Overnight Camp Wrangler

The Overnight Camp (OC) Wrangler is responsible for the safety, well-being, and supervision of both campers (ages 9-16) and a string of horses (approximately 42 horses) within Overnight Camp’s equine program. This role involves delivering a safe, fun, and educational horsemanship experience within a welcoming, horse-focused community, while ensuring all camp policies and safety regulations are known and enforced. Due to the residential nature of the role, the OC Wrangler is required to live on-site for the duration of the camp session and must be available and responsive at all times to address immediate camper and equine needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. The OC Wrangler facilitates growth in campers of all skill levels and assists with general camp functions, serving as a positive role model for all participants.

For information on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $589.10 - $623.10* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law.  
• Daily Equivalent: Approximately $98.18 - $103.85 per day
• Schedule: 6 days per week
• What’s Included: Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

• Responsible for the daily care, feeding, grooming, saddling, bathing, and exercising of horses; performs daily health and wellness checks on all assigned horses. 
• Provides constant supervision of campers (ages 9–16) during all equine activities, ensuring a safe environment; uses good judgment and enforce safety rules in all aspects of camper supervision and program activities. 
• Employs effective teaching and leadership techniques to provide quality, age-appropriate instruction to campers of all skill levels from beginner to advanced riders, in arenas and on scenic trails. 
• Maintains and cares for all horse facilities (stalls, pastures, arenas, trails) and equipment (tack, first aid supplies). Conducts regular safety checks of all gear, reporting and coordinating necessary repairs. 
• Knows and adheres to all camp operating procedures, schedules, and instructions provided by the Program Director and leadership team. 
• Knows all camp safety rules procedures in both barn and general camp environments and enforces or implements camp emergency procedures when necessary; carries and uses necessary safety and first-aid equipment properly during all activities. 
• Works effectively and cooperatively with the team of other camp wranglers, counselors, and directors; communicates clearly and collaborates on shared responsibilities. 
• Demonstrate a strong sense of investment in the camp, including maintaining the cleanliness of facilities, ensuring the proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practicing stewardship of the natural environment; participates in various general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs, special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education

• Formal or informal education or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in horsemanship, or a related field, AND, 

Years of Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working as a camp counselor, youth leader, or in a supervisory or teaching role with children ages 9-16, or similar experience.

Competencies

• Ability to constantly observe equine-related activities, enforce safety regulations, and correctly apply appropriate camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk. 
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including standing, walking, hiking, horseback riding, and/or climbing for extended periods of time, often outdoors in various weather conditions. 
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies involving both humans and equines. 
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver age- and skill-appropriate instruction in western riding, arena lessons, ground classes, and trail rides for children ages 9-16.  
• Proficient skill in all aspects of daily horse management, including feeding, grooming, saddling, basic health observation, and exercise protocols for a large string of horses. 
• Expertise in assessing horse temperaments, safely matching horses to riders, and managing herd dynamics and behavior within a structured program.
• Ability to lead group activities, serve as a positive role model for youth (ages 9–16), and foster a supportive, confidence-building community atmosphere. 
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents/guardians, and community members. 
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times. 

Standard Job Requirements

• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications.
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.