This is a full-time, 12-month position with the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES), classified as an Agricultural Assistant Sr. by Utah State University Human Resources. The role is based primarily at the Sam Skaggs Family Equine Education Center in Wellsville, Utah, an essential facility supporting the Equine Science and Management B.S. degree program, the Equine Assisted Services certificate program and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The successful candidate will work under the Equine Program Manager to support faculty, staff, and students engaged in academic, research, and outreach efforts. The facility supports a herd of nearly 100 university-owned horses, including horses used for beginner and advanced riding, breeding stallions, broodmares, foals, and animals used in research.

The Agricultural Assistant Sr. is responsible for ensuring the daily care of the horse herd; maintaining the grounds and infrastructure, including stall barns, indoor and outdoor arenas, pastures, and equipment; and coordinating all aspects of facility upkeep, such as snow removal, landscaping, and repairs. This role also includes assisting with the equine breeding program, supporting university-hosted events, supervising student employees, and overseeing boarding and training operations in accordance with university policy.

The position requires the ability to operate and maintain a wide range of agricultural equipment, work flexible hours including some weekends and holidays, and effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Animal Care and Health Management:

• Perform the daily care and feeding of horses.
• Clean stalls and maintain pens and pastures.
• Monitor animal health and report concerns to the Program Manager.
• Coordinate with the Program Manager to ensure veterinary and farrier services are scheduled and current; maintain accurate health records.
• Respond to emergency issues involving livestock during evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Participate in seasonal tasks, including breeding, foaling, and weaning.
• Assist the Program Manager with the Equine Breeding Program and other related duties, as assigned.

Facility and Grounds Maintenance:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant working environment in accordance with all applicable regulations and policies.
• Clean and maintain animal stalls, pens, and equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance on tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Maintain and document the maintenance of all farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Operate and maintain farm machinery, including front-end loaders, tractors, arena drags, and utility vehicles.
• Use landscaping equipment to complete lawn care and weed control in a timely and effective manner.
• Ensure all equipment is operated safely and kept in good working condition.
• Assist with ongoing equipment maintenance and minor mechanical repairs.
• Support the Program Manager with summer grazing management and fence construction or repair, as needed.
• Perform seasonal maintenance tasks, such as snow removal, to support continuous facility operations.

Event and Program Support:

• Facilitate university and non-university events by coordinating arena scheduling, setup, and ensuring all necessary approvals and documentation (e.g., contracts, insurance) are completed.
• Assist the Program Manager and instructional staff with preparation and logistics for USU’s Annual Production Sale.

Personnel and Communication:

• Under the direction of the Program Manager, hire, schedule, and supervise hourly student workers assisting with horse care and barn operations.
• Support the training of staff and students in basic farm operations and safety practices, in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for boarders and trainers; manage documentation and ensure compliance with established agreements.

General Operations:

• Operate within a defined budget.
• Work some evenings, weekends, or holidays, as scheduled.
• Operate basic tools and machinery, as needed.
• Load and unload supplies, including feed and equipment.
• Follow all applicable safety protocols and complete required training sessions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree plus 1 year of relevant work experience or equivalent experience in the equine industry.
• Ability to receive and ship materials; may require evening and weekend availability.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with vendors and university staff and faculty.
• Ability to operate and maintain agricultural equipment and trucks.
• Ability to read and understand written instructions, regulations, and documentation; use appropriate sources to locate accurate information related to job responsibilities.
• Valid Utah driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025