JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Animal Science, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, within the University of Connecticut, seeks qualified applicants for two (2) full-time positions of Equine Care Specialist (Animal Care Specialist). The Equine Care Specialist is responsible for feeding, watering, grooming, handling, and monitoring horses; maintaining barns, paddocks, arenas, and related facilities; assisting with veterinary and farrier care; operating farm equipment; and supporting instructional and experiential learning opportunities for students. These positions play a critical role in ensuring the health and welfare of University-owned horses while maintaining a safe, efficient, and well-organized equine operation. The successful candidates will play a key role in supporting the daily operation of the Horse Unit and assisting in the continued growth and success of the Department's Animal Science as well as Equine Science and Management programs. Through the provision of high-quality equine care, facility support, and student engagement, these positions will contribute to the unit's teaching, research, and outreach mission. The positions will supervise student employees and may supervise temporary staff as assigned. The Equine Care Specialists will report to the Horse Unit Manager and the Department Head of Animal Science and will be based on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs Campus.
About The Horse Unit and Equine Programs
The UConn Horse Unit is a cornerstone of the Department of Animal Science's teaching, research, and outreach mission. Housing approximately 70 horses across two facilities, the Horse Unit supports a wide range of academic instruction, research activities, extension programs, and equine management operations. Facilities include horse barns, tack rooms, classrooms, laboratories, training areas, and a lighted outdoor arena.
The Horse Unit serves as the hands-on learning center for UConn's Equine Science and Management program, which prepares students for careers throughout the equine industry through a combination of classroom instruction, applied learning experiences, and direct engagement with horse care and management. The program integrates science-based coursework with practical training in equine health, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, facility management, and industry operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Equine Care and Husbandry
- Provide daily care for horses, including feeding, watering, grooming, turnout, blanketing, exercising, and monitoring overall health and well-being.
- Observe horses for signs of illness, injury, behavioral concerns, or other health-related issues and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Assist with routine veterinary, farrier, reproductive, and other animal health procedures as needed.
- Administer medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols and training.
- Maintain accurate health, treatment, and animal management records.
Facility Operations and Maintenance
- Clean, maintain, and prepare stalls, barns, paddocks, arenas, and other Horse Unit facilities to support safe and effective operations.
- Assist with providing feed, hay, bedding for animals; manure, ; and supply management including receiving, storing, monitoring, and maintaining inventory levels.
- Operate and perform routine maintenance on tractors, utility vehicles, farm equipment, and related tools.
- Identify and report facility, equipment, and safety concerns and assist with corrective actions as appropriate.
Teaching, Student Support, and Outreach
- Support teaching, research, outreach, extension, and experiential learning activities conducted through the Horse Unit.
- Train and supervise student employees in horse care, facility operations, animal handling, and established safety procedures.
- Assist with student learning activities, demonstrations, clinics, competitions, tours, and outreach programs hosted by the Department and Horse Unit.
- May supervise temporary employees and volunteers as assigned.
Administrative and Compliance Responsibilities
- Maintain records related to animal care, inventories, equipment maintenance, and operational activities.
- Assist with compliance with University and departmental animal care and safety requirements.
- Participate in required trainings and support adherence to established animal welfare and workplace safety standards.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Equine Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, or a related field and two (2) to three (3) years of related animal care experience; OR Associate's degree in Animal Science, Equine Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, or a related field and four (4) to five (5) years of related animal care experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Experience handling and caring for horses in an equine, agricultural, research, educational, or comparable setting.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in an equine teaching, research, extension, or boarding facility.
- Experience operating tractors, utility vehicles, and other farm equipment.
- Experience training or supervising student employees, volunteers, or temporary staff.
- Experience assisting with veterinary, farrier, or reproductive management activities.
- Experience maintaining animal health, treatment, or operational records.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
These are 12-month, full-time, end-dated, UCPEA positions working 35 hours per week. The anticipated start date is October 2026, but may be subject to change. These positions are funded for an initial one-year term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, operational needs, and the availability of funding. These positions are located on the main University of Connecticut campus in Storrs, CT.
The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidates’ background and work experience.
Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of successful candidates is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.
The successful incumbents must have the ability to safely handle horses and perform physically demanding work; to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions; to operate farm equipment and related tools safely; to work weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours as needed to support animal care operations; and to follow established animal care and safety protocols. These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services (Essential Employees). Individuals in these roles must be willing to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations; applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies including nights/weekends/holidays.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499620 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.
Evaluations of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled. For questions regarding this position, you may reach out to Dr. Sarah Reed.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 2, 2026
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.