Equine Health Manager

Equine Health Manager Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) - Woodbine, MD Full-Time | $50,000 + Benefits About DEFHR Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) is a nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and education of horses. For more than 35 years, DEFHR has partnered with law enforcement and animal welfare agencies to provide expert care for horses in need while advancing responsible horse ownership through education and community engagement. Position Overview The Equine Health Manager is responsible for ensuring consistent, high-quality equine care across all horses and team members at DEFHR. This is a working leadership role—combining hands-on care with responsibility for team execution. This individual serves as a primary point of technical leadership in the barn, ensuring that care is performed correctly and that staff, volunteers, and interns are trained to carry out that care consistently and confidently. Key Responsibilities Equine Health & Daily Care Oversee and participate in all aspects of daily horse care, including feeding, treatments, and rehabilitation plans Independently administer medical care including wound treatment, bandaging, and medications Implement and monitor veterinary care plans, ensuring accuracy and follow-through Observe horses daily and proactively identify changes in condition, soundness, or behavior Support and manage feed programs across a variety of equine populations, adjusting for medical, metabolic, and rehabilitation needs Coordinate veterinary, farrier, and dental services Leadership & Team Development Lead daily barn operations by working alongside staff, volunteers, and interns Ensure consistency in care across all horses and team members, regardless of shift or staffing Provide clear direction, reinforce expectations, and address performance in real time Hold team members accountable to established standards of care and barn operations Train staff and volunteers in proper handling, observation, and treatment practices Translate daily work into teachable moments, building skill and confidence across the team Operations, Resources & Communication Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely health records, treatment logs, and care documentation that meet organizational and, when applicable, legal standards Ensure barns, paddocks, and workspaces are clean, organized, and safe Monitor and manage use of feed, supplements, and medical supplies to ensure consistency and minimize waste Make day-to-day decisions within established guidelines to support both high-quality care and responsible resource use Communicate supply needs, usage patterns, and potential cost concerns to leadership Ensure proper use, care, and upkeep of barns, equipment, and supplies used in daily operations Identify and communicate maintenance, repair, or replacement needs to protect the safety, functionality, and longevity of DEFHR's facilities and resources Communicate effectively with leadership, veterinary partners, and internal teams Support emergency response and critical care situations with professionalism and sound judgment Required Experience Minimum 5 years of hands-on responsibility in equine care, rehabilitation, or welfare settings Demonstrated ability to independently administer equine medical treatments (bandaging, medications, injections, etc.) Experience applying veterinary instructions and adjusting care based on horse response Experience managing or supporting care for horses requiring ongoing or complex medical attention Experience supporting feed programs across varied equine populations Proven ability to proactively recognize lameness, illness, and changes in condition Experience directing or guiding staff and/or volunteers in a barn or animal care setting Ability to train others and ensure consistency in care practices across a team Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills, including experience maintaining detailed care logs and using spreadsheets or digital systems to track equine care Preferred Qualifications Experience in rehabilitation and high-volume care environments Previous experience training or mentoring staff, volunteers, or students Experience in veterinary support, equine medical care, or similar hands-on environments Work Environment This is a physically active, barn-based role requiring daily hands-on work in all weather conditions. The schedule includes weekday hours and one weekend day, with occasional evenings or extended hours for emergencies or critical care situations.

Compensation & Benefits Salary:

$50,000 Health and dental insurance after 90 days 401(k) with employer match Paid time off On-site housing may be available for the right candidate, based on role needs and availability How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to programs@defhr.org. Please include a short description of your direct experience administering equine medical treatments and managing people. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Pay:

$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

hands-on equine husbandry: 5 years (Required) managing staff or working students/volunteers : 2 years (Required) organizational and record keeping: 2 years (Required) hands on equine medical care and veterinary support: 3 years (Preferred) technical proficiency in equine medical care: 3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person