Senior Commission Veterinarian (Business Operations Manager 1)
Job Description:
Oregon Racing Commission's Mission:
The Oregon Racing Commission is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of safety and integrity within the equine racing industry, both on-ground and online. Our mission is to safeguard the welfare of athletes, both human and equine, with a steadfast commitment to the best interests of our citizenry, licensees, participants, and the economy.
This is a full-time seasonal opportunity with the typical season being from May, through October each year. There are opportunities for off-season work, paid continuing education, and reimbursement for relocating.
Are you passionate about horses and racing? Do you want to be part of a team that ensures the integrity and safety of the sport? If so, you might be interested in working as the Senior Veterinarian for the Oregon Racing Commission.
The Senior Veterinarian oversees the Veterinary Services section of the agency which is responsible for ensuring the "racing soundness" of racing animals. This position is responsible for the following:
The Senior Commission Veterinarian for the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) provides essential veterinary services and regulatory oversight to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of equine athletes at all Oregon racing tracks. This role involves conducting veterinary examinations, emergency care, regulatory compliance monitoring, stakeholder collaboration, and staff supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
Veterinary Care & Emergency Response:
Provide emergency veterinary care to racing animals on the grounds, including performing euthanasia in cases of catastrophic injury.
Perform postmortem examinations when transportation to a facility is not feasible and arrange for necropsies of deceased animals.
Monitor equine health during scheduled training sessions when under ORC jurisdiction.
Examinations & Compliance:
Conduct thorough pre-race and post-race veterinary evaluations to assess racing soundness.
Observe animals in the paddock, starting gate, and other key areas, and ensure that any animal not fit to race is scratched.
Provide expert advice to trainers, owners, and racing officials on equine health, performance, and regulatory matters.
Ensure compliance with industry regulations, addressing issues or discrepancies as they arise.
Monitor treatments administered by practicing veterinarians and ensure preventive measures for contagious diseases.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication:
Serve as a liaison between the ORC and other jurisdictions regarding veterinarian lists that prohibit racing.
Provide technical advice and support to commissioners, stewards/judges, commission investigators, and legal teams.
Communicate with regulatory bodies, veterinarians, and stakeholders about disease outbreaks and regulatory updates.
Regulatory Oversight & Policy Recommendations:
Monitor compliance with racing rules and recommend changes to policies governing medication, equine safety, and therapeutic treatments.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of veterinary issues affecting the racing animal population and advise on policy modifications.
Serve as an expert witness in hearings and provide testimony regarding regulatory and veterinary matters.
Test Barn Supervision & Staff Management:
Supervise the test barn, ensuring proper sample collection, processing, and storage, and maintaining the chain of evidence.
Hire, train, and manage veterinary staff, assistants, and support personnel.
Oversee staff activities, manage workflow, and conduct performance evaluations.
Record Keeping & Reporting:
Maintain detailed records related to veterinary inspections, medication administration, and compliance.
Produce reports such as end-of-meet summaries, policies, procedures, and statistical analyses.
Maintain lists related to racing categories, including vet’s list and bleeders list, and ensure the proper handling of controlled substances.
Licensing & Examination:
Review applications for practicing veterinarians and vendors, consulting with stewards on licensing decisions.
Administer practical examinations for applicants seeking Assistant Trainer and Trainer licenses.
Continuing Education & Compliance:
Participate in training to maintain licensing, including Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) certification and veterinary continuing education.
Qualifications:
DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) required.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in equine veterinary care.
In-depth knowledge of equine health, regulatory compliance, and medication guidelines.
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Valid veterinary license in the state of Oregon, or in a reciprocal state.
DEA certification or ability to obtain one.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with regulatory bodies and policy development in racing.
Previous supervisory experience in a veterinary setting.
Racing industry experience.
On-site presence required during races and training sessions.
This position is not represented by a union.
What’s in it for you:
Absolute gold standard benefits including top of the line medica, dental, alternative care and much more.
Rewarding work in a productive and creative environment
Colleagues who are passionate about public service and the safety and welfare of our athletes both human and equine.
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package
Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon
Working Conditions:
This position will require travel to the following locations: Tillamook, Union, and Prineville. The duty station is Grants Pass, Oregon and the season is generally from May through October each year. (Seasons are subject to change with the racing schedule.) Travel to fairs or meetings away from the duty station is paid for by the agency. We strongly promote professional growth, diversity, excellent customer service and teamwork.
462.273 Prohibited activities of commission, staff, and family members. No member, employee or appointee of the Oregon Racing Commission, or the immediate family member of such a person, may:
(1) Own or have any other financial interest in any animal participating in any race meet in Oregon.
(2) Own or have any other financial interest in any race meet, public training track or race course in Oregon.
(3) Bet or wager, in any manner, on any race meet held under the license and supervision of the commission if such individual acts in an official capacity in connection with that race meet
Application information:
A resume is required for this job posting and a cover letter is optional but highly encouraged. Please attach them in the “Resume / CV” section of the application.
Please ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications listed and that you follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date will be considered.
Please click Apply or visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application for the position. This announcement is for one (1), part-time seasonal racing worker -Test Barn Veterinary Technician. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
Additional information:
Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.
The successful candidate must have a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Before an offer of employment, ORC may request that you provide an official driving record.
This position is subject to a fingerprint background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section.
We hire preferred workers! For more information, please visit our website: Preferred Worker Program.
The Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. DCBS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
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