleagues are key strengths.

Knowledge, Skills, And Experience

Demonstrable experience of having previously worked or volunteered with horses or in a horse welfare environment.
BHS stage 3, NVQ3 or equivalent professional experience
Good communication skills
A working knowledge of caring for a variety of field kept and stabled horses/ponies
Experience of handling, riding and training a variety of different types of horses and ponies
Experience of starting, riding and producing a variety of young horses
Knowledge of basic horse veterinary procedures, common horse ailments and injuries
Current full driving licence
The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values.

Although not essential, it would be great if you also had:

Qualification or similar experience in horse behaviour or animal training.
Previous experience in working in a customer focused environment and used to achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
Understanding of safeguarding issues.
Practical application behavioural science and learning theory when training horses
Preparing horses and ponies for rehoming

Benefits
Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
Health cash plan
Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
Life assurance
20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
Enhanced family friendly policies
Recognition scheme
Annual volunteer days
Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers