Colonial Williamsburg Foundation JobFounded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse people who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world-class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites, and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on-site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year, over five million people visit Williamsburg, and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
Main Duties: Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist with daily care of all equines, including feeding, watering, stall cleaning, turnout, grooming, and safe handling and movement.
- Support carriage operations by driving carriages and preparing horses for rides, including grooming, tacking, harnessing, and assisting with hitching and unhitching.
- Monitor, record, and report equine health and safety concerns to the Equine Manager by observing horses, equipment, pastures, blankets, and hoof condition.
- Assist in the administration of basic first aid, medications, and bandaging as directed, ensuring proper care and documentation.
- Participate in regular C&L trainings and actively develop skills in carriage driving and operations to support programming needs.
- Assist with equine training activities, veterinary and farrier visits, trailering, and collaboration with internal departments.
- Engage in interpretive programming as needed, including working in historical costume and supporting guest-facing experiences.
- Assist with programming through friendly and knowledgeable interpretation to create a positive guest experience.
- Communicate daily to the Equine Manager any fencing, pasture, and turnout areas that may require maintenance to ensure a safe and secure environment.
- Support carriage operations through driving, footing, horse preparation, and assistance with special events and programming.
- Monitor and help manage inventory of feed, hay, bedding, tack, and supplies to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Follow all established safety protocols related to horse handling, carriage operations, and guest interaction.
- Maintain compliance with organizational policies, animal welfare standards, and operational procedures.
- Identify and report safety hazards, equipment issues, or concerns in a timely manner
- Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience in horse care)
- Experience working with horses with a solid understanding of basic care and handling practices.
- Background in customer service or public-facing roles, with the ability to interact professionally and positively with guests, clients, or program participants.
- Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner while contributing to a welcoming and engaging visitor experience.
- Team-oriented with good communication skills and a positive attitude.
- Previous experience working with horses in a professional or structured setting.
- Strong knowledge of horse care, feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.
Preferred Qualifications:- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, or a related field
- Equine riding and/or training experience, particularly in breaking and groundwork
- Equine First Aid certification or other relevant industry certifications
- Previous experience in carriage driving operations, historic sites, or tourism-focused equine programs
Interest in history and willingness to support interpretive programming is a plus.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's criteria.
Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
Must be at least 21 years of age
May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 monthsMay not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 monthsMay not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Physical Activity - Frequency
Stand - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Walk - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Sit - Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
Use hands/fingers - Constantly (5-8 hrs/shift)
Climb or balance - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Reach with hands/arms - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Talk or hear - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Lifting up to 10 lbs. - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Lifting up to 25 lbs. - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) - Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) - Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
Wet/humid conditions - Constantly (5-8 hrs/shift)
Work near moving mechanical parts - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Fumes/airborne particles - Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)
Extreme cold - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Extreme heat - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Risk of electrical shock - Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job)
Driving requirement - Frequently (2-5 hrs/shift)
Compensation Disclaimer:
The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role. Range: $19.00 - $22.00/hour Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
