Equine Lecturer or Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

Utah State University; Illinois; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking university as a key educator in Equine Science! This role emphasizes teaching and mentorship, preparing students for impactful careers in the equine industry. With a strong focus on western horsemanship, you'll lead courses that shape future equine professionals. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance the curriculum, embrace innovative teaching methods, and engage in meaningful service activities. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students' lives while contributing to a vibrant academic community. If you're passionate about equine education and eager to inspire the next generation, this position is for you!

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Professional development opportunities

Dual Career Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Equine Science or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years in western performance horse disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Equine Science with a focus on western horsemanship.
• Engage in curriculum development and mentorship for students.

Skills

Western horsemanship

Teaching skills

Mentorship

Interpersonal skills

Curriculum development

Team collaboration

Physical ability to handle horses

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science

Professional experience in equine disciplines

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University invites applications for a 9-month academic year appointment with a major role in teaching (95%) and a minor role in service (5%). The successful candidate will be expected to perform with excellence in teaching their elements of the Equine Science and Management degree program which is designed to prepare students to be educated, skilled and contributing members of the equine industry. As such, considerable expertise in western horsemanship disciplines, including documented successful mentorship, is a requirement. The expertise of the successful candidate will complement the existing faculty within the Equine Science and Management degree program such that refinement and continuous improvement of the curriculum can be achieved. This position may be filled as a Lecturer or Assistant Professor of Professional Practice depending on qualifications and is not eligible for tenure.

The USU equine program maintains ~100 horses for teaching, research and extension purposes. The Equine Science and Management degree program serves ~240 students across all years of the curriculum. The Sam Skaggs Family Equine Education Center includes a classroom building, two indoor arenas (150’ x 300’), an outdoor riding arena (150’ x 300’), two breeding/foaling barns, one basic stall barn and another that is temperature controlled including two wash bays, three tack rooms and multiple tie areas. Utah State University strives to provide its graduates with the knowledge and skills to become contributing members of the equine industry in their future endeavors.

Responsibilities

Teaching:

Excellence in teaching and mentorship is highly valued at USU and is a key requirement for retention and promotion in this position. Teaching assignments will be determined based on departmental needs and the successful candidate's area of expertise. The current courses the successful candidate will instruct include, but are not limited to:

• • ADVS 3100 Equine Evaluation and Judging
  • ADVS 2100 Weanling Behavior and Handling
  • ADVS 2150 Yearling Fitting and Sales Preparation
  • ADVS 2400 Riding Fundamentals II - Intermediate
  • ADVS 2600 Riding Fundamentals II – Western
  • ADVS 3600 Equine Behavior and Training I
  • ADVS 3750 Equine Behavior and Training II

The delivery method for these courses includes both lecture-based and hands-on instruction. As we continue to enhance the curriculum, we will strategically align our resources, faculty expertise, and industry needs. This alignment may result in changes to the courses mentioned above as we incorporate additional, relevant content to strengthen our academic offerings.

The delivery method for these courses includes both lecture-based and hands-on instruction. As we continue to enhance the curriculum, we will strategically align our resources, faculty expertise, and industry needs. This alignment may result in changes to the courses mentioned above as we incorporate additional, relevant content to strengthen our academic offerings.

The successful candidate is expected to embrace curriculum development and its delivery with enthusiasm, working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve this goal. This includes introducing innovation into our curriculum through high-quality online course content that complements the in-person, hands-on instruction available onsite.

Opportunities to develop and improve teaching skills are readily available at USU and through other professional organizations. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in these opportunities to meet the objectives of this position.

Service:

The successful candidate will also be expected to be involved in service activities for the department, college, and university, as well as external opportunities at the national and international level within their field. Depending on qualifications, interest and departmental needs this position will include serving as the Coach for the Western Equestrian Team other service opportunities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science or significant professional experience that demonstrates an equivalent level of expertise.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in western performance horse disciplines.
• Competence in Western performance horse judging principles and techniques.
• Experience teaching beginning through advanced western horsemanship skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and halter-break weanlings and yearlings.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a team to develop and prepare sales colts.
• Proficient in starting colts under saddle.
• Record of success as a competitor in western performance horse disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to work on holidays, weekends, and travel as needed.
• Valid Utah Driver's License with the ability to maintain it.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar programs.
• Physical ability to lift up to 75 lbs. and stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years professional experience in western performance horse disciplines.
• Experience in instruction and curriculum development at institutions of higher education, including community/technical colleges, two-year, or four-year institutions.
• Demonstrated teaching experience, including the delivery of online instruction.
• Current judges’ card in one or more of the following organizations: AQHA, APHA, NRCHA, NCHA, NRHA, or NSBA.
• Competitive experience in National Western Performance Horse Associations.
• Proven success coaching youth, amateur, and non-pro competitors to regional and national recognition.
• Demonstrated ability to start, manage, and sustain a successful western performance horse training business.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10" This should be a statement of interest, which should include statements addressing:

• Experience relevant to this position
• Experience in teaching and articulation of the candidate’s teaching philosophy.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 01/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of EquityMatthew Pinner,[e-mail],Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX CoordinatorCody Carmichael,[e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visithttps://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education,Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,800-421-3481,[e-mail]

*updated 09/2023