Job Title: Horse Program Instructor

Reports to: Horse Program Coordinator

Hours of work: 40h/week, Weekdays (some evening and weekend work required)

Position duration: Begin winter of 2026. One-year contract with full-time permanent possibilities.

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OUR MISSION

Because of the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ, Hope Mission exists to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in search of help, healing, and hope.

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Our Vision:

Hope Mission believes that everyone deserves an opportunity for life change. Therefore, we aspire to be a leader and example of a faith-based organization that diligently serves, strengthens, uplifts, and shares hope with vulnerable men, women, youth, and children in the name of Jesus Christ, in communities at home and abroad.

Job Summary:

Support a team to develop character and promote healthy choices in children and youth (ages 5-18) through the horse program. Provide support to at risk children and youth in the Wetaskiwin & Camrose area. To fulfill the vision and purpose of the various horse programs and events that happen at Bethany Homes throughout the year. Provide horsemanship instruction that is safe, fun, creative and competent to groups of riders that function within the established six-year horsemanship structure. To provide care and support to a small team of staff. Alongside this team you will promote and provide proper health to the herd of horses. To support and aid other Hope Mission programs as needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

General Duties

• Develop sincere relationships with the other staff and the children, youth, and families of our programs.
• Communicate (though word and action) a gospel message to the children of our program.
• Work at all special events as they arise, including Open House events, summer day camps, fundraisers and other
  events as needed.
• Work with the team at Bethany Homes to provide quality programming for children and youth.
• Support the communication, schedule and activities of the Bethany Homes programs.
• Support and coordinate volunteers who assist with Bethany Homes programs.
• Train and “Tune-up” horses throughout the year.
• Support the cleaning and care of horse program tack and equipment.
• Support in herd-health management through feeding, vaccine administration, leg wrapping, lameness checks and
  other various essential equine care.
• Safely load horses into a trailer and operate a truck and fifth wheel trailer.
• Receive high-level training by professionals for your own horseback riding skills and knowledge.

Programming

• Continue established six-year horsemanship graduation program.
• Develop and facilitate further programing around equine interests.
• Facilitate cooperation as a team in program planning and activities.
• Prepare to lead horse lessons, games and trail rides.
• Develop and communicate short and interactive Bible based teachings and discussions for children and youth.
• Facilitate community and family events to support the horse programs and students.
• Actively participate in various activities with children and youth.
• Support Bethany Homes year-round programming with children and youth not involving the equine components.
• Interact with the children, volunteers and staff in a positive and professional manner.
• Diffuse, safely and compassionately manage various extreme behaviors of program participants.

Administrative

• Record the progress and certifications of program participants
• Communicate with equine programs consultant.
• Work as a team to contact and coordinate veterinary trips, horse medication, farrier and floater as needed.
• Communicate effectively and timely between various departments within Hope Mission.
• Electronically “Clock-In” at the beginning of each shift and “Clock-Out” at the end of each shift.
• Fill in leave request forms as needed.

Security

• Converse with children and diffuse tempers where necessary, following the Child Protection policy manual.
• Report any unusual situations (ie. Anything that is broken or open, injuries, etc.).
• Discuss with supervisor or manager anything that is of suspicion that involves the health and safety of the
  children.

Other

• Keep areas free of all potential hazards.
• Attend staff meetings, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and staff functions.
• Be aware of Hope Mission/program policy and procedures.
• Special events.
• Miscellaneous duties as required

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Class 5 driver’s license.
• Experience working with children and youth or horsemanship experience is an asset
• Other Trainings or Certificates (Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, ADHD/FASD/Autism Awareness, etc.)

Other Requirements:

• Being a Christian Organization, we require our employees to be in agreement with and sign the Hope Mission Statement of Faith.
• Cover letter stating why you would like to work in a Christian organization.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada on a full-time basis.
• Able to provide Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search and a Child Intervention Record Check
• A letter of reference from a ministry or church is an asset
• Adherence to Hope Mission’s Policies and Procedures.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.