Teamster Assistant

Department: Programming & Experience - Animal Care and Agriculture

Position Type: Seasonal

Hourly Wage: $16.50

Hours: Varies, based on Operational need; up to 40 hours per week

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar
• Working in a beautiful park setting
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The Park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Teamster Coordinator, the Teamster Assistant supports the care, handling, and safe management of assigned horses and livestock. Under the supervision of a Teamster, this role cares for Heritage Park horses in a safe, responsible manner while contributing to an enjoyable guest experience. The incumbent will receive instruction and coaching on safely driving teams in accordance with Heritage Park policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Horse Care and Transportation

• Assist with the feeding, care and proper handling of all assigned horses and animals as needed, including their cleaning, grooming and exercising
• Observe teams for signs of sickness, disease, or injury and assists with appropriate treatment as required
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of assigned equipment, harnesses, machinery, buildings, fences, pens, corrals, and pastures in accordance with prescribed safety and cleanliness standards
• Assist with catching, harnessing and hooking up teams, ensuring proper handling of equipment and following procedures
• Drive or rides with the Teamster on a daily basis, as experience and time permit, to build competency and knowledge in driving while continuing to provide an interactive and engaging experience for Park visitors.
• Ensure that all relevant equipment and areas (such as barns, stalls and paddocks) are cleaned and kept tidy
• Ensure guests, staff, and volunteers have a positive experience by being friendly and courteous, greeting guests warmly, and handling situations with positivity
• Create a welcoming environment for visitors, answering questions and providing information to enhance their visit
• Assist in farming operation at Heritage Park including plowing, seeding, harvesting, haying and threshing if required
• Perform other duties as required

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with our mission and vision, ensuring authenticity in our historical setting and stories.
• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement, belonging, and fulfillment for employees and volunteers, in line with Heritage Park values.
• Recognize all contributors to our community as integral to our success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections, and financial assets by driving growth with innovation, transparency, and financial sustainability, while embracing our historical assets and recognizing all contributors.
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries, and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering to policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment policy.
• Volunteers are a vital part of Heritage Park’s success. Employees are expected to collaborate respectfully with volunteers and contribute to an environment where volunteers feel heard, safe, welcomed, and supported, recognizing the important role they play in delivering exceptional experiences for our community.

Required Qualifications:

• Enrollment in or completion of secondary education is required; post-secondary education in a field related to agriculture would be an asset
• Previous experience riding, caring for, and/or working directly with horses is required
• Knowledge specifically of proper care and health procedures combined with horse husbandry experience is required
• Prior large animal (livestock) care experience would be an asset
• Previous driving experience is not required, but is an asset
• Prior Teamster Assistant type experience is an asset
• Ability to detect illness and behavioural changes in horses and provide proper care
• Willingness to develop skills as a teamster if deemed suitable
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills in a client-faced setting
• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to complete a Police Information Check as a condition of employment. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant; any information disclosed will be assessed confidentially on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Alberta human rights legislation, considering relevance to the role and our commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.

Special Clothing and Equipment:

• Appropriate costuming and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park;
• Footwear, as designated by the Heritage Park Costume Department, will be provided by the employee.

Special Working Conditions:

• This position involves consistent physical labour, and lifting upwards of 50-75 lbs regularly is not uncommon. Working with livestock also implies a degree of unpredictability.
  
• Must be prepared to walk and/or stand outdoors and work in various weather conditions, including working in unheated and non-air-conditioned buildings for extended periods.

Hours of Work:

• The schedule varies and will include weekdays, weekends, statutory holidays, and fluctuating hours as required up to 40 hrs per week.
  
• Preference will be considered for candidates who will have open availability and flexibility.