This Assistant Western Coach will assist in the coaching and mentoring of the Alfred University Western Team to include but is not limited to:  evaluating and selecting team members, scheduling practice, practice planning, coaching team practices, mentoring students for academic, athletic, and personal success, submitting entries for horse shows, arranging transportation and lodging for team members, attending all regular and post-season shows, assisting with planning and hosting horse shows, recruiting prospective students, and fundraising.  The Assistant Western Coach will work cooperatively with the Director of Equestrian Program/Head Western Coach to develop the equestrian program and operate the program at a high standard of health and safety for the horses, students, and staff members.    

As the instructor, the incumbent will teach Western riding classes and other equestrian classes per the needs of Alfred University and the candidate’s expertise. Should the successful candidate be certified in the Eagala Model, (The Global Standard for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Personal Development), the candidate will serve as the equine specialist for courses related to the Equine Psychotherapy concentration. The employee will train and/or re-train University-owned horses in the Equestrian Program.  The position includes assisting in the daily care of horses, handling horses for vet and/or farrier care, and administering first aid and medications.  In addition, the position will oversee University-owned tack and supplies and assist the Barn Manager in the care of and ordering supplies. 

It is expected that the incumbent will work cooperatively with other equestrian staff to aid in the cohesion of the equestrian program. 

Salary: 10-Month position; $49,464.80 annually.

Essential Functions:

• Assistant Western Coach essential functions:

• Coach equestrian riders to be proficient in Western riding skills

• Mentor students for success at shows and improvement in individual skills

• Select team members for the respective equestrian team

• Practice planning for team and individuals

• Submit entries for horse shows

• Arrange transportation and lodging for away competitions

• Attend all regular and post-season shows

• Assist with the planning and hosting of horse shows

• In collaboration with the Admissions Office, meet with prospective students and actively recruit students on and off campus to the Alfred University equestrian program

• Assist students in their personal and professional development

• Instructor essential functions:

• Teach equestrian-related classes from beginners through advanced riders with emphasis on Western style riding

• Set-up, remove, and store equipment as needed for classes, competitions, and clinics

• Ensure the safety and well-being of riders, horses, and staff members

• Complete student assessment per the required deadlines

• Trainer essential functions:

• Train and/or re-train University-owned horses in the equestrian program to ready them for riders and shows

• Train riders to learn how to ride and work with the horses

• Assist in the daily care of the horse herd

• Handle horses for vet and/or farrier appointments

• Administer first aid and medications

• Oversee the University-owned tack and supplies in collaboration with other staff members

• Contribute news and updates about the equestrian program to Athletic Communications and AU equestrian social media platforms

• Assist the Director of Equestrian Program/Head Western Coach with annual budget priorities

• Cultivate regional and national professional contacts to aid in the improvement of the equestrian program and assist with securing horse donations

• In collaboration with the Advancement Office and the Athletic Department, assist with fundraising initiatives

• Assist with re-homing horses as needed

• This position will supervise student workers

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Must be able to:

• carry out supervisory responsibilities within Alfred University policies

• work independently

• maintain regular and prompt attendance

• Must possess basic knowledge of equine health, first aid, and care

• Must be able to groom, tack, turn horses in and out, feed, clean stalls, and overall assist with the management of an equine facility

• Attention to detail is important for the successful execution of responsibilities

• Contribute to a cohesive team environment and promote a welcoming atmosphere

• Comply with policies, rules, and regulations related to IHSA, Alfred University, and other applicable governing bodies

• Support and assist in creating intersections for faculty, staff and students that will assist in transforming people’s lives

• Support and assist in creating an evolving culture of mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students

• Maintain a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff and students and expanding access to the AU experience

• Maintain a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment

• Participate in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The position may require irregular hours (e.g., evenings, weekends).  Sufficient fitness and strength are required to teach in a physically active setting that may be a high dust environment.  Must possess the agility and strength to handle ill, injured, or unruly horses.

Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required.  A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required.  Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available.  The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus.  The Campus is in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals. 

About Alfred University:

Lighting the way for students since 1836.“We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836.”  

Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities. 

Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu. 

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

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