Equine Facility Maintenance Engineer

Columbus Hospitality, Llc; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Hospitality, Llc is seeking an Equine Facility Maintenance Engineer in Ocala, FL. The role ensures safety, operational readiness, and upkeep of barns, arenas, pastures, and associated buildings on a horse farm or equestrian center.

It bridges general building engineering with equine infrastructure. The engineer will maintain water systems, fencing, lighting, and climate control, while coordinating with outside contractors for specialized repairs and projects.

Qualifications

• 1–5+ years in general facilities maintenance or multi-trade repair (electrical, plumbing, carpentry).
• Equine facility familiarity and farm safety knowledge preferred.
• Basic-to-intermediate proficiency in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry.

Responsibilities

• Equine & Infrastructure Upkeep: maintain arenas, barns, fencing, drainage, lighting, and ventilation.
• Electrical/Plumbing/HVAC: troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on systems serving offices, barns, and living spaces.
• Equipment & Grounds: operate tractors and other farm machinery; manage road upkeep and weed control.
• Vendor & Project Coordination: solicit bids, schedule contractors, and assist with budgets.

Skills

Facilities maintenance

Multi-trade repair

Electrical

Plumbing

Carpentry

Job description

An Equine Facility Maintenance Engineer is responsible for the physical safety, operational readiness, and upkeep of barns, arenas, pastures, residential/guest buildings, and specialized mechanical or heavy equipment on a horse farm or equestrian center.

Position Summary

The maintenance engineer/technician ensures that all buildings, fencing, water systems, and machinery remain safe, functional, and clean for horses, staff, and visitors. This role bridges general building engineering (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) with agricultural and equine-specific infrastructure (arenas, stalls, paddock fencing).

Key Responsibilities

Equine & Infrastructure Upkeep

• Arenas & Footing: Maintain and groom riding arena footing, drainage systems, kick-walls, and lighting.
• Barns & Stalls: Repair stall doors, latches, automatic waterers, rubber mats, wash racks, and ventilation systems.
• Fencing & Pastures: Inspect, build, and repair perimeter/paddock fencing (wood, pipe, electric, or cable), gates, and run-in sheds.
• Electrical: Troubleshoot and repair lighting, barn power, minor wiring, and outlet issues.
• Plumbing: Fix freeze-proof hydrants, main water lines, sump pumps, irrigation, and barn plumbing.
• HVAC / Climate Control: Monitor and perform routine maintenance on heating, cooling, and ventilation units in offices, residential spaces, or specialized barns.
• Carpentry & Structural: Perform framing, drywall repair, painting, roofing patches, and general finish carpentry.

Equipment & Ground Operations

• Heavy/Farm Machinery: Operate and perform preventative maintenance on tractors, skid steers, mowers, UTVs/ATVs, and trailered equipment.
• Grounds & Roads: Handle road grading, gravel upkeep, snow removal (where applicable), weed control, and pasture mowing.
• Vendor & Project Coordination: Solicit bids, schedule outside contractors for specialized repairs, and manage project budgets.

Typical Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 1 to 5+ years in general facilities maintenance, commercial construction, or multi-trade repair (electrical, plumbing, carpentry). [1]
• Equine / Farm Familiarity: Understanding of horse behavior, farm safety around large animals, and equestrian facility flow is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Basic-to-intermediate proficiency in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry.
• Experience operating heavy farm equipment and power tools safely.
• Physical & Environmental Requirements:
• Ability to lift heavy materials (frequently up to 50 lbs).
• Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Clean driver's license and valid insurability (frequently required for towing trailers or operating farm vehicles).

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.