Farrier Technician, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Farrier Technician provides professional farrier support to the Farrier in Residence, delivering horseshoeing services for clients, faculty, students, and departmental herds. The role supports clinical service delivery and instructional activities in an academic veterinary environment, working both in the clinic and on farms. The technician performs farrier work such as trimming hooves, fabricating and applying horseshoes, rebuilding hooves with acrylic or urethane materials, and educating clients about basic hoof care. The position also assists with hands-on instruction for veterinary students, helps safely restrain horses, and maintains farrier tools, shop equipment, workspaces, and the gas forge. The Veterinary Medical Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round; occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated practical experience in farrier work, including trimming, shoeing, and use of farrier tools and equipment.
Knowledge of equine behavior and care.
Knowledge of farrier practices, equine hoof care, and horseshoeing techniques.
Ability to safely handle horses and operate farrier tools and equipment, including a gas forge.
Working knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements in an academic veterinary setting.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a teaching environment.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and working directly with horses.
Ability to follow established safety protocols and comply with applicable regulatory and facility standards, including USDA, IACUC, and AAALAC requirements.
Ability to work professionally and effectively with faculty, students, clients, and staff.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Completion of 24 weeks of a recognized farrier training program or a one-year apprenticeship.
Certification through a professional farrier organization, such as AFA or equivalent.
Experience providing farrier services.
Experience assisting with instruction or training of students or trainees.

Responsibilities

Provide farrier services in the clinic and on farms for clients and departmental herds under the direction of the Farrier in Residence.
Trim horse hooves.
Shape, weld, build, and grind horseshoes and apply them to horses.
Nail and glue shoes to horses’ feet.
Use a gas forge to fabricate and modify horseshoes.
Rebuild hooves using acrylic and urethane materials when indicated.
Educate clients on basic horse hoof care and maintenance as appropriate.
Provide supervised hands-on instruction and assistance to veterinary students in basic farrier techniques, including trimming, pulling shoes, and nailing shoes.
Support Farrier Service teaching activities and model professional conduct for students.
Assist the Farrier in Residence with safely restraining horses during procedures in the clinic and on farms.
Follow safe work practices and comply with facility standards and regulatory requirements, including USDA, IACUC, and AAALAC guidelines.
Maintain farrier tools, shop equipment, and workspaces in safe, functional condition.
Perform routine maintenance of the farrier shop and gas forge.
Use hand tools and farrier equipment safely and appropriately.
Communicate effectively and professionally with faculty, students, clients, and staff.
Manage time effectively and work independently within assigned responsibilities.
Assist the Farrier in Residence with additional duties supporting clinical and instructional operations.