Animal Care Taker Coordinator in Burr Ridge, Illinois at RAY GRAHAM ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association (RGA) empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach, grow, and achieve. Through innovative, person-centered services, RGA supports children and adults across DuPage County and surrounding communities.

Our Therapeutic Horsemanship Program provides life-changing equine-assisted services that promote independence, confidence, and personal growth. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Animal Care Coordinator to lead the daily care of our therapy animals while supervising stable operations and supporting a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Horsemanship Program Administrator, the Animal Care Coordinator supervises Animal Care Team Members, oversees all stable operations including animal care and barn maintenance, and coordinates volunteers to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of barn operations.

This leadership position ensures the health, safety, and well-being of all program animals while maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for participants, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners.

This position may require evenings, weekends, holidays, local travel, and participation in an on-call rotation to respond to animal or facility emergencies.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Ray Graham Association's mission, vision, and values.
• Foster respectful, person-centered interactions with participants, families, volunteers, coworkers, and community partners.
• Provide daily leadership, coaching, mentorship, and supervision to Animal Care Team Members.
• Ensure agency policies, procedures, and safety standards are consistently followed.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment throughout the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.
• Support collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the animal care team.

Animal Care & Stable Operations

• Develop, maintain, and oversee feeding schedules, supplements, medications, and turnout schedules.
• Monitor horses and other program animals for illness, injury, lameness, or behavioral concerns.
• Communicate health concerns promptly to the Horsemanship Program Administrator.
• Schedule and coordinate veterinary, farrier, equine dental, chiropractic, and other professional care appointments.
• Respond to animal and barn emergencies as first responder.
• Exercise, condition, and work horses as directed.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Animal Care Team Members.
• Lead onboarding and ongoing development of animal care staff.
• Serve as the operational lead for stable operations in the absence of the Horsemanship Program Administrator.
• Provide recommendations regarding herd management, horse acquisition, retirement, and utilization.
• Oversee the daily care of all program animals including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, cats, and other assigned animals.
• Prepare and handle therapy animals for Hummingbird Therapy sessions and approved partnerships.
• Maintain accurate records for animal care, medications, veterinary visits, feeding schedules, and facility maintenance.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies as required

Facility Management & Animal Welfare

• Ensure barns, arenas, paddocks, fencing, gates, shelters, watering systems, and equipment remain safe and functional.
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming animal care facilities.
• Assess tack and equipment for proper fit, safety, maintenance, and replacement needs.
• Coordinate acceptance and evaluation of donated tack and equipment.
• Oversee deep cleaning of barns, stalls, and animal care areas.
• Maintain inventory of hay, bedding, grain, veterinary supplies, and barn materials.
• Groom and maintain arenas, trails, paddocks, and outdoor facilities.
• Promote best practices in animal welfare, biosecurity, safety, and risk management.

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Support therapeutic riding lessons, unmounted programming, special events, recreational activities, and participant experiences as needed.
• Serve as an animal handler during lessons, therapy sessions, outreach activities, and community events.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, orientation, onboarding, training, and ongoing support.
• Train and support horse leaders, side walkers, and animal care volunteers.
• Promote volunteer engagement, recognition, and continuing education.
• Support off-site horse shows, demonstrations, outreach events, and community partnerships.
• Attend required meetings and professional development activities.

Benefits:

Eligible full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 3% dollar-for-dollar company match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive and mission-driven work environment

• Minimum 5 years of experience caring for multiple horses and/or livestock.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory, leadership, or volunteer coordination experience.
• Advanced horse handling and horseback riding experience.
• Strong knowledge of equine health, nutrition, medications, supplements, behavior, and first aid.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate trucks, trailers, tractors, and barn equipment within the first 30 days of employment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff and volunteers.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Comfort working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, emotional, and behavioral support needs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License.

• Certification as a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
• Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, or related field.
• Certification in equine massage therapy, chiropractic care, or similar specialty.
• Experience coordinating volunteers within nonprofit or therapeutic riding environments.

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass all required background checks.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Employees may be subject to random drug testing throughout employment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Local travel may be required.

Ray Graham Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.