Veterinarian - Division of Racing Events

About the role

The Colorado Division of Racing is seeking a State Regulatory Veterinarian to serve as a pivotal leader in ensuring the safety, health, and fairness of the racing industry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct critical pre-race inspections to ensure every starter is fit to compete.
• Hold the authority to scratch horses for medical or safety concerns, placing animal health above all else.
• Provide expert medical care in critical moments on the track.
• Partner with the State Veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to monitor and control communicable equine diseases.
• Oversee the Division’s sophisticated laboratory testing program, including urine, blood, and hair collection.
• Collaborate with Colorado State University on the Racehorse Postmortem Evaluation Project, contributing to vital industry research.
• Serve as the "gold standard" lead for sample integrity and drug screening protocols.
• Mentor and manage the Test Barn staff, coordinating schedules and procedures to ensure a high-functioning, secure environment.
• Assist in drafting the rules and guidelines that govern medication usage and veterinary practices under the Colorado Racing Act.
• Represent the Division’s expertise in administrative hearings and legal proceedings.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado or hold a current license in another jurisdiction with the ability to obtain Colorado licensure within 30 days of offer.
• Advanced knowledge of equine and large-animal medicine, with a specialized focus on the unique physiological and health needs of racehorses or elite high-performance sporthorses.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex state statutes (such as the Colorado Racing Act) to ensure unwavering compliance with veterinary ethics and administrative policy.
• Outstanding clinical decision-making skills, with the ability to act decisively under pressure—especially when making high-stakes "scratch" recommendations or providing emergency trackside care.
• A deep-seated commitment to animal welfare, evidenced by a career-long dedication to the ethical treatment and well-being of equine athletes.
• A comprehensive understanding of the operational risks, safety protocols, and nuances of the horse racing industry.
• Experience providing expert opinions on the suitability of medical staff, specialized equipment, and diagnostic testing protocols.
• A high level of flexibility in managing non-routine tasks, from setting long-term policy goals to performing real-time forensic analysis.
• Professional fluency in both Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite for digital record-keeping and data management.
• Sophisticated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to testify as a subject matter expert.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado or hold a current license in another jurisdiction with the ability to obtain Colorado licensure within 30 days of offer.
• Necessary Special Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License. For out of state applicants, the ability to obtain a Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of offer.
• Conditions of Employment: Employees are in a position of public trust in the performance of their job duties and must operate in a manner that maintains the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence.

Skills

• Leadership and administration skills.
• Expertise in equine and large-animal medicine.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex state statutes.
• Outstanding clinical decision-making skills.
• Commitment to animal welfare.
• Flexibility in managing non-routine tasks.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Dynamic and supportive team dedicated to the integrity of Colorado’s sporting traditions and the protection of its equine athletes.
• Opportunity to serve as the state’s primary advocate for animal welfare, ensuring every race is conducted with the highest ethical and safety standards.
• Fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Onsite position with flexible work arrangements.

Pay

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Schedule

This is an exempt, onsite position where you will balance your time between the Division of Racing office at 1707 Cole Blvd. Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80401 and the Division's Arapahoe Park and off-track facility located at 26000 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016.

Contact Information

Email Address: [email protected]