What are the responsibilities and job description for the Non-Tenure Track Farrier School Director/Instructor position at Montana State University?
Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 13,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is recognized as one of 106 U.S. Research Universities representing the top tier of the Carnegie Foundation rankings.
MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of
about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities to include access to world class ski areas, multiple blue ribbon trout streams and the Gallatin National Forest. The local airport is served by four national airlines and is the second busiest airport in the state.
Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events such as the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts held in early August of each year. Powder Magazine identified Bozeman, with “three distinctly different” major ski resorts within an hour’s drive, as the number one place to live and ski in its November 2010 Magazine. Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns – small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. The K-12 educational system, growing reputation of Montana State University, and pristine natural environment of the area combine to make Bozeman one of America’s most desirable university towns. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Teaching on-campus.
- Advising, evaluating and assisting students.
- Curriculum and/or course development.
- Recruiting students and clientele.
- Promoting the program through social media and public demonstration.
- Inventory management.
- Budget management.
- Facilities Management.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- AFA certified journeyman farrier.
- Demonstrated teaching ability.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated mastery of equine limb and hoof anatomy and care.
- Demonstrated collaborative work with veterinarians on equine lameness.
- Demonstrated blacksmithing expertise.
- Demonstrated experience as a professional farrier.
- Demonstrated horse handling and management skills.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will possess effective interpersonal and communication skills, have the ability to work independently, possess exceptional organizational skills, and have a strong interest in student success and commitment to quality teaching.
- Have effective oral and written communication skills;
- Be organized and self-motivated;
- Be able to work with students with varying levels of skill, educational backgrounds, and experience;
- Possess critical teaching skills that address core competencies which prepare students for the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Certification exams and private practice as professional farriers.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
The position for which you have applied MAY BE a Union position. Union affiliation is determined by job duties and the collective bargaining unit.
- 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.
** If the FTE changes during employment, the representational status of this position could be impacted. - Exceptions: Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The Department
Animal and Range Sciences
The College
The College of Agriculture
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 7, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
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. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status
Exempt