What are the responsibilities and job description for the Apprentice Stable Groom position at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation?
Provides care and maintenance of the horses, the stables, carriages, equipment, and pastures used by the Coach & Livestock Department. Provides support for the carriage ride operation and the horses used for the Revolutionary City programs. Assists Livestock Husbanders in care and movement of sheep, cattle, poultry as assigned; other duties as assigned.
WORK TO BE PERFORMED:
- Care and Feeding of the Horses, to standards and quantities set by the Stud Groom or Director. Work independently with minimal supervision. This to include working with the Veterinarian and Farrier and carrying out necessary care and treatment of the horses as needed.
- Keep the stables and other related buildings and areas clean and orderly. Keep supervisor informed, when necessary, supplies such as hay, bedding and horse care supplies are low. Also move hay and bedding around as needed.
- Help the coach drivers to hitch and unhitch horses to the carriages in a safe and efficient manner.
- Assist the Actor Interpreters with their riding and driving horses as needed.
- Make sure horses are brought from the pastures for the programs scheduled in a timely manner. Also, employee must be flexible to any last-minute changes.
- Clean the carriages for daily use, while notifying supervisor of any repairs needed. Carry out minor repairs as needed. Also carry out any maintenance on them as required by the supervisor, such as replacing broken steps, greasing wheels etc.
- Help maintain pastures, fencing and watering devices. Carrying out mowing and repairs as needed. Ability to carry out basic repairs to automatic waterers and fences.
- Drive trucks and trailers to both feed and move livestock. Also, must have the ability to drive golf carts, mowers and tractors as needed. Must carry out basic maintenance on all these vehicles as needed including taking vehicles to auto shop for needed refueling, maintenance and repair.
- Answers phone and take messages.
- Assist with special programs as necessary. To include wearing costume to act as Footmen when needed.
- Participates as an active member of a team and model the organization’s personal/professional expectations. This to include giving occasional tours of the stables to visiting guests.
- Assist Livestock Husbanders in care and moving of sheep, cattle, and poultry as assigned. Occasional supervised work with ox-driving, sheep, cattle, or poultry as assigned.
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Be available for work on an emergency basis, seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
- Perform other related duties as required.
DIRECTION RECEIVED: (Use paragraph format)
Direct: Supervisory Barn Manger
Indirectly: Head Coachman; Director, Coach & Livestock
QUALIFICATIONS:
General Knowledge and practical skills in working with horses and carriages. Usually gained by working full time with the Coach & Livestock department or similar operation for at least two years. Full knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg’s pastures and livestock waterers and how to access them, gained by working with the Coach & Livestock Department at least for 9 months.
Must be able to administer medical aid to livestock as assigned by the veterinarian. Apprentice Level 3 and higher must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on Colonial Williamsburg’s criteria.
Must have a proven ability to handle machinery, such as mowers, trucks and trailers. Generally gained through at least 4 years of working with this type of machinery. Proven ability to work alone with livestock both safely and having initiative to handle unforeseen circumstances in dealing with Livestock.
Must possess good communication skills, and ability to work in a team.
Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and possess good communication skills.
Must display a willingness and ability to lift 50 lbs., to bend, stoop and kneel to perform work, to work occasionally in costume, and work in all weather conditions; also, to participate in special events as needed.
Salary : $26,800 - $33,900