Horse Farm Manager

Universities of Wisconsin • River Falls, WI

15d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin – River Falls Equine Program is seeking a full-time Equine Farm Manager responsible for managing the daily operations of the Campus Farm which includes a herd of 60 – 140 horses. The successful candidate will provide day-to-day care and management of the equine herd; conduct routine farm facility maintenance and repair; assist faculty with needs for laboratory courses, programs, and projects; coordinate and provide support for events hosted at the Campus Farm; and supervise student employees working at the Campus Farm. This position is a full-time 12-month appointment. The standard university hours are 7:45-4:30 Monday-Friday. However, this position requires flexibility in scheduling hours to adapt to changing work conditions related to faculty, students, laboratory classes, and equine program/facility needs. There is an expectation of some weekend/evening and holiday work as needed. Appointment date: January 5, 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science or closely related discipline. Candidates in the process of completing their bachelor’s degree will be considered for conditional appointment with degree completion no later than May 31, 2026.
• Demonstrated expertise in equine management.
• Experience operating machinery and equipment necessary for routine animal and facility management.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance of farm grounds, facilities, and equipment as needed.
• Documented knowledge of animal welfare as well as both human and animal health and safety protocols.
• Ability to accurately document and track processes related to animal care and equipment/facilities maintenance, manage budget allocations, and develop and present reports.
• Knowledge of and experience in computer software.
• Effective oral and written communication, problem solving, analytic and organizational skills.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
• Pass a post-offer employment test.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an academic setting is preferred.
• Experience in supervising, managing and training staff.
• Experience in equine reproductive techniques and breeding management.
• Experience in managing pastures and hay production.

Responsibilities

• Provide for the health and production of the equine herd
• Supervise on average 12 student employees in all aspects of equine herd management
• Complete facility maintenance and repair tasks to meet safety and welfare standards
• Provide assistance in coordinating and managing events at the campus farm such as horse shows, sales, clinics, and outreach programs
• Provide professional assistance to faculty in labs and applied research grants/projects
• Perform other duties as assigned at the discretion of Equine Program Director
• Maintain healthy animals in the equine enterprise in accordance with animal care procedures and protocols and ensure compliance with the IUCAC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) rules and regulations
• Directs and performs day-to-day activities related to horse farm operations such as feeding and monitoring of feed quality; watering; cleaning and bedding stalls and pens
• Develop a management plan, maintain electronic records, and perform or manage health care procedures in the equine herd including but not limited to farrier and dental care, wound evaluation and management, routine medical administrations, and lameness evaluations
• Operate equipment and machinery (farm tractors, skid loaders, trailers and associated equipment) and maintain equipment in safe and proper working order
• Perform or coordinate routine facility maintenance of farm area including upkeep of pastures, grounds, arenas, and buildings
• Maintain security and ensure compliance with biosecurity protocols
• Adhere to mandated safety protocols regarding animals, equipment, and facilities
• Ensure facilities, horses, and equipment are prepared, available, and/or in serviceable condition for use in courses, associated programs, and applied research
• Provide professional assistance to faculty relative to animal science equine courses, programs, and research projects
• Facilitate, coordinate and assist in college sponsored events and competitions including but not limited to judging contests, IHSA, rodeo, horse sales, shows and clinics, and university
• Coordinate with external community and industry users hosting events at the campus farm facility
• Provide and assist with farm tours and public relations
• Procure, maintain, and manage resources for the equine enterprise including but not limited to feed and bedding materials; supplies for routine animal care, facilities upkeep, and equipment maintenance; and equipment and supplies necessary for laboratory courses and associated programs
• Communicate with horse and facility users regarding scheduling and course, programming, or event needs
• Supervise and manage student employees including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluation of students across all aspects of the equine enterprise and academic support functions
• Monitor and reconcile work study and student assistant budget allocations
• Monitors the unit or program budget, approves unit expenditures, and ensures funds are used appropriately
• Identifies, develops, and facilitates unit staff training opportunities
• Directs and performs the day-to-day activities of an animal care facility, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures to align with unit objectives and strategic initiatives
• Prepares, completes, audits, and documents animal care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established research protocols, rules and regulations
• Serves as the subject matter expert to unit leadership regarding unit operations and functions
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Evaluates and ensures feed quality

Benefits

• Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.
• To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees