Equestrian Fellow

(posted 3/7/23)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for an equestrian fellow. This two-year, full-time appointment supports an array of responsibilities necessary for the Hollins University Riding Center to thrive. This position is eligible for health and life insurance; vacation, sick, and holiday pay; extended year-end holiday pay; retirement plan; tuition assistance; and campus housing benefits.

About the Role

The equestrian fellow will gain exposure to all aspects of barn management, including proper horse care, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of riding facilities. Depending on experience, the fellow may support teaching of riding lessons. This position reports to the Director of the Equestrian Program & Head Riding Coach, works in collaboration with the Assistant to the Director, and also supervises work-study students.

Specific duties include the following:

• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary stables by adhering closely to established protocols including stall cleaning, cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, trash removal, etc.
• Feed, water, groom (including body clipping), and handle horses
• Administer therapeutic treatments to horses
• Maintain indoor and outdoor grounds as needed
• Maintain supplies and equipment, including repair schedules
• Maintain management records
• Interview, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate work-study students
• Serve in weekend and holiday rotations, on-call, and night turnout schedule

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of five years of riding experience in the hunter/jumper discipline
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of equine first aid, bandaging, clipping, trimming/pulling, lunging, schooling, and sole change
• Effective communication skills
• Willingness to support teaching and coaching in the forward riding system
• Ability to work well with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of riding and horse experience
• Ability to work within the framework of Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and other riding associations’ rules and regulations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to drive university vehicles
• Ability and willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends
• Valid United States driver’s license with minimal violations

Preferred candidates will have experience in horse care and barn management in a riding facility and/or with experience in a single-sex, residential, liberal arts higher education institution.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu . Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Once the selected candidate accepts a contingent employment offer, criminal history and motor vehicle background checks will be conducted.

About Hollins

Hollins is an independent, liberal arts university offering undergraduate education for women and selected graduate programs for men and women. Founded in 1842 as Virginia’s oldest chartered women’s college, Hollins provides abundant opportunities to students for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and provides access to real-world experience through internships around the globe supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

Hollins is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity at every level of the university. Persons of all genders; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Hollins, please visit our website ( www.hollins.edu ).