Barn Manager

The University Barn Manager oversees the daily operations, maintenance, and management of the university's equine facilities. This role ensures the safety, health, and welfare of the horses, supports the academic and extracurricular programs, and fosters a positive environment for students, staff, and faculty involved in equine activities. The Barn Manager is also responsible for coordinating facility use, supervising barn staff, and maintaining compliance with university and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Equine Care and Management:

• Oversee the daily care of horses, including feeding, watering, grooming, and monitoring health.
• Develop and implement care plans for horses, including vaccination, deworming, and farrier schedules.
• Monitor horse behavior and health, coordinating with veterinarians, riding team coaches, and other professionals as needed.

Facility Maintenance:

• Maintain the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of the barn, pastures, arenas, and other equine facilities.
• Coordinate repairs, upgrades, and routine maintenance of the facilities and equipment.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of feed, bedding, and other supplies.

Program Support:

• Assist with equine academic courses, events, and extracurricular activities, including preparation and setup for labs, competitions, and clinics.
• Coordinate horse assignments for academic and student activities.
• Serve as a resource for students and faculty, providing guidance on horse handling, care, and facility use.

Staff Supervision and Training:

• Recruit, train, and supervise barn staff, student workers, and volunteers.
• Develop work schedules and ensure adequate staffing for daily operations and events.
• Foster a team-oriented work environment that emphasizes safety, professionalism, and collaboration.

Budget and Inventory Management:

• Manage the budget for barn operations, including purchasing feed, bedding, and supplies.
• Track and maintain inventory of equipment, supplies, and horse-related materials.
• Prepare reports on expenditures, facility use, and horse care as requested.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with university policies, industry regulations, and animal welfare standards.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols for students, staff, and visitors.
• Respond to emergencies, including horse injuries, equipment failures, and facility issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in equine science, animal science, agricultural management, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in equine care and facility management.
• Strong knowledge of horse care, behavior, and health management.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic maintenance tasks and the ability to operate farm equipment.
• Commitment to upholding safety standards and fostering a positive learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing equine facilities in an academic or educational setting.
• Familiarity with budgeting, inventory management, and equestrian event coordination.
• Certification in equine management or related fields (e.g., CHA, PATH).