Assistant Equestrian Coach (Western)

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Assistant Equestrian Coach (Western)

Posting Number

NFE03011P

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Assistant Equestrian Coach (Western)

Posting Number

NFE03011P

Department

SDSU-Intercollegiate Athletics

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDState) is hiring an Assistant Equestrian Coach to lead the Western program through competitive coaching, recruiting of prospective student-athletes, and providing strong program leadership. This position will work directly with the Head Coach to maintain a positive and successful equestrian program.

This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Brookings, South Dakota.

SDState is an NCAA Division I institution and competes in the Summit League for all sports except football (Missouri Valley Football Conference), wrestling (Big XII Conference), and women’s equestrian (National Collegiate Equestrian Association).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop student-athletes through coaching and instruction.
• Recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
• Perform administrative duties related to Equestrian and Public Relations.
• Assist with barn duties to keep the facility in good condition and the student-athletes and horses safe.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Equine Studies or a related field by date of appointment;
• Coaching or riding instructor experience OR competitive riding and/or collegiate riding experience within the Western discipline – any combination to make 1 year;
• Effective communication skills (oral, written and interpersonal);
• Commitment to promote an atmosphere of compliance and adherence to institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated collegiate coaching and knowledge of Western coaching or riding instructor experience (Western horsemanship and reigning) at a collegiate level;
• Knowledge and commitment to NCAA rules and APR requirements;
• Ability to recruit student-athletes;
• Assist with daily barn and horse care responsibilities;
• Administrative duties assigned (i.e. travel, vendors).

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu<..., search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date

03/25/2026

Closing Date

04/10/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

The starting salary for the Assistant Equestrian Coach (Western) will be $44,000 annually and will be commensurate upon education and experience.

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

M-F, 8am-5pm with nights, weekends and holidays as necessary.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Julia Werkhoven by emailing Julia.Werkhoven@sdstate.edu

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

| Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. | Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-fast, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication |

Protective Clothing/Equipment

| Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. | | | If other protection is used please identify | |

Physical Requirements

| Please designate the physical requirements of this position | Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Lifting heavy, Reaching, Squatting, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) | | Describe any of the conditions selected | |

Sensory Requirements

| Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. | Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) |

Working Conditions & Exposures

| Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. | Animal Handling, Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Working Around Machinery | | Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above | |

Working Environment

| Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. | Animal Facility, Athletic/Wellness Facilities | | If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. | |

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • LinkedIn
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter 3. Reference List

Optional Documents

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