Position Summary
Manage the daily operations of the Horse Teaching and Research Center, located on South campus, comprised of 100 acres of pastures, a herd of roughly 75 horses and 7 buildings. Buildings include a classroom, office space, an indoor arena, a barn with 24 box stalls and a wash rack, a reproduction building, a draft horse building with four box stalls, a storage building, an old barn with 14 box stalls used for foaling, and a farrier barn. Additionally, there is a small herd of approximately 15 horses at the Vet Research Center used for teaching by the College of Veterinary Medicine that requires twice-daily herd health checks. The farm manager will also be a key member of Michigan State University’s equine program, which combines practical experience, teaching, and industry partnerships.
Key components of the job include performing general Farm Operations, conducting Administrative Duties related to the Center, managing Teaching and Research Logistics at the Center, and pursuing community investment opportunities that benefit all involved. Strategically, this individual will develop relationships across all sectors of the equine industry and community members to advance the Center's impact. The position requires working closely with faculty and staff and is expected to foster a positive environment that supports research, teaching, and outreach. Specifics of the position include but are not limited to maintaining records; assisting with oversight of maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment; assisting with research logistics from implementation, management, and maintenance of all projects; oversight of herd health, horse utilization for teaching and research with animal welfare in mind, hiring and supervision of staff; interacting with the faculty, researchers, students, vendors, and community; and enhancing philanthropic opportunities for the Center. The position will be supervised by the Associate Director of AgBioResearch, within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Duties include:
30% Farm Operations:
- Manage the care of all horses for research, teaching, and outreach needs.
- Manage maintenance needs of the center, both indoor and outdoor.
- Manage repairs and preventative maintenance programs for equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of horses, facility maps, and other activities.
- Work collaboratively with other farm managers.
- Conduct tours and collaborate with organizers on field days and other events on-site.
30% Administrative Duties:
- Develop and manage an annual budget to support the operation of the Center with the intent of creating a self-funding, leading equine center.
- Schedule and assign duties to staff.
- Oversee and enforce procedures and policies for MSU and the center.
- Maintain accurate records.
20% Stakeholder Outreach and Support
- Develop a strategic action plan geared towards revenue development for the Center with industry needs and MSU priorities in mind.
- Engage in the University’s One Health Initiative.
- Pursue opportunities to enhance utilization of the Center for revenue generation and community outreach/goodwill.
- Create and work with a stakeholder Advisory Committee.
15% Research & Teaching Logistics:
- Plan, oversee, and maintain researchers' projects and related space and equipment.
- Oversee horse needs for teaching.
- Ensure all faculty and staff are following appropriate safety practices for the Center.
- Co-Chair the Center User Committee with the Faculty Coordinator.
5% Other:
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which is normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in animal science or equine management; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in supervision, equine management, and livestock management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
3-5 years’ experience managing a horse farm. Strong understanding of reproduction including the collection and evaluation of semen, and meticulous recordkeeping. Competence in foaling includes the ability to determine pending parturition, and the recognition of complications. Experience properly marketing and selling horses. Deep knowledge of nutrition and herd health, experience working with students and proper training and safety protocols to ensure everyone’s safety at the farm.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Special Instructions
Must include resume and cover letter, and 3 professional equine-related references.
Work Hours
Typical hours are 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday (this is when the farm is open). When foaling or during emergencies, must be available.
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/scaf/horse_teac
Summary of Physical Demands
long hours on feet
lifting up to 50 pounds
Summary of Health Risks
Working with large animals, tractors, and equipment
Working in an environment with dust and dander
Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
