Lead Animal Husbander

Founded 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 peoples 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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Animal Care & Oversight

• Lead and oversee daily care, feeding, health monitoring, and welfare of all livestock.
• Coordinate breeding, birthing, veterinary care, recordkeeping, and herd management programs.
• Lead emergency responses efforts involving livestock health, facility issues, weather-related incidents, and animal containment.

Program & Support

• Support strategic planning for livestock acquisitions, breeding goals, conservation initiatives, and program development.
• Serve as the department lead for livestock interpretation and public programming, ensuring historical accuracy and engaging guest experiences.
• Develop and deliver talks, workshops, tours, and educational programs related to rare breeds and 18^th-century husbandry practices.
• Train and lead apprentices, husbanders, interns, and volunteers in livestock management and safe animal handling practices.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with organizational safety standards, animal welfare requirements, and operational procedures.
• Participate in and lead internal and external training opportunities.
• Model professional behavior, organizational values, and effective team leadership.
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency response situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during peak times, etc., as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

• High school diploma or GED required equivalent and 5+ years experience in livestock care may be
• Experience working with livestock, including a strong understanding of animal care, handling, and safety practices.
• Customer service or public-facing experience, with the ability to interact professionally, positively, and courteously with guests, clients, and program participants.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner while helping create a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for visitors and participants.
• Previous experience in a leadership role and ability to model strong leadership, oversight, and

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, Agriculture Education, or relevant work experience.
• Experience riding, training, or working horses, including groundwork and basic training
• Current Equine First Aid certification or other relevant equine industry certifications
• Experience with carriage driving operations, historic interpretation programs, living history sites, museums, or equine-based tourism attractions.

Experience working in a team-oriented environment with the flexibility to assist in a variety of farm and visitor engagement activities.

• Experience presenting to the public or participating in educational programs, demonstrations, or tours.
• Understanding of agricultural heritage, colonial history, or living history
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Previous experience working with horses in a professional, agricultural, educational, or structured equine environment.
• Strong knowledge of horse care, including feeding, grooming, basic health monitoring, and stable management practices.
• Ability to confidently and safely handle, lead, groom, and work around large
• Willingness and ability to perform physically demanding work in a variety of weather
• Interest in history, agriculture, or educational programming, with a willingness to support interpretive and public engagement activities, is preferred.

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 months
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months

May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

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: $30.00 - $37.00/hour