Stable Hand

About the Role

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not‑for‑profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest museum complexes in the world. Its mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th‑century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. The Historic Area spans 301 acres with 89 original and 525 reconstructed buildings, staffed by historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople. The Foundation also operates two world‑class museums, a research library, several hotels, and on‑site restaurants, attracting over five million visitors annually.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily care of all equines, including feeding, watering, stall cleaning, turnout, grooming, and safe handling and movement.
• Support carriage operations by driving carriages and preparing horses for rides, including grooming, tacking, harnessing, and assisting with hitching and unhitching.
• Monitor, record, and report equine health and safety concerns to the Equine Manager by observing horses, equipment, pastures, blankets, and hoof condition.
• Assist in the administration of basic first aid, medications, and bandaging as directed, ensuring proper care and documentation.
• Participate in regular C&L trainings and develop skills in carriage driving and operations to support programming needs.
• Assist with equine training activities, veterinary and farrier visits, trailering, and collaboration with internal departments.
• Engage in interpretive programming as needed, including working in historical costume and supporting guest‑facing experiences.
• Provide friendly and knowledgeable interpretation to create a positive guest experience.
• Communicate daily to the Equine Manager any fencing, pasture, and turnout areas that may require maintenance.
• Support carriage operations through driving, footing, horse preparation, and assistance with special events and programming.
• Monitor and help manage inventory of feed, hay, bedding, tack, and supplies to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Follow all established safety protocols related to horse handling, carriage operations, and guest interaction.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, animal welfare standards, and operational procedures.
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment issues, or concerns in a timely manner.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience in horse care).
• Experience working with horses and a solid understanding of basic care and handling practices.
• Background in customer service or public‑facing roles with the ability to interact professionally and positively with guests.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner while contributing to a welcoming visitor experience.
• Team‑oriented with good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Previous experience working with horses in a professional or structured setting.
• Strong knowledge of horse care, feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, or a related field.
• Equine riding and/or training experience, particularly in breaking and groundwork.
• Equine First Aid certification or other relevant industry certifications.
• Previous experience in carriage driving operations, historic sites, or tourism‑focused equine programs.
• Interest in history and willingness to support interpretive programming.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record per the Foundation’s criteria, including a 5‑year Motor Vehicle Record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Driving record limits: no more than 1 moving violation or at‑fault accident within 12 months; no more than 2 moving violations or at‑fault accidents within 36 months; no serious violations such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or a suspended/revoked license.

Physical Demands

• Stand frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Walk frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Sit occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
• Use hands/fingers constantly (5‑8 hrs/shift)
• Climb or balance frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Reach with hands/arms frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Talk or hear frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Lifting up to 10 lbs frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Lifting up to 25 lbs frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Lifting up to 50 lbs with assistance frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Lifting up to 100 lbs with assistance occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
• More than 100 lbs with assistance occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
• Wet/humid conditions constantly (5‑8 hrs/shift)
• Work near moving mechanical parts frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Fumes/airborne particles occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
• Extreme cold frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Extreme heat frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)
• Risk of electrical shock rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job)
• Driving requirement frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)

Compensation

Range: $19.00 – $22.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.