Equine Caretaker

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA, seeks a full-time Equine Caretaker to join the patient care team. You will support hospitalized horses and research animals, assist with handling and grooming, and help maintain clean, safe barn facilities.

Work alongside veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students to deliver high standards of care and practical, hands-on equine husbandry that supports recovery and welfare.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of equine husbandry and safe handling.
• Ability to restrain and handle horses safely and effectively.
• Grooming techniques for equine patients.
• Must be able to move and handle up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry and patient care support for hospitalized horses.
• Assist with patient handling and grooming.
• Maintain clean and safe barn facilities.
• Support veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students.

Skills

Equine husbandry

Horse handling

Equine grooming

Safety protocols

Physical stamina

Education

Education/training in animal care or related area

Job description

Job Description

The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, a nationally recognized equine specialty hospital and part of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, seeks a full-time Equine Caretaker to join our patient care team in Leesburg, Virginia. This position plays a critical role in supporting the health, comfort, and recovery of equine patients while working alongside veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students in a dynamic clinical environment. The successful candidate will provide daily husbandry and patient care support for hospitalized horses and research animals, assist with patient handling and grooming, maintain clean and safe barn facilities, and contribute to the exceptional standard of care for which the Equine Medical Center is known. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a world-class equine medical facility while making a direct impact on patient outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of equine husbandry; previous experience in restraining and handling horses safely and effectively; demonstrated experience in equine grooming techniques; ability to follow directions and established protocol and procedures. Must be able to safely move and handle up to 50 lbs. Must be 18 years old.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/training in animal care, animal science, or related area.

Pay Band

3 Salary

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

38,000 - 42,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

9/10/2026: posting will remain open until filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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