Equine Residency Program
Full Time Hourly Position - 12 Month Employment Term - 2 Residents per Year
Congrats on finishing your equine degree! Your education is the first step on your journey to become a working professional in the equine industry. Now the big question –where can you take all of your learning and get the experience you need to launch your career?
Join Rosemary Farm Sanctuary as an Equine Resident and build on your foundation with applied, real-world experience in all facets of equine rescue, rehabilitation and care.
Rosemary Farm is home to ~100 equines of all ages, breeds and circumstances, so your work here will provide an incredible learning experience through exposure to a large volume of diverse cases and special needs you might not see elsewhere. We hire two Residents a year and commit to teaching and training that will prepare you to go on to great things when you leave.
As a Resident, your work will contribute to the overall health and well-being of our large population of equines. You will provide varying levels of care from emergent to rehabilitative to ongoing maintenance. You will support day-to-day barn operations, and work with our service partners (veterinarians, farriers, trainers, etc.). Residents may also engage with visitors and the public, ensuring all have a safe and positive experience while sharing the magic of our work.
We utilize pressure-free interaction methods and focus on comprehensive rehabilitation of each horse, to restore the equine to its full physical and mental health and potential, as much as possible. To this end, we employ a wide combination of care protocols, including large herd groups and fields with on-demand shelter for those able, as well as private paddocks and barns with stalls for those who need more dedicated attention, and state of the art medical evaluation and care in partnership with several leading regional veterinarian practices. Our focus is to put the needs of the horse first, and we are a unique workplace for many of these reasons. We believe this experience will allow you to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the equine industry.
This is a one-year position reserved for recent equine degree graduates. Our ideal candidate is energetic, engaged and motivated to learn. You are committed to doing a great job and being a great team member. You don’t shy away from hard work and want to get hands-on experience that you can build on for the future. We strive to provide a positive, drama free work environment and to make work fun. We offer housing, competitive pay and benefits, and a completion bonus at the end of your year with us.
Program Details
What You’ll Be Doing
Perform daily feeding and medication of equine population in accordance with defined timeframes and protocols.
Perform daily turning in and out of equines.
Perform daily stall cleaning in assigned barn(s).
Perform equine rehabilitation and care activities including applying and changing bandages, wraps, soaking, and other support as needed.
Monitor eating habits, behavior and overall physical and emotional health of all equines, reporting changes/concerns to the Executive Director and Equine Manager.
Assist with intake, assessments, vaccinations, deworming and other equine healthcare maintenance procedures under the guidance of veterinary professionals and the Executive Director.
Assist with triage and treatment of emergency cases under the guidance of veterinary professionals and the Executive Director.
Provide socialization and enrichment for all equines using techniques outlined by the Executive Director.
Work on handling and other development activities with equines using techniques outlined by the Executive Director.
Perform regular hoof care and assist with trimming.
Perform periodic grooming of equines.
Perform blanketing and do blanket changes of equines when needed.
Perform overnight observation of critical care equines when needed.
Assist in moving and transporting animals when needed.
Establish and maintain detailed, up-to-date equine records.
Conduct handling and introductions of equines to Sanctuary visitors and prospective adopters.
Keep the work environment and equipment clean and organized.
Utilize equipment appropriately and maintain high safety standards.
Take initiative and identify improvements to Sanctuary operations.
Treat all equines and teammates with kindness and respect.
Be an ambassador for Rosemary Farm Sanctuary to volunteers, visitors and the general public, promoting our mission and demonstrating the magic of our Sanctuary.
Participate in periodic reviews and discussion of cases and learnings.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Other duties as required.
What You Bring to the Program
Degree in Equine studies (upcoming or prior year graduate).
Experience working with, handling and providing daily care for equines.
Comfort handling equines with behavioral issues which may include shyness, fearfulness and reactivity.
Knowledge about breeds, characteristics and care needs of equines.
Knowledge about basic equine medical problems, signs and response protocol.
Experience working with equines with natural horsemanship techniques preferred.
Strong interpersonal, listening and communication skills.
Good multi-tasking and time management.
Great attention to details.
Ability to handle confidential situations and sensitive information.
Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions based on knowledge at hand.
Ability to show up on time every day and accomplish goals without being pushed.
Demonstrated ability to interact with the general public.
Ability to professionally represent Rosemary Farm Sanctuary and our mission.
Willingness to learn and share knowledge.
A low ego and desire to be a team player.
Basic experience using computer software (Microsoft Office, Email, cloud systems, etc.).
Experience operating a variety of vehicles and pulling a trailer preferred.
Valid driver’s license.
Right to work in the United States.
Physical Requirements
This position involves strenuous and repetitive physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to: shoveling, mucking, poop scooping, raking, sweeping, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, bending, walking, climbing up and down ladders, and climbing into and out of vehicles. All residents must be able to do the following:
Must be able to routinely lift 50-75 pounds.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to ~100 degrees.
Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time throughout the day.
Must be able to work around allergens like hay, dust, and animals.
Term of Residency
12 months starting in June (may be adjusted but Residents must start no later than July 1)
Schedule
8:00am - 5:00pm with 1-hour lunch break
Five (5) days a week including at least one weekend day
Overnight emergency monitoring as needed
Compensation & Benefits
$16 per hour plus overtime
Healthcare stipend
Paid time off, sick days, holiday pay
Housing provided in shared house with private rooms located at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary
Completion bonus
How to Apply
If this sounds like the next step you are seeking, submit a CV or resume and three letters of recommendation, along with a letter of intent sharing why you are interested in the Rosemary Farm Residency program and why you believe you should be selected, to info@rosemaryfarm.org. Resident candidates will be notified if they are selected for interviews. We hire two (2) Residents each year. We look forward to hearing from you!
Rosemary Farm Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because they make us all better. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.