Job Summary

Under the direction of the Animal Science Department Head and with input and day-to-day work direction from the Oppenheimer Family Equine Center (OFEC) Operations Manager, this position provides comprehensive support to foster the objectives of the equine center to support the educational needs for Cal Poly. The Assistant Manager maintains responsibility for office management, scheduling and essential record keeping needs for the OFEC. This position will be responsible for the development/updating of SOPs for various tasks, student employee development, and training protocols. Identification, coordination, and management of facilities maintenance is a critical component of this position. Additionally, the Assistant Manager, under the supervision of the Operations Manager, will provide direct support related to all aspects of the care and handling of horses and supervision of students.

**This is a full-time, temporary, two year position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement.**

Department Summary

The Animal Science Department offers degree programs in both Animal and Dairy Science. Students learn principles of animal biology, behavior, nutrition, and reproduction with molecular biology and other life sciences in a variety of species. These principles apply to domestic livestock, wildlife, laboratory animals, and companion animals. The curriculum is flexible, allowing each student to plan an individual curriculum aligned with their interests and career goals. This is a comprehensive hands-on program offering learn-by-doing opportunities to gain experience with a variety of animal species.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the safe handling, restraint, movement, and care of horses under a variety of operational and emergency conditions.
• Knowledge of equine facility operations, including barn management, feeding programs, turnout management, stall maintenance, inventory control, and facility upkeep.
• Ability to safely operate, inspect, and perform routine maintenance of vehicles, trailers, tractors, implements, equipment, and instrumentation utilized in equine facility operations.
• Ability to safely transport horses and operate trucks and trailers utilized for animal transport both on and off campus.
• Ability to assess emergency situations involving horses, personnel, equipment, or facilities and respond promptly and appropriately to ensure safety and minimize risk.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and procedures, including chemical, hazardous material, and biohazardous material handling requirements and regulations.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and promote a safe and secure working environment for employees, students, volunteers, visitors, and animals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related discipline.
• At least three years of experience working professionally with farm and/or ranch animals, including:
  • At least two years of experience in the care and handling of horses
  • At least two (2) years of supervisory or lead-worker experience in an equine, agricultural, livestock, or animal care environment.

• Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:

  • First aid and CPR certified within 3 months of date of hire.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $65,000 - $75,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Please watch the video linked here to learn more about the CSU system. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.