Horse Care Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Centenary University Mission & Priorities

Centenary University launches students into a successful career and life. Centenary advances three strategic priorities: Student Success, University Vitality, and World Engagement.

Position Summary

The Horse Care Assistant plays a vital role in the efficient operation of the Centenary University Equine Center, with the highest priority being the health, well-being, and daily care of the horses. This position works under the direction of the Barn Manager and Assistant Barn Manager and collaborates closely with Facilities Manager, the University’s Veterinarian, farriers, external vendors, and Equine Studies faculty, staff, and students to support the successful management of the equine program.

Core Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes

1) Responsibility

• Provide comprehensive daily horse care including feeding, watering, occasional stall cleaning, turnout, grooming, wrapping, blanketing, wound care, and first aid.

Outcome:

• Complete all assigned horse care tasks daily with 100% adherence to feeding, watering, and turnout schedules; follow direct orders from barn manager and assistant barn manager of horse protocol.

2) Responsibility

• Maintain the cleanliness of all barns and sheds on the property, organization of the tack rooms and storage areas, and cleanliness of turnout paddocks.

Outcome:

• Maintain facilities that meet established cleanliness and organization standards as verified through weekly inspections, with no significant deficiencies noted.

3) Responsibility

• Ensure the safety of all horses and students.

Outcome:

• Maintain a safe working environment by following all safety protocols, promptly addressing hazards, and achieving zero preventable horse-care-related accidents or injuries.

4) Responsibility

• Assist management with barn routine while contractor visits such as farriers, dentists, facility upgrades are occurring.

Outcome:

• Provide timely barn routine completion while managers are assisting contractors. Be sure feeding, waters, turnout, etc. is continuing if managers are occupied.

5) Responsibility

• Maintain open communication with management on a daily basis.

Outcome:

• Communicate horse health concerns, facility issues, and operational updates to management daily, with critical issues reported immediately upon discovery.

6) Responsibility

• Direct supervision of Equine Students, and Student workers.

Outcome:

• Provide oversight and instruction to students during assigned shifts, ensuring tasks are completed correctly and safely, with positive performance feedback and minimal need for corrective action. Encourage Centenary’s educational structure with students and workers.

7) Responsibility

• Other duties, as assigned.

Outcome:

Complete assigned duties accurately and within established deadlines, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to departmental needs.

8) Responsibility

• Must be able to work at least one weekend day and one night check evening every other weekend

Outcome:

• Maintain scheduled availability and attendance for at least one weekend day per week, with attendance meeting departmental standards. One night every other weekend a night check shift is required at any time after 8:30.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Studies or preferred field
• Prior experience working with and handling horses
• Demonstrate ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to lift and transport up to and including 50 pounds frequently
• Demonstrate excellent customer service
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to utilize creativity and sound judgement
• Have a professional relationship with the students and maintain clear boundaries
• Full-time work schedule is 40 hours per week which includes one weekend day

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Equine Operations Manager

Expected Performance Indicators (Illustrative)

1. Horse Care Compliance

Indicator: Percentage of assigned daily horse care tasks completed accurately and on time.

Measure:

• 100% completion of feeding, watering, turnout, grooming, blanketing, and treatment schedules.

• No missed or undocumented care tasks.

2. Horse Health and Welfare Management

Indicator: Accuracy and timeliness of health monitoring and treatment.

Measure:

• 100% compliance with medication and rehabilitation protocols.
• All health concerns reported and documented within the same shift.
• No preventable deterioration due to delayed care.

3. Facility Cleanliness and Organization

Indicator: Quality of barn, paddock, and tack area maintenance.

Measure:

• Achieve a minimum score of 90% on weekly facility inspections.
• Safe and professional appearance of facilities.

4. Safety Performance

Indicator: Adherence to safety procedures for horses, students, and staff.

Measure:

• Zero preventable accidents or injuries resulting from negligence.
• Prompt reporting and correction of hazards.
• Consistent compliance with established handling and safety protocols.

5. Student Supervision and Communication

Indicator: Effectiveness in supervising students and communicating with management.

Measure:

• Daily communication with supervisors regarding horse health, facility concerns, and operational needs.
• Student tasks completed safely and correctly under supervision.

Positive feedback from management regarding leadership, reliability, and communication