Barn Operations Manager (part time)

Position Summary

SPIRIT Open Equestrian, a nonprofit therapeutic riding program based at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA, is seeking a Horse Barn & Facilities Manager to serve as the on-site leader for daily morning barn operations, creating consistency in routines, supervising volunteers and staff, managing horse care, coordinating supplies, and identifying facility maintenance needs. This position works closely with the Executive Director to support the organization's therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services.

We are looking for someone who enjoys creating order from busy mornings, leading volunteers with patience and kindness, and building a barn culture where everyone knows what to do, feels valued, and works together for the benefit of our horses and participants.

Primary Responsibilities

Daily Barn Operations

• Open the facility and oversee morning barn operations with a primarily volunteer workforce.
• Supervise daily feeding, turnout, stall cleaning, water, and general horse care.
• Coordinate daily volunteer attendance through an online calendar app. Adjust responsibilities day-of if volunteer availability changes.
• Ensure chores are completed consistently and to SPIRIT standards, to include participating in chores where necessary.
• Monitor overall barn cleanliness and organization, including daily checks of the barns, fields, and fencelines for overnight damage or safety concerns.
• Troubleshoot and resolve daily operational issues without supervision.

Volunteer & Staff Supervision

• Provide daily direction, training, and coaching to volunteers regarding safety while on the property, SPIRIT’s standards and expectations for completion of chores, basic horse handling and horse care
• Create a positive, productive, and respectful work environment.
• Provide additional supervision, task support, and alternative approaches for volunteers and employees who require workplace accommodations.
• Train new volunteers on barn routines and safe horse handling.
• Coordinate and collaborate with SPIRIT leadership, other paid staff, and instructors. Important to ensure clear communication for barn handoffs with those at the facility in the afternoon.
• Periodically interact with Frying Pan Farm Park staff regarding shared spaces, safety issues, and property maintenance.

Horse Care

• Examine horses each morning for health or behavioral concerns.
• Coordinate veterinary, farrier, and other routine appointments with the Executive Director.
• Maintain accurate horse health records via an online platform built for this purpose. Can be managed via mobile phone.
• Ensure tack, equipment, and blankets are clean, safe, and serviceable each day, so instructors can lead evening lessons without issues.
• Communicate emergencies and concerns promptly to the Executive Director.

Facility Management

• Maintain clean, safe, and organized barns, paddocks, tack rooms, and storage areas.
• Monitor inventory of hay, grain, bedding, and barn supplies.
• Coordinate ordering of routine supplies in advance with the Executive Director.
• Identify maintenance needs and oversee small facility improvement projects.

Safety & Compliance

• Responsible for managing emergency situations at the barn when on site to include following published emergency procedures (e.g. moving people to safety in a weather situation), calling 911, the veterinarian, other as needed.
• Act as a role model for safe horse handling, horse care and barn safety practices.
• Ensure volunteers follow established safety procedures.
• Assist the Executive Director with emergency preparedness and incident reporting.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain records related to horse care, supply inventory, and barn maintenance via Notion (mobile phone friendly).
• Communicate each day’s status with the Executive Director regarding herd health, volunteer needs, and facility priorities via text and online platform.
• Assist The Executive Director with planning seasonal maintenance and capital improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Experience managing horses in a professional barn environment.
• Experience supervising volunteers or staff.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Comfortable making independent decisions.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems before they become emergencies.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience fostering positive work environments and collaborating successfully with others.
• Experience riding and training horses on the ground and in the saddle is a plus - opportunity for the right candidate to teach riding and groundwork sessions day/evenings.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physically demanding barn work.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Fluent in English.
• At this time, SPIRIT is unable to support international work visas.
• A background check to include state and federal criminal history will be conducted. Using any illegal substances or alcohol while on Park property is not permitted and will result in immediate termination.
• Must be at least 21.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• Barn Management and horse care: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25