Equestrian Operations Support Staff
Queen Margaret’s School – Duncan, BC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) is seeking a reliable, hands-on, and experienced horse person to join our Equestrian team as Equestrian Operations Support Staff.
Horses have been part of life at QMS for more than 100 years. For over 60 of those years, our Equestrian Program has helped riders develop confidence, skill, responsibility, and character—both in and beyond the arena. Today, the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre continues to be an important part of our campus and the learning experiences we provide students.
About the Role
This is a practical, active role at the heart of our equestrian operations. Equestrian Operations Support Staff help ensure our horses receive excellent daily care, our facilities remain safe and well maintained, and our Rider Development and Equine-Facilitated Wellness programs run smoothly.
No two days are exactly the same. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently and as part of a team, taking initiative when something needs to be done, and contributing wherever needed to support the horses, students, coaches, and wider Equestrian Program.
Specific responsibilities will be assigned based on experience, skills, and program needs.
What You’ll Do
- Provide daily horse care, including feeding, watering, stall cleaning, and paddock maintenance
- Handle horses safely between stalls, paddocks, turnouts, and program areas
- Groom, blanket, un-blanket, tack, and otherwise prepare horses for rides and activities
- Monitor horses for signs of injury, illness, or changes in behaviour and assist with basic care and medications as required
- Support coaches and facilitators with the preparation, delivery, and clean-up of Rider Development and Equine-Facilitated Wellness programming
- Harrow arenas using a tractor and rake harrow
- Assist with fence, board, and other basic facility repairs and maintenance
- Help maintain safe, organized, functional barn and equestrian spaces
- Pitch in with other equine and operational duties as needs arise
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with horses and understands what it takes to keep a busy equestrian facility running well.
Ideally, you will have:
- Experience working in a busy equine environment; experience with a facility of 30+ horses is an asset
- Strong horse-handling skills and knowledge of equine safety practices
- A practical understanding of basic equine health, nutrition, behaviour, and care
- A positive, dependable, and solutions-focused approach
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a professional equestrian team
- Good judgment and the ability to notice and respond when something isn’t quite right
- The physical ability to perform manual work throughout the day, including lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and twisting
- A valid BC Driver’s Licence
- Legal entitlement to work in Canada
- Access to a reliable personal mobile phone and the ability to be reached during scheduled working hours for operational and safety communication
Most importantly, you bring care, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute to a team that takes pride in the wellbeing of its horses and the experiences it provides students.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive wage based on skills and experience
- Eligible full-time employees have access to the School’s benefits program, which may include extended health and dental coverage, paid sick time, RRSP matching, life and travel insurance, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Meals provided as a taxable benefit
- Free on-site parking
- Access to professional development opportunities and campus amenities, including the Fitness Centre
Working at the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre
This is an active, hands-on position that takes place both indoors and outdoors throughout the year. Team members must be prepared to work in changing Vancouver Island weather, including rain, heat, cold, freezing temperatures, and occasional snow.
Horses require consistent care regardless of the weather, so reliability and a willingness to work outdoors year-round are essential to this role.
About Queen Margaret’s School
Founded in 1921, Queen Margaret’s School is located on 30 picturesque acres in Duncan, British Columbia. QMS serves more than 525 students from Preschool through Grade 12 and welcomes students from around the world.
Our school combines a strong tradition of academic excellence and character education with experiential learning, outdoor education, athletics, the arts, and our distinctive Equestrian Program. We believe the character, tone, and spirit of a school depend on its people, and we look for employees who care deeply about their work, their colleagues, and the students we serve.
Additional Information
Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Check.
This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.
We thank all applicants for their interest in Queen Margaret’s School; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
