Equine NTT Instructor​/Assistant Foreman

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

The Equine Instructor/Assistant Foreman will oversee MSU’s equine resources, facilities, and finances and will train students in Introductory and Intermediate Horsemanship and Colt Starting, and develop a competitive Collegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Team. The position will work closely with Equine Science faculty and livestock operations staff to maintain a safe, effective, and high-quality learning environment for students and horses.

• Instruct undergraduate equitation and horsemanship courses such as Horsemanship I, II, III, Colt Starting, and Developing the Young Horse.
• Develop classroom lectures and hands‑on training with students for better understanding of equine uses and riding instruction.
• Facilitate and participate in working/riding any horses that need additional riding for classes.
• Provide a safe atmosphere for instruction of students and horses.

• Work closely with Equine Science faculty and the Livestock Operations manager for replacing and retiring MSU horses.
• Assess horses’ soundness for classes.

• Schedule arena use for classes, pavilion activities, student club and team events.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with Equine Science faculty, MSU Farrier School faculty/staff, Livestock Operations Manager, and local veterinarians.

• Foster relationships with regional ranches and equine industry partners for potential horse leases and donations to support the program.

• Develop and coach a competitive Collegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Team.

• Assist in maintaining accurate records of animal health, well‑being, feeding, and general care.
• Provide initial assessment and basic care to horses that are ill or injured.
• Maintain up‑to‑date AACUC protocols for all hands‑on classes and ensure all aspects of the equine AACUC and LOAC SOPs are followed, including review and updating as needed.

• BS in Animal/Equine Sciences or closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience teaching equitation courses.
• Demonstrated experience with equine handling, behavior, husbandry and modern management knowledge and skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring employees, primarily undergraduate student employees.
• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural and equine‑related equipment and machinery.

• Advanced degree in Animal/Equine Sciences or closely related field.
• Experience teaching equitation and horse‑man courses in a university or collegiate setting.
• Broad knowledge and experience in the equine industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing equine facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage special project requirements.
• Demonstrated experience coaching a competitive team or training individuals for students and horses in a teaching environment.

• Demonstrate strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students in a team‑oriented environment.
• Be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, when necessary.

• Non‑Tenure Track Faculty – Any position that is .5 FTE or more is represented by the Associated Faculty of Montana State University (AFMSU). Faculty covered by AFMSU may choose to pay membership dues. This is a condition of employment. Additional information can be found at AFMSU or by emailing AFSMU.
• Any position less than .5 FTE is not represented by the Union and is not required to pay dues.
• Exceptions:
  Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union.

Physical Demands:
The person in this position must be able to move objects 50 lbs or more and work with large animals.

FLSA Status:
Exempt.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

EEO Statement:
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.