Equine Manager

Who We Are

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 and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is that the future may learn from the past through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginias colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on-site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with todays evolved tastes. Each year over five million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Horse Care & Management:

- Develop, implement, and oversee daily feeding protocols, watering schedules, and turnout for a herd of 25–35 horses, ensuring alignment with established nutrition plans and individual health requirements.

- Manage all aspects of grooming, tacking, and harnessing horses for carriage operations, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and adherence to historical standards.

- Oversee and monitor equine health and behavior closely; coordinate veterinary and farrier services, and maintain accurate health and treatment records.

- Oversee and support the breeding program, including scheduling, care of broodmares and foals, and coordination with veterinary specialists.

- Administer medications and emergency first aid as directed, including, but not limited, to IM, IV, and oral treatments, ensuring proper handling and documentation.

- Develop and maintain a comprehensive training program for working horses, including, but not limited to riding, carriage driving, and public programming.

Operational Support:

- Supervise daily barn operations, including, but not limited, to stall mucking, paddock cleaning, and maintaining cleanliness and organization of the barn, tack room, and storage areas.

- Coordinate with Animal Husbandry and Operations Manager to inspect, maintain, and repair fencing and turnout areas, as needed, to ensure a safe and secure environment for all horses.

- Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to support operations, enhance programming, and build collaborative relationships.

- Monitor and maintaine the inventory of feed, bedding, tack, and medical supplies; assist with procurement and cost control as needed.

Staffing and Training:

- Lead, supervise, and mentor staff and volunteers, ensuring proper equine handling, safety protocols, and high standards of care.

- Develop and implement ongoing training programs for staff and volunteers to improve skills, consistency, and team performance.

- Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment focused on animal welfare and operational excellence.

- Engage with guests through equine programs, carriage operations, and stable interactions to deliver an informative and memorable visitor experience.

- Create, document, and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily operations, training programs, and public-facing activities.

Safety & Compliance:

- Follow all safety protocols related to horse handling, carriage operations, and guest interaction.

- Ensure compliance with museum policies and equine welfare standards.

- Report any safety hazards or equipment concerns promptly

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience

- High school diploma or GED required; equivalent hands-on experience in equine care and management

- Demonstrated hands-on experience working with horses in a stable, farm, or equestrian facility setting.

- Strong working knowledge of equine handling, behavior, training techniques, nutrition, and overall health care practices.

- Proven experience in carriage driving and/or riding disciplines, with the ability to train and develop both horses and staff in safe, effective practices.

- Experience leading and managing a team of 15–20 staff within an equine operation, including scheduling, training, performance oversight, and team development.

- Ability to foster a safe, structured, and collaborative work environment while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and operational efficiency.

- Previous experience managing a herd of 20+ horses

- Strong knowledge and practical application of equine care, including feeding, grooming, training, behavior management, and ongoing health monitoring.

- Team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive, professional work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

- Associates or Bachelors Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, or relevant working experience.

- Experience working in a nonprofit, museum, or public-facing environment, with a background in public interpretation, education, or guest engagement.

- Strong foundation in training young horses, including starting and developing green horses, with a focus on safe, progressive breaking and long-term soundness.

- Ability to communicate effectively with the public, translating equine operations into engaging and educational experiences.

- Interest in history, agriculture, or heritage breeds, with a willingness to support and participate in interpretive and educational programming.

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia drivers license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundations criteria.

- Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment

- Must be at least 21 years of age

- May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months

- May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months

May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical Activity

Frequency

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 Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidates skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $85,000 - $100,000/year