Sweet Briar College is a women’s liberal arts institution, located in Central Virginia approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 60 miles south of Charlottesville. Founded in 1901, the Colleges’s curriculum encompasses a comprehensive baccalaureate program in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as graduate programs in education. It is one of two womens colleges in the United States offering an ABET-accredited engineering degree. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.
Job Title: Riding Fellow-Stable Management Focus
Classification: Full time, non-exempt
Reports To: Director of the Riding Program
Job Summary/Objective: Support the riding program faculty and staff in the horse care and management of the Riding Program.
Position Type/Expected Work Hours: 12-month staff position that will include weekend responsibilities and evening responsibilities as needed.
Essential Responsibilities:
Feeding, watering, grooming, and handling horses.
Administer therapeutic treatments to horses.
Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary stable by adhering closely to established protocols; including stall cleaning, cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, trash removal, etc.
Maintain grounds indoor and outdoor, as needed.
Maintain supplies and equipment, including repair schedules.
Participate in weekend rotations, holiday rotations, on-call, and night turnout schedules.
Keep management records.
Groom horses including body clipping horses.
Required Qualifications:
Experience handling a variety of horses with varying temperaments, age, and training.
Bachelors degree
Valid drivers license and insurability
Experience cleaning stalls and caring for horses.
Basic computer experience, data entry, email, basic spreadsheet entry.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively at all times and maintain professionalism in emotionally charged / challenging situations.
Ability to operate common barn equipment (truck, lawnmower, small tractor, etc.).
Ability to provide high-quality customer service.
Ability to work beyond scheduled work hours when needed.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and be an active participant in problem-solving and team advancement.
Ability to maintain physical work for extended periods of time and lift up to 60 pounds on occasion.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong organizational skills.
Detail-oriented/Accuracy in recording.
Completes tasks thoroughly.
Prioritizes tasks appropriately according to importance and urgency.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience as a caretaker/groomer in an equine or mixed animal veterinary setting, preferably a veterinary teaching hospital or tertiary care facility.
Experience driving a gooseneck truck and 6 horse trailer
Work Environment: This position is at an Equine Facility with a combination of indoor and outdoor work. Employees must work in all temperatures and weather conditions with exposure to animals, hay, and dust. The environment is very dusty. Going off-premises for breaks is difficult due to time and distance constraints. A break room and lavatory are provided.
Physical Demands: Must be able to spend prolonged periods of time working in a dusty environment; able to reach, lift and carry at least 60 pounds on a regular basis; must be able to hear and make self-heard by co-workers and other constituencies; must be able to see to process work that the position is responsible for completing; must be able to work under deadlines and with constant interruptions. Must be able to reach and retrieve objects 56 high. Fitness and coordination must allow the applicant to walk, bend, lift and stand for several hours daily as well as safely control horses of all sizes, ages, and behavior types.
Travel: Travel to away competitions, including occasional overnight stays and hauling horses as needed.
Deadline for Submission: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply: If applying for a faculty or staff position, please ensure you have attached a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to your online application, and that you have fully completed the online applicant profile information.
