Stable Assistant

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 29,535 - 32,483; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Plan

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Disability and Leave Benefits

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Stable Assistant for part-time employment at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The role involves ensuring the daily care and cleanliness of the stables, supporting equine health, and fostering a welcoming environment for visitors.

Qualified candidates should possess horse handling experience, work both independently and as part of a team, and be comfortable using tools like tractors. The position offers a starting pay rate of $21.44 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must have previous horse handling and farm experience.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for horses, including feeding and cleaning stalls.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the stables.
• Communicate daily with staff regarding horse care.

Skills

Horse handling experience

Teamwork

Google Sheets proficiency

Tools

Tractor

Farm equipment

Job description

Overview

Job no: R-0000003243

Position Title: Stable Assistant

Faculty or Staff: Staff

Full Time or Part Time: Part time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote: In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay: $21.44

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date: 04/27/2026

Job Description: The Stable Assistant supports the daily operations of the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center by providing high-quality care for horses and maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the stables. This role is essential in fostering a welcoming and professional environment for students, boarders, and visitors, while ensuring the health and well-being of the college’s equine partners.

Schedule: Wednesday: 10AM-6PM; Saturday: 10AM-6PM; Sunday: 10AM-6PM

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Essential Worker (all weather and holidays)
• Provide hay and fresh water to horses
• Feed horses according to individualized grain cards and administer supplements
• Track supplement inventory and notify boarders or stable manager when supplies are low
• Turn out and bring in horses on a rotational schedule
• Clean and maintain horse stalls (10–13 daily, with occasional additional needs)
• Sweep aisles, remove debris, and maintain a tidy appearance throughout the barn
• Clean and maintain wash stalls, drains, and water tubs
• Remove trash and replace bags
• Conduct regular cobwebbing and dusting
• Move and organize feed, hay, and bedding as needed
• Muck paddocks and rake hay or leaves from surrounding areas
• Operate barn equipment such as tractors and manure wagons
• Assist with regular maintenance projects and seasonal preparations
• Examples: dragging arenas, raking walkways, dusting knee-walls, and prepping for returning boarders
• Work collaboratively with other barn staff to ensure smooth daily operations
• Read the Stable log and check the Daily staff schedule before every shift
• Communicate regularly with the associate director regarding horse care and facility needs

Required Qualifications

• Previous horse handling, husbandry, and general farm experience. Must be able to work both independently as well as on a team.
• Ability to operate and learn Google Sheets and forms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating a tractor and farm equipment.
• Experience with dragging an arena and general arena maintenance.
• Equine first aid and emergency knowledge.
• Experience working at an equine boarding facility
• Experience working in a lesson barn.

Hiring Range: $21.44 - $23.58

What We Offer

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.