Racing Steward / Part-Time / Seasonal

Work Shift:  This is a part-time, seasonal position based at the Emerald Downs Racetrack in Auburn, Washington.  

The work schedule is flexible based on the scheduled times and dates that live racing is conducted, generally Wednesday through Sunday.  The hours of work will range from early morning to late evenings and weekends and holidays.  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.

What you will be doing: Ensure that the horse racing industry maintains the highest level of integrity and protects the public by demonstrating ethical behavior with honesty, forthrightness and professionalism while interpreting and enforcing the statutes and rules of racing that govern all aspects of the horse racing industry.

Some of what you'll enjoy doing:

• Oversee and regulate the races
  • Observe all necessary personnel and equipment required to safely put on race card is in place and operational. (Two-way radios, TV monitors, outriders, medics, ambulance, veterinarian, starting gate, horse ambulance, etc.) 
  • Monitor horses in the post parade ensuring all required equipment and tack is in place and for problems (loose horse, rider off, equipment malfunction).  
  • Monitor tote board observing for any wagering irregularities. 
  • When horses leave starting gate for each race, electronically stop all wagering on the race. 
  • Observe post parades, viewing races and act on inquiries and objections.
  • Stop wagering on the races at the appropriate time.  
  • Observe any unusual/irregular performances by horse or rider.
  • Establish official order of finish for each race from photo finish.  
  • Enter data regarding the order of finish, photo, etc. into system and declare race official. 
  • Ensure payoffs are posted on tote board and video monitors.   
  • Notify various departments with finish order and other information.
  • Approve all claims after the claims clerk processes them.
• General administrative and regulatory duties
  • Hold conferences with licensees to address disputes, allegations, and a variety of violations.  
  • Issue conference rulings imposing sanctions based on the severity of the violation according to the WAC's. 
  • Review the race films with the jockeys. 
  • Develop and oversee the written tests for trainers and special skilled positions. 
  • Review and approve special skilled licenses.

• Race entries and post position draw
  • Monitor entries and oversee draw for the races. 
  • Verify eligibility requirements are met by both the equine and human participants in races by overseeing and reviewing all entries.   
  • Approve all scratches and late changes received from the WHRC Veterinarian, race office, trainers and owners, etc.  
• Supervisory duties (Meeting with employees, developing individual expectations, performance evaluations, scheduling, and payroll)

REQUIRED:

• High School Education or equivalent. 
• Possess and maintain an ARCI approved steward’s accreditation. Meet the minimum experience qualifications for Accredited Flat Racing Official. 
• At least 225 days, within the past ten years of experience as a licensed racing official as defined by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program. 
• Graduates of the Racetrack/Equine Industry Program with a Bachelor’s Degree will receive 100 days of experience and must have 125 additional days as a licensed racing official within the past 10 years, or experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a licensed trainer, jockey or driver for 5 years and 150 days experience as a racing official.
• Completion of Stewards or Judges Internship program. 
• Working knowledge of a personal computer to work with a variety of software and databases efficiently and effectively. 
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and written. 
• Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations. 
• Effectively plan, direct and organize the work of others to achieve stated goals and objectives

AND

• Accredited by an ARCI-approved stewards accreditation program.
• Able to pass a fingerprint based criminal history check. Cannot have a felony conviction or any misdemeanor conviction that would disqualify a person from licensing

PREFERRED:

Bachelor’s degree from the Racetrack/Equine Industry Program

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:

Please attach the following documents in order to be considered, failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position; 
• Current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
• You will want to ensure you have a current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information attached or available to provide at the time of interview.

NOTE:  The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application, application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.  Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section or the supplemental questions of the application.

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

Salary : $32 - $44