Part-Time Barn Crew

Albion College is seeking a part-time barn crew member for its Equestrian Center in Albion, MI.

About the Role

Barn Crew staff are scheduled for 4-5 hour shifts which may begin as early as 6:30 AM to as late as 7:00 PM. The facility is open 7 days per week. This is an hourly, non-exempt, at-will position.

Responsibilities

• Mucking and bedding stalls
• Turning out and bringing in horses from pasture or hot-walkers
• Preparing and giving feed and water to horses
• Providing medical care and first aid (e.g., medicating, icing, bandaging, hand-walking)
• Grooming, including bathing and clipping
• Blanketing horses
• General cleaning and maintenance of the facility
• Cleaning and conditioning of tack and equipment
• Updating records
• Other duties, as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with horses/large animals and in a barn facility preferred
• Experience clipping and bathing horses preferred
• Experience providing medical care to horses preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of horse behavior and instincts
• Knowledge of general horse health (e.g., normal ranges of temperature, pulse, and respiration)
• Problem-solving skills
• Clipping skills (preferred)
• Ability to perform tasks in a timely fashion while working efficiently and managing multiple tasks
• Ability to interact with clients and co-workers in a professional manner
• Ability to maintain proper records
• Ability to handle horses in a manner that is safe and ethical
• Ability to recognize a horse that is sick or injured and administer basic first aid
• Ability to work as a team, take pride in one’s work, and be responsive to feedback
• Ability to drive a tractor
• Ability to work without supervision and guide the work of others when needed
• Commitment to working effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies with an emphasis on equity and inclusion

Working Conditions

This position requires varied working conditions, including working in stables, barns, arenas, outside, and garages in all weather conditions and at all times of the day and night. The role involves:

• Standing for several hours per day
• Walking to all points of the facility
• Frequent bending, climbing, reaching, twisting the torso, and repetitive arm motions below, at, and overhead
• Wearing protective gear such as gloves or masks
• Exposure to noise from power equipment
• Lifting 10-35 lbs. numerous times each day and up to 50 lbs. a few times monthly
• Pushing and pulling up to 150 lbs. occasionally
• Continuous exposure to natural airborne allergens (dust, hay, pollen, etc.), stable odors, and large animals

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.