About Pawsitive Friendships
Pawsitive Friendships is an Arizona nonprofit organization that provides curriculum-based adaptive therapy programs for individuals with special needs through the unique bond between people and animals. We are looking for a compassionate, dependable, and experienced equine professional to join our team and help care for and work alongside our miniature horse and miniature donkey.
Position Summary
The Equine Program Assistant is responsible for the daily care, training, transportation, and handling of our miniature horse and donkey as they participate in therapy sessions, school visits, and community outreach events.
This position plays an essential role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our therapy animals while helping create positive, enriching experiences for individuals with special needs.
Responsibilities
- Provide daily grooming, exercise, enrichment, and basic training for our miniature horse and donkey.
- Safely load, transport, and unload therapy animals for schools, therapy programs, community events, and outreach activities.
- Serve as the primary handler during therapy visits, ensuring the safety and well-being of both participants and animals.
- Monitor animal behavior and recognize signs of stress, illness, or fatigue, taking appropriate action when needed.
- Assist with preparing animals for therapy sessions and community appearances.
- Clean and maintain stalls, paddocks, tack, trailers, vehicles, and other equipment.
- Communicate with staff regarding scheduling, transportation, and animal readiness.
- Represent Pawsitive Friendships professionally at community events, fundraisers, and educational programs.
- Foster positive interactions between participants, volunteers, staff, and therapy animals.
- Assist with other program-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Arizona driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to obtain or possess a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Experience safely handling, grooming, training, and transporting equine.
- Comfortable towing or transporting livestock (or willing to learn, if experienced with equine handling).
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
- Passion for serving individuals with special needs and supporting the mission of Pawsitive Friendships.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with horses or donkeys.
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is calm, patient, dependable, and confident around equine. They understand that animal welfare always comes first and enjoy building meaningful connections with both people and animals. This person is comfortable working independently, adaptable to changing schedules, and excited to help expand a growing therapy program that makes a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.
If you're looking for a rewarding position where you and your equine skills can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
