Farrier Technician, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Farrier Technician. The primary purpose of this position is to provide professional farrier support to the Farrier in Residence in delivering horseshoeing services for clients, faculty, students, and departmental herds. This role supports both clinical service delivery and instructional activities within an academic veterinary environment and operates in the clinic and on farms.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.

Farrier Services:

• Provide farrier (horseshoeing) services in the clinic and on farms for clients and departmental herds under the direction of the Farrier in Residence.
• Perform some or all of the following farrier functions:
  • Trim horse hooves
  • Shape, weld, build, grind, and apply horseshoes
  • Nail and glue shoes to horses’ feet
  • Use a gas forge in the fabrication and modification of horseshoes
  • Rebuild hooves using acrylic and urethane materials as indicated
• Educate clients on basic horse hoof care and maintenance needs as appropriate.

Instructional Support:

• Provide hands-on instruction and assistance to veterinary students in basic farrier techniques, including trimming, pulling shoes, and nailing shoes under supervision.
• Support teaching activities within the Farrier Service and model professional conduct for students.

Animal Handling and Safety:

• Demonstrate knowledge of equine behavior, care, and appropriate restraint techniques.
• Assist the Farrier in Residence with safely restraining horses during farrier procedures in the clinic and on farms.
• Follow safe work practices and comply with facility standards and regulatory requirements, including USDA, IACUC, and AAALAC guidelines.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance:

• Maintain farrier tools, shop equipment, and workspaces in safe, functional condition.
• Perform routine maintenance of the farrier shop and gas forge.
• Use hand tools and farrier equipment safely and appropriately.

Professional and Operational Responsibilities:

• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and effective communication with faculty, students, clients, and staff.
• Demonstrate effective time management and the ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities.
• Assist the Farrier in Residence with additional duties as assigned in support of clinical and instructional operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience:
  • Demonstrated practical experience in farrier work, including trimming, shoeing, and use of farrier tools and equipment.
  • Knowledge of equine behavior and care.
  • Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and working directly with horses.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of farrier practices, equine hoof care, and horseshoeing techniques.
  • Ability to safely handle horses and operate farrier tools and equipment, including a gas forge.
  • Working knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements in an academic veterinary setting.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a teaching environment.
  • Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and working with animals.
  • Ability to follow established safety protocols and comply with applicable regulatory and facility standards (e.g., USDA, IACUC, AAALAC).
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work professionally with faculty, students, clients, and staff.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Completion of 24 weeks of a recognized farrier training program or 1 year apprenticeship.
  • Certification through a professional farrier organization (e.g., AFA or equivalent).
• Experience:
  • Experience providing farrier services.
  • Experience assisting with instruction or training of students or trainees.

Work Location:

• Knoxville, Tennessee
• On-Site

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR06
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter (please mention any non-professional experience working with horses here)

About The College:

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.