DEFINITION

Performs equine veterinary regulatory duties at a pari-mutuel facility and advises the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and track stewards on all veterinary matters; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Oversees/controls the detention barn for the collection of body fluid samples for the testing of horses for prohibited medication; recruits persons to maintain the detention barn area, collect body fluid samples and deliver samples to official racing chemist for analysis.

Performs pre-race examination report of all horses on the day of the race to determine general fitness and advises racing steward of any unsoundness in a horse.

Inspects all horses in a race at the starting gate and after they finish the race; observes horses upon leaving the racetrack.

Places horses determined to be sick, unsafe, unsound, or unfit for a race on a veterinarian’s list that is posted in a conspicuous place available to all owners, trainers, and officials; removes horse from the list.

Supervises the administration of medications (lasix and phenylbutazone) and is present at all postmortem examinations on all horses that have expired or been euthanized on facility grounds.

Take samples of any medicine or other materials suspected of containing improper medication, drugs, or other substances that could affect the racing condition of a horse and delivers them to the official racing chemist for analysis.

Takes receipt of and prepares reports; maintains records and drafts a year-end report for administrator.

Notifies the administrator of interaction with the media.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of equine diseases, symptoms and treatments.

Knowledge of sanitary ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection techniques.

Knowledge of state and federal laws governing equine animal health.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the racing industry, the regulated facility, and the general public.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain associated records.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of an unrestricted Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, licensure with the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine and two years of experience as a practicing, licensed equine veterinarian at a pari-mutuel facility.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All applicants for this classification must be able to obtain and maintain in good standing an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Occupational License.

Employees in this position shall not: buy or sell any horse under their supervision; wager on a race under their supervision; be licensed to participate in racing in any other capacity; participate in wagering on any gambling games in any casino in the State of Iowa; and knowingly have a pecuniary, equitable, or other interest in or engage in a business or employment that would be a conflict of interest or interfere with the proper discharge of the duties of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (pursuant to 99D.5).

NOTE:

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Apply directly to the employing agency as follows:

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

717 East Court Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Effective Date: 5/04 JG