Ranch Hand

Do you want to help improve the lives of at-risk youth in your community?

Do you want to join a team of people who are hard-working and want to help others?

Do you want to build a career, while making a difference in the world?

If this sounds like you, let’s talk! We’re hiring a Horse Farm Hand at Childhelp in Lignum, VA, an affiliate of Rite of Passage. Our employees are dedicated and passionate individuals that are committed to inspiring positive change in the lives of youth, ages 5 - 14 years. Joining our team is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a company driven by its powerful mission to make a difference.

Rite of Passage is a leading national provider of programs and opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth from social services, welfare agencies and juvenile courts. With an emphasis on evidence-based practices and positive skill development, combined with our supportive and therapeutic approach, our organization is respected by industry experts as a highly effective solution for our youth. Since 1984, over 25,000 youths have entered and completed our programs. ROP has built its reputation on running life-changing educational treatment programs that positively contribute to the community.

We offer a $500.00 sign on bonus! ($250 after 3 months of successful employment and $250 after 6 months of successful employment.)

What you’ll do:

Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed.  Use your farm experience to work with Equine therapy to change the lives of at-risk youth!  Our dedicated team cares for the horses, facility and supports our therapist in an Equine therapy program serving our resident children.

Responsible for performing routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning/maintenance, making and putting up hay, dragging fields and arenas, cleaning dry lots, brush hogging, fence repair, basic grounds work, maintenance/cleaning in and around the equestrian facility, and providing assistance with care of the horses including feeding and turn arounds.

To be considered, you should:

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working in a farm setting preferably with horses.
• Must be proficient with a manual tractor and other basic farm equipment and power tools.
• Must have basic horse handling skills and horse care knowledge.
• Must be able to recognize and report even minor problems with a horse.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and evenings.  
• Must be at least 21 years of age 
• Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test. 

Preferred qualifications for higher end of pay range: $16-$19 an hour

• Knowledge of hay making equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of pasture/field maintenance such as soil testing, reseeding, fertilizing, etc.
• Strong horse handling skills with a focus on safety.
• Professional experience working at an equestrian facility/horse farm.
• Current VCDAS CFA and/or pesticide application certificate/license.  
• Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a residential treatment facility for children ages 5 – 14 years.
• Experience with equine therapy or therapeutic riding.

The Perks:

• Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance after 90 days of employment.
• Choice of supplemental benefits, including Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Eligible for 100% 401k match of up to 6% of your salary after 1 year of employment.
• Paid Time Off that can be used as soon as it accrues.
• Free Meals on shift.
• Employee incentives including On-The-Spot Bonuses, Rams Bucks, and Longevity Awards.
• Growth opportunities nationwide – we have 55 programs in 16 states!
• Tuition Assistance.

Apply today and help us make a difference!

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