Equine & Farm Animal Manager

Alaqua Animal Refuge, Inc.; Freeport (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, seeks an Equine & Farm Animal Manager to lead daily care, welfare, training, and placement of the horses and farm animals in our care. This is a highly impactful role for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of rescued animals while helping shape a growing and respected animal welfare organization.

You will work closely with veterinarians, staff, volunteers, adopters, educators, and leadership to ensure each animal receives

Qualifications

• Strong experience with equine care, training, and behavior evaluation.
• Knowledge of farm animal care and welfare standards.
• Experience managing staff, volunteers, and barn operations.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a hands-on environment in all weather conditions.
• Passion for animal rescue and the mission of Alaqua Animal Refuge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily health, nutrition, safety, and wellbeing of all horses and farm animals.
• Develop and maintain feeding protocols, turnout schedules, enrichment plans, and shelter standards.
• Monitor animals for changes in behavior, soundness, or health and respond promptly.
• Coordinate routine and urgent veterinary care, including farrier, dentistry, and bodywork.
• Manage daily staffing and scheduling for equine and farm animal areas.
• Train staff in safe handling, barn protocols, emergency procedures, and individualized care plans.
• Maintain high standards for professionalism, safety, and consistency across all animal areas.
• Supervise and support volunteers working with equine and farm animals.
• Review adoption applications and conduct adopter interviews and facility assessments.
• Educate adopters on animal needs and successful transitions.

Skills

Equine care

Training

Behavior evaluation

Farm animal care

Staff management

Volunteer supervision

Communication

Leadership

Job description

Equine & Farm Animal Manager Full-Time | Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport, Florida

Do you have a passion for horses and farm animals and a deep commitment to animal welfare? Are you a strong leader who thrives in a hands-on environment where compassion, professionalism, and teamwork come together to change lives?

Alaqua Animal Refuge is seeking an experienced and dedicated Equine & Farm Animal Manager to lead the daily care, welfare, training, and placement of the horses and farm animals in our care. This is a highly impactful role for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of rescued animals while helping shape a growing and respected animal welfare organization.

About the Role

The Equine & Farm Animal Manager provides leadership and oversight for all equine and farm animal operations at Alaqua. This position ensures the highest standards of care, safety, and humane handling while managing staff, coordinating veterinary care, guiding training and evaluations, and supporting successful adoptions.

You will work closely with veterinarians, animal care teams, volunteers, adopters, educators, and leadership to ensure each animal receives individualized care and the best possible path forward—whether that is adoption, sanctuary, or participation in educational programming.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Welfare

• Oversee the daily health, nutrition, safety, and wellbeing of all horses and farm animals
• Develop and maintain feeding protocols, turnout schedules, enrichment plans, and shelter standards
• Monitor animals for changes in behavior, soundness, or health and respond promptly
• Ensure humane, low-stress handling practices are consistently followed

Training & Evaluation

• Evaluate horses for temperament, training level, soundness, and placement suitability
• Develop and oversee training plans including groundwork and under-saddle work when appropriate
• Maintain clear written evaluations to guide adoption and programming decisions

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage daily staffing and scheduling for equine and farm animal areas
• Train staff in safe handling, barn protocols, emergency procedures, and individualized care plans
• Maintain high standards for professionalism, safety, and consistency across all animal areas

Volunteer Oversight

• Supervise and support volunteers working with equine and farm animals
• Coordinate assignments with volunteer leadership
• Ensure volunteers are trained, supported, and following safety protocols

Veterinary Coordination

• Coordinate routine and urgent veterinary care, including farrier, dentistry, and bodywork
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate care plans clearly to staff

Adoptions & Placement

• Review adoption applications and conduct adopter interviews and facility assessments
• Educate adopters on animal needs and successful transitions
• Support long-term adoption success through post-placement follow-up

Outreach & Programming

• Oversee promotion of adoptable horses and farm animals with photos, videos, and bios
• Lead equine-related educational programs, workshops, and demonstrations
• Partner with communications and development teams to share success stories and educational content

Community & Professional Training

• Coordinate equine cruelty and neglect training for law enforcement and partner agencies
• Assist with curriculum and hands‑on training when appropriate
• Serve as a resource for equine cruelty cases in the community

Ideal Candidate

• Strong experience with equine care, training, and behavior evaluation
• Knowledge of farm animal care and welfare standards
• Experience managing staff, volunteers, and barn operations
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a hands‑on environment in all weather conditions
• Passion for animal rescue and the mission of Alaqua Animal Refuge

Why Join Alaqua Animal Refuge?

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing a second chance for animals in need. Situated on a beautiful 100-acre refuge in Northwest Florida, our team works every day to rescue, rehabilitate, and place animals while educating the community and advancing animal welfare.

This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse population of animals, collaborate with a passionate team, and play a key role in shaping the future for rescued horses and farm animals.