Head Groom – Competition Program
Queen Margaret’s School – Duncan, BC Full-Time, Permanent | 40 hours per week | $20–$24/hour
Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) is seeking an experienced and dependable Head Groom to support our Competition Program at the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre.
This is a full-time, permanent position working approximately 40 hours per week. The Head Groom plays an important role in the successful day-to-day operation of the Team QMS Competition Program, helping ensure our horses receive exceptional care and are prepared to a high standard for schooling, training, and competition.
Working closely with the QMS Equestrian team, this position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who is highly knowledgeable about horse care, takes pride in maintaining excellent standards, and enjoys supporting young riders in a busy school and competition environment.
Compensation: $20–$24 per hour
This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.
About Queen Margaret’s School
Founded in 1921, Queen Margaret’s School is an independent school located on 30 picturesque acres in Duncan, British Columbia. Our community includes more than 525 students from Preschool to Grade 12, representing approximately 25 countries.
QMS combines strong academics with opportunities for experiential learning, character development, athletics, the arts, outdoor education, and equestrian programming. Our school community is built on meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping students discover their strengths and reach their potential.
Our Equestrian Program and Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre are an important part of school life, providing students with opportunities to develop their riding, horsemanship, confidence, and responsibility in a supportive learning environment.
What You’ll Do
As Head Groom – Competition Program, you will:
- Prepare horses for lessons, schooling, training, and competition, including grooming and tacking
- Ensure Team QMS horses are cared for and maintained to the expected standard and are ready for schooling and competition
- Assist with the preparation and training of Team horses
- Support Team QMS students in preparing and caring for their own horses before and after lessons and rides
- Monitor horse health, soundness, behaviour, and overall well-being
- Administer treatments and medications for sick, injured, or unsound horses as required, in collaboration with the appropriate Equestrian team members
- Assist with the treatment and rehabilitation of equine injuries and ailments
- Assist Equestrian Operations staff with routine horse care, including veterinarian and farrier appointments as required
- Clean and maintain tack and equestrian equipment
- Assist and advise students with stable-management responsibilities and safe horse-care practices
- Help maintain the Equestrian Centre, including basic maintenance tasks and harrowing arenas and riding rings
- Support horse shows, competitions, special events, and other Equestrian Program activities
- Model safe, respectful, and professional behaviour for students at all times
- Perform other related duties as required
What You Bring
The successful candidate will have:
- A minimum of two years of experience in an equine profession
- A minimum of two years of experience as a groom and/or training rider
- Experience working in a busy equestrian facility; experience in a stable with 30 or more horses is preferred
- A high level of knowledge of equine behaviour, anatomy, and physiology
- Strong knowledge of horse-care practices and equestrian industry safety standards
- Practical knowledge of basic equine medical treatments, nutritional needs, and behavioural management
- The ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in a horse’s health, behaviour, or soundness
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
- A valid BC Driver’s Licence
Additional Assets
The following would be considered assets:
- Horse Council BC or Equestrian Canada coaching qualifications
- Level 1 First Aid certification
- Class 4 Driver’s Licence
- Heavy Trailer Endorsement (Code 20)
Who You Are
You are an experienced horse person who takes pride in providing consistent, thoughtful, and high-quality care. You are observant, dependable, organized, and able to respond calmly when circumstances change.
You also understand that this role takes place within a school community. You are approachable and patient with young people and enjoy sharing your knowledge while helping students develop confidence, responsibility, and strong horsemanship.
You value teamwork and positive relationships and are willing to contribute wherever needed to help the Competition Program and wider QMS Equestrian team succeed.
Working Conditions
This is a physically active position within a working equestrian environment. The successful candidate must be able and willing to:
- Work approximately 40 hours per week
- Work scheduled days, evenings, and weekends based on lessons, competitions, horse shows, and special events
- Work occasional overnight hours or travel for competitions and events as required
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Perform physically demanding horse-care and stable duties
- Lift and carry items weighing up to approximately 40 lbs, including saddles and hay
- Attend school and Equestrian Program events as required
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated wage for this position is $20–$24 per hour.
As a full-time employee, the successful candidate may also be eligible for QMS's employee benefits and perks, including:
- Enhanced holiday entitlements
- RRSP Matching Plan
- Group Benefits Program
- Medical and dental insurance
- Life and travel insurance
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Tuition discount
- Free parking
- Professional development opportunities
- Fitness Centre access
- Subsidized lunches
Joining the QMS Community
The character, tone, and spirit of Queen Margaret’s School depend on the people within it. We are looking for someone who builds positive relationships, values collaboration, and wants to contribute to a supportive school community.
The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check initiated by Queen Margaret’s School.
We welcome applications from qualified candidates who are excited to bring their equestrian experience, strong horse-care skills, and commitment to young people to the Team QMS Competition Program.
