Program Lead

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:  

Rare Breeds Program:

• Lead and coordinate the Rare Breeds equine program and expand outreach, education, and partnerships internally and externally in collaboration with the Equine Manager.
• Lead the equine breeding program to promote healthy, manageable, and sustainable breed standards that support conservation.
• Monitor breeding stock health daily; schedule and oversee veterinary visits, maintain accurate records, and report concerns to the Equine Manager.
• Administer basic first aid, medications, bandaging, and other treatments as directed.

Engagement and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain community, local, national, and international partnerships.
• Grow and lead equine programming and community engagement initiatives.
• Strengthen and expand educational resources and materials to support general knowledge and conservation efforts.
• Coordinate volunteer & internship programs, including coaching, training, resources, and growth.

Operational Support:

• Transport mares on- and off-site via trailer, including after-hours support during breeding season.
• Provide quality training and cross-train staff; collaborate with internal departments to expand staff skills and knowledge.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and transparent records for training, medical care, and programming.

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all safety protocols related to horse handling, carriage operations, and guest interactions.
• Ensure compliance with museum policies and equine welfare standards.
• Report safety hazards or equipment concerns promptly to leadership.

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 high 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 (or equivalent experience in horse care)
• Good driving record and experience driving horses
• Interest in history and experience in public programming and engagement
• Strong knowledge and professional working experience in equine breeding with a focus on AI use
• Previous experience working with horses in a professional or structured setting.
• Strong knowledge of horse care, feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.
• Ability to handle and work around large horses confidently and safely.
• Willingness to perform physical labor in various weather conditions.
• Team-oriented with good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• A valid Virginia Driver's License.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, or equivalent experience
• Strong background in equine emergency care and procedures
• Previous experience in carriage driving operations, historic sites, or tourism-focused equine programs

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: $26.00 - $34.50/hour