OPS VETERINARIAN - 41509016

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the Blood Collection Officer for the collection of post-race specimen samples, including blood and other requested biological samples, from racing animals, in accordance with the guidelines and protocols established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit’s (HIWU) guidelines;
• Observes post-race horses presented to the detention barn for signs of physical distress, medical compromise, injury, or unsoundness;
• As needed, conducts pre-race inspections of potential starters on race days, observing horses for overall health, soundness, injury, or illness, and notify the Stewards of any horse determined to be unfit or unsafe to race;
• As needed, observes and evaluates the overall condition of horses presented for removal from the Veterinarian’s List and oversee the collection of required specimen samples associated with that process;
• Maintains strict compliance with all chain-of-custody procedures, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and detention barn operating protocols.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of, and ability to consistently interpret and apply, applicable Florida Statutes and all relevant FGCC, HISA, and HIWU rules, policies, procedures, and operating protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation and specimen handling procedures.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to important indicators of animal behavior, including aggressive, fearful, distressed, or abnormal behavior.
• Ability to work effectively in a barn or stable environment, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven surfaces such as dirt, straw, and shavings.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on racing operations, including afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime on short notice when necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational needs, work effectively under pressure, and manage frequent interruptions, schedule changes, delays, and unexpected situations while maintaining professionalism and procedural compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• A current State of Florida license in veterinary medicine in good standing;
• One (1) year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with thoroughbred racehorses, other equine breeds, or other large animals preferred.
• Familiarity with racing regulations, rules of racing, and/or anti-doping organizations preferred.