Job Description

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Groom and Barn role will perform daily barn and stable operations while participating in the Equine Driving Certification as an apprentice carriage driver. Provides engaging interpretation of equine care, facilities, and historical context to guests, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Serves as an ambassador for The Henry Ford brand by delivering exceptional service to guests, staff, and the equine herd, while upholding the highest standards of animal care, safety, and professionalism.

Role Responsibilities:

• Performs general horsemanship duties, including grooming, walking, harnessing, and saddling horses
• Completes basic barn chores such as sweeping and cleaning to maintain the professional and respectful appearance of all equine-related environments
• Cleans, maintains, and properly stores tack and equipment used in equine operations
• Presents accurate and engaging information to the public, including facts about the horses, carriage operations, the William Ford Barn, and the Working Farms District of Greenfield Village
• Upon meeting required qualifications, may be eligible to enter the Equine Driving Certification (EDC) process, which includes equine driving, learning and delivering narrated horse-drawn vehicle tours, and performing vehicle and equine safety procedures
• Works collaboratively as a team player to support and achieve the goals of the Equine Program
• Ensures the safety of visitors, staff, and horses through appropriate knowledge, awareness, and action
• Performs other duties as required to support equine programming and operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Weekday, weekend, evening and holiday availability
• Prior equine handling or horse care experience

Special Skills:

• Reading comprehension and practical application skills implemented by the Equine Program instructional manuals.
• Willingness to learn and retain tour content and present a 40-minute narrated tour to Greenfield Village guests.
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team

Physical Requirement/ Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme and severe weather in all seasons.
• Ability to work in barn environments, including exposure to dust, straw, hay, livestock urine, and fecal matter.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.  

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.  

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