Equine Research Manager

Equine Research Manager

The Equine Research Manager, based at 4-Square Ranch in River Falls, Wisconsin, oversees all aspects of equine research operations, including staff management, horse care, biosecurity, research protocol execution, and facility compliance.

This role bridges hands-on equine management with scientific collaboration, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, data integrity, and operational efficiency.

This position also includes active engagement as a Brand Advocate with customers and industry partners, ensuring research excellence, scientific credibility, and alignment with enterprise priorities.

You must live in the River Falls, WI area or be willing to relocate.

Equine Care & Barn Management


* Along with herd health manager, oversee the daily care and well-being of 40-50 horses, including grooming, turnout, and health monitoring.


* Ensure best practices in barn management, husbandry, and facility maintenance.


* Collaborate with operations team on the maintenance of facilities including barns, arenas, pastures, and related equipment.


* Monitor and manage feeding programs in alignment with research protocols.


* Oversee and lead high standards of cleanliness, safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare.

Research Operations


* Collaborate directly with scientists to execute equine nutrition and research protocols encompassing palatability, digestive physiology, exercise physiology, breeding, and growth development trials.


* Coordinates animal usage for research projects.


* Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality data collection and entry.


* Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for IACUC maintenance and approval.


* Lead study setup, execution, and reporting.

Breeding & Reproductive Management


* Oversee and execute world-class breeding program- including mare reproductive health and foaling.


* Perform ultrasounds and artificial insemination procedures.


* Monitor pregnancies and neonatal care.


* Assist with selection of stallions, collect samples for genetic testing and ensure long-term success of the breeding herd.

Budgeting & Inventory


* Develop and manage departmental budgets.


* Oversee tracking and maintenance of feed, supply and equipment inventory.

Optimize and utilize resource allocation to support operational efficiency.

Safety & Compliance


* Implement and enforce health and safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards.


* Conduct routine safety training and audits.


* Ensure adherence to animal welfare regulations and research guidelines.

Work Environment


* Combination of barn, laboratory, and office settings.


* Physical requirements: work requires constant physical effort and working outdoors in varying conditions.; lifting 50-75 lbs; shoveling, sweeping, walking, catching and handling horses; operates farm equipment; work requires normal hearing and vision; exposure to rabies and ot...