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. Maintain accurate records of healthcare, medications, exercise schedules, rides, and other equine-related information. 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.

Pay:

From $19.50 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): 1. Please describe your horse handling experience. Include the types of horses you have worked with and your experience in feeding, grooming, administering medications, exercising, and general daily care. 2. Please summarize your riding experience. Include the disciplines you have ridden, your level of experience, how often you currently ride, and whether you have experience riding young, green, or finished horses. 3. Have you worked professionally in the equine industry? If yes, please describe your previous positions, responsibilities, and length of employment. 4. Do you have experience with any of the following? (A) Trail Guide (B) Horse Training or Conditioning (C) Mule handling (D) Wagon Driving (E) Quail Hunt with horses (F) Barn Management (G) Guest horse lessons (H) Operating tractors (I) Fence / Pasture Maintenance (J) all of these (K) None of these 5. Are you comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and lifting up to 75 pounds? Yes or No 6. This position requires working weekends, holidays, and flexible hours based on guest activities. Are you able to meet these scheduling requirements? Yes or No 7. Please share any additional information about your experience, certifications, accomplishments, or skills that would help us evaluate your qualifications for this position.

Work Location:

In person