Equine Lecturer or Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

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.
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