Equestrian Center Coordinator & Instructor (Full-time, Onsite, 12-months) at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA

Job description

Wilson College is seeking an experienced, engaging, and collaborative equine professional to serve as our Equestrian Center Coordinator/Instructor at the Penn Hall Equestrian Center. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned barn and facility manager who brings strong horse knowledge, proven leadership skills, and the experience and confidence to successfully manage a large, active collegiate equestrian operation—while also embracing the opportunity to teach, mentor, and work closely with students. At the heart of this role is responsibility for ensuring that the Equestrian Center runs safely, efficiently, and professionally every day. The Coordinator/Instructor provides hands-on leadership for a complex operation that includes up to 71 horses, multiple barns and arenas, extensive paddocks and pastures, and a team of full-time, part-time, and student employees. We are looking for someone who knows what it takes to run a successful barn: someone who can anticipate needs, establish priorities, make sound decisions, lead and develop a team, communicate effectively, and take ownership of the operation. Just as important, this position is an integral part of Wilson's academic community. The Equestrian Center serves as a living laboratory where students develop the knowledge, judgment, and practical skills needed for careers in the equine industry. The Coordinator/Instructor teaches equine management courses and works alongside faculty and staff to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The successful candidate should genuinely enjoy working with students and be an engaging instructor and mentor who can translate professional experience into learning—whether in the classroom, barn aisle, arena, or pasture. The ideal candidate will be a strong relationship-builder who values collaboration and understands that successful equestrian operations depend on communication and teamwork. We are looking for someone who can build positive working relationships with students, faculty, coaches, staff, horse owners, vendors, and College partners while providing the leadership, accountability, and expertise necessary to keep a busy equestrian center operating at its best. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Equestrian Center Leadership and Operations Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Penn Hall Equestrian Center, ensuring safe, efficient, professional, and well-coordinated operations. Independently assess operational needs, establish priorities, solve problems, and ensure responsibilities are completed accurately and timely. Maintain the Center and its facilities to a high standard appropriate for academic instruction, equestrian activities, boarding, recruitment events, and visitors. Coordinate Center operations with the Director of Equine Studies, Equine Studies faculty, Athletics, Physical Plant, Human Resources, the Business Office, and other College departments. Establish and maintain effective operating procedures, schedules, records, and communication practices for the Center. Support compliance with College policies and applicable safety, employment, and animal welfare requirements. Assist with development and management of the Center's operating budget and demonstrate responsible stewardship of College resources. Coordinate vendors and service providers, including veterinarians, farriers, feed and bedding suppliers, and other contractors, including scheduling, documentation, invoicing, and follow-through. Facility and Equipment Management Oversee the operation, maintenance, cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the Center's barns, arenas, paddocks, pastures, equipment, and related facilities. Identify facility and equipment needs and coordinate maintenance and work requests with Physical Plant and outside vendors. Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained in a manner that supports safe and effective academic, athletic, boarding, and extracurricular activities. Maintain appropriate supplies, equipment,