A great story starts with a few key elements … A strong plot, beautiful setting, and heartfelt characters.  Our plot has been evolving since 2006 but the core remains the same and that is to provide a year-round facility for people with disabilities to build stronger minds, bodies, and spirits through horse-related activities.  And there’s no doubt our story’s setting is absolutely beautiful since we get to work with amazing animals in a country setting.  Our horses are the heart and soul of the organization but it’s the characters of our story that truly make it memorable.  From our handful of paid staff to our troop of volunteers, it’s these characters working together that ensure our participants achieve their “I Did It!” moments for their own story.  You can be a part of the TEC story and help us to continuing building on the foundation of how it all began.  Join our team today!

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Current Job Openings:

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TEC Volunteers Drive Our Mission ... And we’re looking for a VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR to get in the driver seat and steer this team of volunteers toward making “I Did It!” moments happen for our participants.

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Overview:

This position is ideal for someone who has an outgoing, engaging personality, and possesses strong communication skills.  The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for overseeing a team of volunteers who assist with equine-related program delivery.  Duties include coordinating weekly volunteer schedules, matching volunteer skills with organization’s needs, and recruiting new volunteers. This position also works in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator Associate (VCA), staff and Board of Directors, including volunteer training and volunteers needed for program-related events.

 

The Volunteer Coordinator will embrace the organization’s culture while fulfilling TEC’s mission of engaging the power of horses to challenge people with disabilities to build stronger minds, bodies, and spirits.  This is a hybrid position; working remotely and onsite, including at the barn, at home, and other locations as needed.  Weekly time commitment is between 12 to 15 hours per week.  TEC will provide the Volunteer Coordinator with a laptop, cell phone, and e-mail address.  This is a paid, part-time position that reports directly to TEC’s Board President. 

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Minimum Requirements:

• Able to create and maintain positive relationships with volunteers, staff, Board of Directors, participants and their families/caregivers, the general public, and visitors.

• Be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Requires the ability to follow instructions, be self-motivated, meet deadlines, and complete tasks independently.

• Works well with others, is a team player, and can easily adapt to change and variety in the workplace.

• Must be able to be onsite a minimum of once per week to foster relationships with volunteers and staff; including some evenings and weekends.

• Experienced in effective use of all forms of written, verbal, and mobile communication, and communicates in a timely manner, being respectful and professional.

• Maintain accurate records of volunteers, including their availability and skill sets.

• Working knowledge of Word and Excel, and familiar with file sharing platforms like Google Drive.

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Desired But Not Required:

• Previous experience working with volunteers.

• Experience working with people with disabilities.

• Background with horses and different types of tack. 

• Use of Salesforce or other web-based data programs.

 

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Communicate with instructors on a weekly basis to ensure that volunteer skill sets and personalities match the needs of the weekly therapeutic riding lessons and other TEC equine-assisted services.

• Schedule and coordinate volunteers to fill all needed positions for weekly lessons.

• Assist with scheduling volunteers for work days and events, when needed.

• Communicate with volunteers in a positive, professional manner their assignments/duties.

• Be knowledgeable about each volunteer to ensure that they have the skills necessary to perform the task assigned and match the participants’ needs.

• Find substitutes for program-related activities, when necessary.

• Maintain current and accurate volunteer records to ensure records in Salesforce are up to date.

• Create a volunteer recognition plan to be used throughout the year.

• Determine volunteer satisfaction through surveys or occasional meetings.

• Assist with the ordering and delivery of TEC Wear.

• Attend TEC Instructor/Program meetings, volunteer training, and other occasional meetings, as needed.

• Work with volunteer-recruiting agencies; such as, United Way and use www.VolunteerMatch.com to recruit new volunteers.

• E-mail weekly announcements to volunteers in a timely manner.

• Other duties as needed.

 

Pay rate starts at $14/hour.  Approximate work hours per week range from 12 to 15 hours.  Interested candidates, please send a cover letter and your resume to Donna Canter at donnacanter.tec@gmail.com.

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Always Needed, Always Appreciated ... VOLUNTEERS:

 

TEC has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Most positions require no experience; though, you must be at least 14-years old.  Training is provided by TEC.  We need volunteers who can lend a hand for an hour or two, or to serve as substitutes.  Currently, we are in most need of volunteers for our therapeutic riding lessons, Camp TEC, the Mane Event, and barn and horse cores, which includes the following positions:

 

• Concierge – This person welcomes participants and guests to the barn for lessons/events, checks them in, and reviews the COVID questionnaire with them.

• Horse Leader – This person is responsible for leading the horse during lessons.

• Sidewalker – This person is responsible for assisting the participant with grooming of their horse, mounting and dismounting their horse, and working with the participant during the lesson.  Physical assistance and stabilization may be required as well for the participant.

• AM & PM Barn Chore Help – Tasks involved include feeding the horses, filling their water buckets, cleaning their stalls, turning them out into the pastures in the morning and returning them to their stalls in the evening.  Click here to view a flyer with more info.  

• Lawn care & maintenance – We have plenty of grass that needs to be cut and various maintenance projects around the barn as well.  Equipment is provided, though, donations towards gas are greatly appreciated. 

 

Join our team today by completing the Volunteer Application and then sign up by contacting TEC at (269) 429-0671.

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It's a bit outdated and in the process of being updated but here's our Volunteer Handbook to give you an idea of what is involved in being a TEC Volunteer.

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