Equine - assisted Services Facilitator

Equine-Assisted Services Facilitator

USU Equine Experience (a USU Extension program) is seeking a motivated Equine-Assisted Services Facilitator to support community-based programming in Cache Valley. This position will help facilitate equine-assisted programs focused on mental health, life skills coaching, and equine-assisted learning. If you're passionate about using horses to create meaningful learning and growth experiences, we encourage you to apply and help expand equine-assisted services in Cache Valley.

The Facilitator will implement existing programming and collaborate with program leadership to develop new opportunities that expand the impact of equine-assisted services within the community. Approximately 5–8 hours per week, primarily during scheduled programming times (M-F, with some Saturday mornings). This job is posted as part of grant funding, so it will be seasonal, and when the funding runs out, there is no promise of renewal.

This position is ideal for an individual currently pursuing or already holding certification as a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL).

Responsibilities

Facilitate equine-assisted services programming for community participants.

Implement established program curriculum and activities.

Assist with the development and expansion of new equine-assisted learning and mental health programming opportunities.

Collaborate with multiple Utah State University departments, programs, and partners.

Work as part of a team to maintain safe, effective, and engaging participant experiences.

Follow PATH Intl. standards and best practices for equine-assisted services.

Assist with horse handling, participant safety, and general program logistics.

Assist with handling of paperwork, session notes, etc. under privacy and compliance guidance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Currently pursuing or already certified as a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL).

Experience working with horses.

Familiarity with PATH Intl. standards and safety practices.

Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Ability to collaborate with diverse partners and university entities.

Self-motivated and able to work independently when implementing programming.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience facilitating equine-assisted learning, mental health, or life skills programs.

Experience developing curriculum or programming.

Background in education, mental health, coaching, or related fields.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$35.00/hr

ADA

Incumbents work outdoors in a farm/ranch environment and may not be protected from weather conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures and changing weather. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from farm/ranch equipment and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as odors, dusts, mists, and gases. Work will involve regular interaction with horses and other livestock, and incumbents should be comfortable working around large animals. Bending and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and to walk and/or stand for long periods of time on varied terrain.

College/Department Highlights

The Center for Equine-Assisted Services is an interdepartmental effort between USU Extension and the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences to promote USU's three main tenets: teaching, research, and Extension. Started in 2025, the CEAS provides opportunities for academic education, professional development, and community programming related to equine-assisted services. Learn more here: https://extension.usu.edu/ceas/

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.

*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

matthew.pinner@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

cody.carmichael@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm