Equine Facilities Leader

About the role

Alfred University seeks a facilities groundskeeper and maintenance person to assist with the equestrian program and facility. The position will maintain the equestrian center facilities and equipment in accordance with identified Alfred University goals to obtain optimum efficiency and economy of operations by performing the following duties personally or through direct supervision of others.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a regular maintenance routine of the equestrian center facilities
• Cooperate with the Director of Equestrian Program to operate the facility at a high standard of health and safety for the horse herd, staff, and students
• Build, repair, and install items such as counters, cabinets, benches, partitions, floors, roofs, fences, and plumbing following verbal or written instructions
• Maintain the maintenance shop, equestrian center facility, and farm machinery
• Communicate clearly and directly with student workers and barn assistants concerning expectations and accountability of facility chores
• Work with the Equestrian Center Barn Manager overseeing barn assistants’ and work study students’ quality of work and work schedules
• Maintain indoor and outdoor arenas to ensure safe footing and dust control
• Work with members of Alfred University’s facilities staff and/or outside contractors on facility repair and maintenance projects at the equestrian center
• Inspect fences on a regular basis to ensure proper safety and security and repair as necessary
• Inspect automatic watering system(s) on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning and repair as necessary
• Keep inventory and control of tools, equipment, and machinery
• Assist the Director of Equestrian Program with annual budget priorities
• Conduct regular inspections of the facility to determine maintenance needs and recommend priorities for repair based on the nature of the maintenance issue
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED required
• Previous experience caring for horses is required
• Working knowledge and ability to perform the physical tasks of farm operations, carpentry, plumbing, and the repair and maintenance of farm equipment is required
• Working knowledge of the math of the carpentry trade is required
• Working knowledge of standard arithmetic computations to calculate the quantity of material and labor required for various farm projects is required
• The ability to read blueprints and interpret building and furniture plans will aid in fulfilling responsibilities
• The ability to use, repair, and maintain the tools, machines, and equipment of an equine farm is required
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must have the agility and strength to handle ill, injured, or unruly horses
• Must be able to carry out supervisory responsibilities within Alfred University policies
• Must be able to understand and carry out written and verbal instructions
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a truck and horse trailer

Skills

• Broad experience in farm operations, carpentry, plumbing, repair and maintenance of farm and equine equipment
• Equestrian grounds maintenance and care and handling of horse herds
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, tractors, and other equipment
• Self-starter able to work independently
• Sufficient fitness and strength to work in a physically active setting that may be a high dust environment
• Effective oral communication skills
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experience

Pay

$18.39–$19.45 per hour

Schedule

40 hours per week