Stablehand
Skidmore College

The Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation at Skidmore College invites applications for a full time Stable Hand available in the College's Riding Program. Schedule is 40 hours per week, including weekends (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays AND 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays). Days off are Wednesdays and Thursdays. Duties include cleaning stalls, feeding, watering horses, general barn maintenance, and related assignments.  Occasional overtime hours due to absences and special weekend activities.

SUMMARY 

Assist in the feeding and maintenance of horses and property and perform other duties as described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following. Other duties may be assigned within classification.

1. Feed horses the prescribed grain and hay. This feed schedule will be in written form and is subject to change according to a horse's individual needs
2. Daily cleaning of automatic water bowls
3. Maintain stalls with daily cleaning, manure removal and replacement of bedding
4. Organization of storage areas.
5. Repair stall floors when needed
6. Feed and water horses as required by staff
7. Clean arena which includes, but not limited to, such things as dragging, sweeping walls, cleaning mirrors, moving jumps and other related equipment
8. Generally clean stable area such as floors, office, restrooms and aisles
9. Drive tractor and use attachments as necessary for task
10. Make repairs to stalls or fences in an emergency which result from damage done by horses
11. Remove snow and ice from doorways to the extent that doors open and close properly. Utilize ice melt as necessary
12. Perform general groundskeeper duties as assigned and required
13. In special circumstances aid in the turnout or handling of horses as directed by supervisor
14. Have general knowledge and/or learn horse behavior and ailments. Report any suspicious or abnormal behavior to Director or Barn Manager
15. Maintain an interest in learning new ideas and incorporate new procedures when required
16. Ability to speak and listen effectively and respectfully with supervisors, customers, and employees of the College
17. Maintain an appropriate image and dress
18. Establish and maintain a high level of customer service

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or general education degree (GED) and one year previous related work experience

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak and listen effectively with supervisors/customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add and subtract, multiply, and divide in units of weights and measurements.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.  Ability to utilize or learn basic computer functions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, or those not physically able, to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 80 pounds with appropriate equipment and assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, hot and/or cold conditions; moving mechanical parts. The noise level is usually moderate.

• The College reserves the right to reassign all personnel as necessary in the event of an absence or emergency
• May be required to attend employer sponsored classes or seminars aimed at improving skills
• Understand proper use of chemicals used in the performance of position duties and be familiar with the Data Safety Sheets (SDS)
• May be required to work overtime or weekends with minimal notice
• May be required to have physical reassessment if performance is below standard

Ailments or Special Diets may require non-union workers to take charge of feeding and watering of certain horses.

Hourly Rate: $19.38/hour

Required documents needed to apply:

• On-line application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.