Equestrian Accessible Programming Representative

The Accessible Programming Representative plays a vital role in advocating for and enhancing accessible outdoor recreation opportunities within Polk County Conservation. This position focuses on expanding Veteran programming and improving accessibility to parks and greenspaces for individuals of all abilities, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to natural resources.  

The Half-Time Accessible Programming Representative will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend $10,800 split over 900 hours of service and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion of $3,697.50 to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. This position is half- time, members will serve a minimum of 900 hours over 25 weeks, serving approximately 38 hours per week. 

Daily Times 

• Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 – 4:30; Friday 8:00-2:30, with a 30-minute lunch allotted, totaling 38 hours/week.

 Evening and Weekend Schedule 

• Wed Noon-8:30pm, with a 30-minute break allotted, totaling 38 hours/week.

Special Events:  

• Member will serve during special events, that take place on weekends. Those events are to be determined. Members will have a two week notice prior to being scheduled.

This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County.  Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County.  However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits and requirements.   

 
* Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance. 

Program – Related Service Activities (if applicable): 

After two weeks of onboarding and training:  

• Design and implement equine assisted services and accessible equestrian programs tailored to the needs and interests of Veterans. PCCB will be providing member training on adaptive initiatives and program development for the target populations.
• Collaborate with Veteran service organizations and healthcare providers in the Polk County area to identify Veterans who could benefit from equine-assisted services and outdoor recreation.
• Collaborate with full time staff to expand current Veteran program offerings.
• Educate participants and caregivers on the benefits of equine-assisted activities and the therapeutic value of outdoor engagement. PCCB will be providing member training on adaptive initiatives and program development for the target populations.
• Monitor participant progress and outcomes through ongoing assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness.

Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities.   

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, equine sciences, environmental studies, social work, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of ADA guidelines, universal design principles, and accessibility standards in outdoor environments
• Equestrian experience preferred
• Passion for promoting inclusivity

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Certify that they have or will obtain the diploma/GED
• Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

Benefits: 

• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• Living Allowance
• Cellphone stipend ($80/month)
• Health care, if applicable
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements: 

• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term, if applicable
• Regular submission of member timesheets
• Monthly progress reports