Extension Specialist in Equine Management

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Vacation and leave programs

Retirement benefits

Education benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Department of Animal Sciences seeks an Extension Specialist in Equine Management for a 12-month, open-rank faculty position. The role emphasizes equine physiology, welfare, nutrition, and statewide outreach, aligning with the Rutgers Equine Sciences Center and equine research program.

The successful candidate will lead statewide workshops, translate research for horse owners, and develop an externally funded program while contributing to undergraduate/graduate

Qualifications

• PhD in animal or equine science or related biology discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of extension experience with a proven track record.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand statewide outreach initiatives in equine management.
• Develop and deliver science-based educational programs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address equine industry challenges.
• Design workshops on physiology, nutrition, welfare, and pasture systems.
• Create decision-support tools for horse owners.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Doctorate in animal/equine science or related biology

Job description

Extension Specialist in Equine Management

Department Animal Science

Salary Details Assistant rank $108,000; Associate rank $145,000; Extension Specialist (equivalent to Professor I) rank $165,000

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

The Rutgers New Brunswick Department of Animal Sciences invites qualified candidates to apply for a 12-month tenured open-rank faculty position in the Extension Specialist title series within the Department of Animal Sciences. This position builds up the established strengths and traditions of the Rutgers Equine Science Center and the equine research program within Animal Sciences by focusing on equine physiology and possibly using the horse as a model for understanding the human-animal bond. Eligible candidates should have a background in equine science and management, with research areas including but not limited to horse and human interaction, behavior and welfare, nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, pasture and forage management, as well as experience in extension outreach to support equine stakeholders.

The Extension Specialist hired in this area will lead and expand targeted outreach initiatives, develop and deliver science-based educational programs, and collaborate with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in equine management. This includes designing and implementing statewide equine management workshops focused on physiology, nutrition, welfare, and pasture systems; creating decision-support tools and resources for equine farm owners to improve environmental sustainability and economic viability; translating research findings into practical applications for horse owners and industry professionals; and supporting data-driven policy development by engaging with state agencies and industry groups on equine-related issues. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that focuses on the core disciplines of animal science in areas mentioned above. Contributions to the Animal Sciences teaching program will include developing and teaching new undergraduate and graduate courses in equine physiology, health, behavior, and management; supervising student-led research projects and internships; and integrating experiential learning opportunities such as field visits, hands‑on labs, and community-based projects into the curriculum.

In general, the successful candidate should complement existing faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences, SEBS, NJAES, and RCE, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university’s mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenured position. The position requires someone who builds connections and collaborations with industry and also with other faculty across disciplines and departments within NJAES/SEBS, as well as across Rutgers, including the Department of Psychology and Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Additional efforts could be realized with applied academic synergies with the Rutgers Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat located adjacent to the Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm at Ryders Lane. In addition, NJ offers connections with the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.

Rutgers is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals covered by Section 503 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Section 402 of the Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 may self‑identify. If you wish to self‑identify, please do so in the cover letter transmitting your CV.

Proposed Start Date: September 1, 2026

Position Status: Full Time

Posting Number: 25FA0917

Qualifications – Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in animal or equine science, or a related biological discipline. A minimum of 6 years of extension experience and a record of accomplishment (publications, grants, extension programming, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Knowledge and understanding of cooperative extension principles, mission, and roles are desirable. The candidate must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, behavior and welfare, horse and human interaction, nutrition, pasture and forage management, or other area of equine physiology.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Ability to function effectively in classroom, field, and laboratory environments.

Overview

The New Jersey horse industry represents the largest sector of livestock production in the Garden State; it is valued at $4 billion and has an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion. The Rutgers Equine Sciences Center (Rutgers‑ESC) has provided a decades-long commitment to the equine industry through research, teaching, and outreach/extension. The Rutgers‑ESC has been a leading example of how Rutgers tenured research faculty, extension specialists, and non‑tenure track faculty can work cohesively to support stakeholders and execute a mission of “better horse care through research and education.” The Rutgers‑ESC mission aligns with the teaching mission of the Animal Sciences undergraduate program, and the Rutgers‑ESC /Equine program has been a critical component and outward face of the experiential learning of the School of Environmental & Biological Sciences (SEBS) undergraduate and graduate students. The Department is committed to Rutgers’ land grant mission and the pursuit of excellence through its on‑the‑ground commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal of the Department of Animal Sciences and Rutgers University is that our faculty composition reflects the diversity of the people in New Jersey. We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in the animal sciences including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, military service or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location: Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick)

City: New Brunswick, State: NJ