Description

The WHRC is looking to fill two positions at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA.

The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time, therefore, it will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.

**This posting has been re-opened/extended beyond the original closing date.

Work Shift: This is a part-time, seasonal position based at the Emerald Downs Racetrack in Auburn, Washington. Racing season typically runs from May to late October. Work schedule and hours will vary based on the scheduled times and dates that live racing is conducted. Hours will range from weekday evenings and weekend days plus holidays, usually 15 to 32 hours per week.

As the agency responsible for regulating pari-mutuel horse racing in Washington State, the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC) is committed to maintaining public's confidence in the integrity of the sport. We are seeking individuals interested in working as a veterinarian's assistant during live racing at Emerald Downs.

About the Commission
WHRC is comprised of three voting members (a chairperson and two commissioners) appointed by the Governor, and four non-voting ex-officio members (two members of the Senate and two members of the House of Representatives). The commission appoints an Executive Secretary and staff to carry out its assigned duties and the day-to-day operation of the WHRC. For more information about the agency, go to http://www.whrc.wa.gov.

As the agency responsible for regulating pari-mutuel horse racing in Washington State, the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC) is committed to maintaining public's confidence in the integrity of the sport.

What you will be doing:
You may be responsible to perform various racing official duties. The primary duty for this position will be to train as the backup for the receiving barn clerk. As experience dictates to be cross trained in other official positions such as, Photo Finish Operator, Clocking Duties, Identifier, Clerk of Scales, Paddock Judge, Receiving Barn Clerk, Mutuel Inspector, License Clerk, Assistant Steward, Film Analyst, etc.

Duties

In this position, you will have the unique opportunity to work in all areas!

Some of what you will enjoy include:
Paddock Judge – Supervise the assembly of horses in the paddock for each race at the designated time. Verifies that each horse that enters the paddock has the correct head number, groom smock and proper equipment. Inform the stewards of any discrepancies, unusual equipment or changes. Ensure the saddling of all horse is orderly and in a safe manner. Make sure that only properly licensed trainers saddle the horses. When a horse is unruly or dangerous, place the horse on the paddock list. Maintain a Paddock Judge’s List of all horses that must be schooled prior to reentry for a race. Inform the trainer of the requirements to have the horse removed from the list. Provide a copy of the Paddock List to the race office and stewards at the end of each race day. Assemble jockeys and horses at a designated time for the post parade.

Clerk of Scales – Check the weight that each horse is carrying for accuracy in the Daily Racing Form. Be present in the jockey’s quarters prior to the designated time when the riders must report their weights, by the designated time, verify the weight each jockey will carry for the day’s races, and assist in securing the jockey’s quarters to restrict the presence of unauthorized personnel. Notify various departments of all over-weights, changes, and scratches. Prior to each race, check the riders weight to ensure each one carries the proper weight. Ensure that jockeys communicate with the stewards in a timely manner when there is an inquiry or objection. After each race, weigh the designated jockeys at the scale by the finish line to ensure proper weight was carried in the race. Fill out and distribute WHRC Claims Delivery Forms when necessary. Work towards obtaining replacement riders for horses when a jockey is injured or takes off his/her mounts. Fill out scale sheets for the Horseman’s Bookkeeper to ensure proper payment of purse monies and jockey fees.

Receiving Barn Clerk– Keep stewards informed of any irregularities or delays that may occur. Assure that the information is accurate and complete. Prepare and maintain the receiving barn for the day’s races by cleaning the walking ring and the individual stalls, leveling and hosing down the walking area of the receiving barn. Obtain the various documents from the WHRC office and race office to establish the proposed times for each race and the specific horses entered in the races. Verify that you have the required number of head numbers and smocks needed for the day’s races. Place the required head numbers and groom smocks for each race in the designated location. At the appropriate time make the 10-minute, 5-minute and final call over the public address system to bring the horses to the receiving barn. When each horse arrives at the receiving barn, observe tack, grooms, etc. to determine the preliminary identity of the horse. Give the groom handling the horse the appropriate head number and colored smock. Observe the horses and grooms while they are walking in the receiving barn to make sure they are following safety procedures. At the designated time, send the horse from the receiving barn to the paddock.

Identifier – Inspect registration papers on each horse scheduled to compete at the race meet to ensure the proper identification of the horse. Verify each set of registration papers with the Jockey Club database to make sure they are authentic papers. Report any irregularities to the stewards. From information in the Daily Racing Form determine all horses that are making the first start of their racing career. Establish the location of each horse and personally check the markings and tattoo number on the horse to make sure they are accurate. Obtain the race day reports to establish the identification information on the horses scheduled to race each day. When the horses arrive in the receiving barn, examine every starter to observe the horse’s sex, color, markings and lip tattoo or other identification criteria approved by the appropriate breed registry and the commission with comparison to its registration certificate to verify the horse’s identity. Immediately following the actual identification, the identifier makes sure the groom is wearing the correct smock and that the correct head number is positioned correctly on the horse. The WHRC identifier will follow the horses from the receiving barn to the paddock.

