Spring Valley Farm Equestrian Training Center is located west of Richmond, VA in Goochland County at 1445 Amber Lake Road, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103.

Operations Manager will develop and plan work operations for the horse complex, promote and expand use of the facilities, develop and maintain the budget and fee rates, and supervise staff. Work requires considerable public contact in promoting the use of the facility and maintaining contact with horse organizations. In addition, Operations Manager will teach riding lessons to beginner through advanced riders and ride boarder/sales/school horses as needed. The Operations Manager will report directly to Ann Samford, Owner. Work is performed with considerable independence and is evaluated through observation, written and oral reports, and feedback from the staff and clients regarding the quality and effectiveness of operations.

• Planning - Will determine operational needs and plan short and long range goals to meet these needs which include: promoting the use of the facility; planning for expanding or improvements to the physical structure; developing means for increasing revenue generated by the facility; and determining how to meet the needs of the clients and horses.
• Organizing and Directing - Will assign and supervise work assignments, work schedules, schedules of events, and work flow to respond to changing work situations and other functions.
• Budgeting - Will develop and monitor a budget for the operation of the facility, including annual operations, expansion and capital improvements. Will evaluate and adjust fees to be charged to the users of the facility and recommend these to Ann Samford for approval. Will implement plan to increase income and reduce operation’s expenses so that the facility is financially self-sufficient.
• Training - Is expected to orient new personnel, to determine staff needs, to provide on-the-job training as required, and/or initiate additional skills training.
• Setting Work Standards - Will develop, implement, and manage all policies and procedures required for operating the facility. This includes the development, interpretation, and application of guidelines for staff and for the riding school, boarding barns, grounds and maintenance and any other operations begun by Spring Valley Farm. Will develop work assignments, work plans, and reassignment of duties.
• Reviewing Work - To review daily work operations and individual staff assignments on an on going basis and make adjustments as needed. Will find temporary employees used for horse shows or events. Will provide technical and administrative supervision to all staff, and review short and long-range goals and daily work plans on a regular basis.
• Counseling and Disciplining - Will discuss and resolve any problems with staff and initiate appropriate action with the exception of termination. More serious problems and grievances are to be discussed with Ann Samford.
• Performing Other Personnel Functions - Will interview applicants and recommend employment when a vacancy occurs, initiate salary increases, and conduct performance evaluations.

• Dynamics of Work Supervised - Work is characterized by periodic adjustments in daily operations due to the number of horses and lessons at any given time. Consideration to peak and off peak times is needed to plan projects to keep staff engaged at all times.
• Number of Employees Responsible For - Currently will supervise five full-time grooms, one full time and two part-time riding school trainers and one administrative manager.
• Extent of Supervision Received: Is accountable for the management of all aspects of Spring Valley Farm including development and implementation of short and long-range plans, and promotion of the facilities. Significant changes in operations, promotions, or events are to be discussed with Ann Samford.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Considerable knowledge of horse management; considerable riding and training skills; general knowledge of different breeds of horses; general knowledge of horse organizations or associations in the area served by the facility; general knowledge of business management procedures; ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of staff; ability to plan and manage the functions of horse showing, horse sales and marketing the facility; ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff and users of the horse facility; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Professional Expertise – Must be recognized expert in Hunter/Jumper/Equitation profession as demonstrated in a career as trainer, rider and in showing horses. All references will be extensively checked.
• Training and Experience Requirements - Graduation from a four-year college or university preferably with a major in an agricultural curriculum such as animal science, and ten years of experience in the management of large equestrian facilities or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A clean driving record is required. Must be able to pass a background check. Ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

If you feel that you are the best candidate for this position, please email your resume to:

info@springvalleyfarm.net. You will receive a call for a preliminary phone interview if your qualifications match the position requirements.