Horse Racing Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Are you a veterinarian passionate about equine welfare, sports integrity, and public service? The Colorado Division of Racing is seeking a State Regulatory Veterinarian to serve as a pivotal leader in our mission to ensure the safety, health, and fairness of the racing industry.

In this role, you will lead a dedicated team and influence the rules and regulations that define animal welfare in our state.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct critical pre-race inspections to ensure every starter is fit to compete. You 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.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to the integrity of Colorado's sporting traditions and the protection of its equine athletes.
• Make a meaningful impact by serving as the state's primary advocate for animal welfare, ensuring every race is conducted with the highest ethical and safety standards.
• Grow your career in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:

Residency Requirement:

This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado at their own expense. The time frame for relocation is based on DOR needs and is typically between 30 and 60 days after an offer has been accepted. For information about living in Colorado visit the Choose Colorado Website.

Class Code & Classification Description:

C9B1XX VETERINARIAN I MINIMUM 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. Note: If submitting a transcript, certification or other relevant materials, candidates may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Colorado statute requires that Veterinarians be licensed in Colorado
• 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
• In and out of state travel required as needed
• Applicants must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays.
• Applicants must be willing and able to perform lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving objects, occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Random drug tests may be required of all positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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

Conditions of Employment with the CDOR :

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.

As a condition of employment with the CDOR, all personnel must file all necessary Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) returns and pay tax obligations, therefore all employees must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of their tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with this policy. Final candidates must also complete a successful background investigation and reference check prior to appointment. Certain positions based on duties may require scheduled background investigations.

Pursuant to the Universal Driving Standards Policy, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle
• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position
• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Minimum Qualification Screening:

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application, to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Only complete applications submitted before the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed.

• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
• Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
• List your employment history starting with the most recent job, including part-time, temporary, and volunteer jobs. If more than one job was held with a given organization, list each job held as a separate period of employment.
• Information must be accurate, including dates of employment. If it is found that information provided is falsified, you will not be considered for a job with the State of Colorado and/or may be removed from a job after hire.
• The eligible list established from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review