Position Summary The Department of Animal and Food Science is seeking a full-time, 9-month tenure-track Equine Program Director (50% teaching;
50% administration) at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The Equine Program Director will oversee operations of the UWRF Campus Farm including strategic planning, facility management, budgets, daily operations, and horse care.
The successful candidate will provide innovative leadership, effective communication, and efficient management of resources (relating to facilities, budgets, horses, and personnel).
Additionally, the person in the position will be expected to teach approximately six credits each semester. Furthermore, opportunities may exist for summer salary via teaching, research, or utilizing the Campus Farm resources for events open to the public, such as youth camps, that generate program revenue.
Responsibilities Teaching (50%)
Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in animal science with emphasis on equine management and equine-focused disciplines.
An individual with a 50% teaching appointment would be assigned 2 courses per semester. Short-term changes in teaching load may be required, dependent on staffing levels amongst other factors.
- Other teaching opportunities may include courses in the core animal science curriculum depending on departmental needs, the individual’s interest, educational background, and skill level
- General oversight and assistance (as needed) of equine competition teams and clubs, such as IHSA or the UWRF Rodeo team
- Additional responsibilities include serving as academic advisor to undergraduate students and participation in faculty governance and service activities at the departmental, college, and university levels.
Administration (50%) Equine Programs Oversight
- Equine program leader under supervision of Chairperson within the Department of Animal and Food Science
- Lead planning efforts related to equine program development and the Campus Farm, focusing on revisions and initiatives that lead to greater sustainability and growth
- Facilitate communication and internal collaboration amongst equine staff and faculty
- Build working relationships with potential donors, alumni, and equine industry professionals that may provide resources and / or knowledge of best practices
Campus Farm Management
- Budget oversight for all accounts pertaining to operations of the UWRF Campus Farm and UWRF horse herd
- Serve as supervisor to the equine enterprise manager who manages daily farm operations
- Create and oversee policies to ensure the safety of employees, users, and visitors to the Campus Farm
- Ensure welfare and health of horses in compliance with rules and regulations of the Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee, state and federal regulations, and best practices for animal care
- Provide an environment that maximizes opportunities for Campus Farm usage within classes, research projects, community outreach, work experiences and internships.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities Qualifications (Required)
- PhD in Animal Science or related field or DVM.
- Primary educational / professional expertise in equine science.
- Strong interest in teaching college-level courses to undergraduate students.
- Experience as a supervisor of equine facilities and employees.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
Qualifications (Preferred)
- Education and experience in one or more of the following equine science disciplines : nutrition, behavior, genetics, welfare, physiology, reproduction, equitation, or evaluation / judging.
- Experience, contacts, and involvement in the equine industry.