Clocker – Using the Daily racing form, the clocker reviews the entries to make sure that all horses have the required number of workouts. If a horse does not meet the workout requirements, the trainer must be contacted as soon as possible, and the problem addressed. If the problem is not corrected and the horse does not have the necessary workouts, refer the matter to the stewards. Receive workout information from the trainers, enter the horses name and the distance they are working on the daily workout sheets. Observe the horses on the track and identify which horse is going to work. When the horse begins the work, time the workout. When the horse completes the workout, record the time of the work on the workout sheets. In addition to clocking the horses, the clockers must watch for emergency or unsafe situations on the track. If an emergency situation arises, follow the emergency procedures. When the track closes for training, enter the workout information into the Equibase computer program. Print and forward a copy of the workouts to the appropriate departments.

Photo Finish Operator – Set up Photo Finish computer system and Electronic Race Timer system. Enter necessary data into both systems to properly record each of the race photos and race times. Each day, verify that the cameras and lights are working. Respond appropriately to equipment malfunctions, seeking assistance when necessary and ensuring equipment is fully operational prior to the start of each race card. When the races begin, activate the cameras at the correct time to ensure the finish of each race is properly recorded. Turn on floodlights prior to horses entering the stretch during the race. Using the computer program, process the order of finish photos and forward them to the steward’s computer. If the finish results in a photo finish, tag and label the photo and make it available to the association for video transmission to the public. Print copies of the official order of finish for Equibase and your records. Repeat the process for each race. Serve as a back-up clocker to the electronic timing system by hand clocking each race with the appropriate splits. Record the appropriate splits in your daily program. Repeat the process for each race. After the last race, print daily reports from the electronic timing program. Close down both computer programs.

Mutuel Inspector – Analyze the wagering reports generated by the tote system for each race, checking for any irregularities. Make sure all payoffs are within the formula ranges. Run the specialized report on the wagering patterns as requested by the stewards. Monitor and verify all contracts and signals for import and export wagering. Develop and conduct random and scheduled tests of the computer program that calculates the odds and payoffs to determine that the calculations are accurate. Monitor the mutuel lines observing for any problems or irregularities. Observe the tote system video feeds for all the racetracks that are wagered on at Emerald Downs to assure that all links and stop betting are functioning properly.

License Clerk – Issue licenses and credentials to participants: enter data, including criminal history, given by applicants into agency licensing database verifying identification. Follow procedures for collecting fees, taking photographs, preparing fingerprint cards, and issuing individual photo identification licensees. If necessary, take the applicants’ fingerprints and send fingerprints via live scan to the appropriate authority. Process the results of the fingerprint scans. Handle the information received with the highest level of confidentiality. Forward results with criminal activity to Investigators. Update changes to the licensee’s information in database. Track employees of licensed trainers and update records, groom slots and provide information to stakeholders. Maintain official records regarding horse racing including bill of sales, apprentice jockey certificates, leases, stable names, authorized agents, claims, trainer transfers, stewards, and paddock lists. Proof the programs and verify that all participants are properly licensed. Disseminate rulings and conference notices. Collect fines that have been imposed by a ruling. Perform general office duties such as answering and directing incoming telephone calls, filing, processing mail, sending faxes, etc. Available to answer questions and receive complaints from licensees, applicants, stakeholders, and customers. Assist the investigators and stewards with reports and updates to the database. Test changes made to the agency database to determine that it meets the required protocol. Calculate and deposit daily receipts and monies and send deposit information to OFM and Olympia office of WHRC.

Assistant Steward– Verify that all eligibility requirements are met by both the equine and human participants in the races by overseeing and reviewing all entries on overnights and in the daily racing form. Notify the various departments of late scratches or changes to the race program. Monitor the horses while they are in the post parade making sure all required equipment and tack is in place and for any problems (loose horse, rider off, equipment malfunction). View each race and act on an inquiry or objection as required. When viewing the race observe for any unusual or irregular performances by horse or rider. Enter the data regarding the order of finish, photo, etc. into the tote system computer. Notify the various departments with the order of finish and other information as required. Update information in the agency and stewards’ databases. Fill in as a steward in the absence of one of the board of stewards.

Film Analyst– Review films with jockeys placed on the list by the Board of Stewards to instruct and note careless or reckless riding. Review films with all apprentice jockeys each day to instruct in both proper and improper riding techniques.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
High school diploma or equivalent
AND
Three years of experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry OR experience handling horses

OR
A Bachelor’s degree in Equine Administration and experience in the horse racing industry OR experience handling horses

OR
Equivalent education/experience.

AND

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Willingness to cross train in other racing official duties
Experience working with horses to be able to work around them in a variety of situations in a manner that provides safety and the well-being for themselves, grooms and the horse.
Physically able to use a rake, shovel, wheelbarrow, etc. while cleaning and maintaining the receiving barn

DESIRED:

ROAP Stewards Accreditation
Ability to work safely around horses
Ability to use computers with word, excel, and outlook
Experience in the pari-mutuel industry
Be proficient in compiling reports and writing correspondence

Desired Competencies:

Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.
Models and champions our culture and values; cultivates a shared, strategic vision; develops people; drives results; fosters learning; builds relationships; fosters teamwork and collaboration; communicates effectively; makes things happen as a public servant; leads and navigates change; embraces and embeds inclusion in decision making.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply
To begin the online application process, click on the green "Apply" button at the top of this announcement.

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Washington Horse Racing Commission, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:

The Washington Horse Racing Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov

For information or questions about this recruitment, please email amanda.benton@whrc.wa.gov

State of Washington Horse Racing Commission

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