Part Time Horse Racing Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.00 Hourly
Location : King County - Auburn, WA
Job Type: Part Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-WHRC-001
Department: Horse Racing Commission
Opening Date: 04/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Seasonal Veterinary Assistant 1 - PART-TIME, NON-PERMANENT
(Exempt)
Note:
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions. Application review will begin immediately, and will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Therefore, it will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.
Schedule:
These seasonal positions will run from early May through early September of 2026, based at the Emerald Downs Racetrack in Auburn, Washington. The work schedule is typically Friday-Sunday, but hours will vary based on the live racing schedules. Candidates should expect a mix of weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays, typically averaging 15 to 20 hours per week.
About the Opportunity:
As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the horse racing industry by managing the collection of urine samples from designated racehorses. Your primary responsibilities will include executing the sample collection process, maintaining meticulous documentation, and strictly adhering to chain-of-custody protocols to prevent contamination. Beyond the clinical aspects, you will ensure a secure and professional environment by regulating access to the test barn, verifying the licensure of all personnel, and keeping the facility clean and well-supplied. By performing these duties with precision, you will provide the maximum level of security and transparency necessary to preserve the confidence of the betting public.
About the Commission:
The Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC)'s mission is to regulate and support the racing industry while maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of the sport. The commission is comprised of 3 voting members (1 chairperson and 2 commissioners) appointed by the Governor, and 4 non-voting ex-officio members (2 members of the Senate and 2 members of the House of Representatives). The commission appoints an Executive Secretary and staff to carry out its assigned duties and the day-to-day operation of the WHRC. For more information about the agency, go to
Duties
Some of What You'll Enjoy Doing Includes:

• Escort racehorses from the winner's circle to the test barn while providing essential care, such as washing and walking.
• Execute the formal collection of urine samples following established regulatory protocols.
• Label and record each collection process to maintain a strict, documented chain of custody.
• Prevent sample contamination to uphold the integrity and security of the horse racing industry.
• Maintain the test barn and office environments to the highest standards of cleanliness and organization to prevent sample contamination and ensure a professional workspace.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age or older.
• Experience handling and working around horses.
• Ability to perform job duties under fast-paced and potentially stressful working conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualification:

• Knowledge of the pari-mutuel horse racing industry
• Knowledge of Title 260 WAC, specifically WAC 260-14 and WAC 260-70

Supplemental Information
How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions. Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.
Opportunity for All:
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you currently employed by the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC)?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience handling and working around horses?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have the ability to perform job duties under fast-paced and potentially stressful working conditions?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have the ability to communicate effectively?

• Yes
• No

06
This role requires working weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays in all weather conditions. Are you comfortable with this schedule and eager to work directly with racehorses?

• Yes
• No

07
This job requires assistance with the collection of urine samples. Are you willing and able to perform these duties?

• Yes
• No

08
This job requires assistance with the bathing of horses following racing. Are you willing and able to perform this duty?

• Yes
• No

09
How did you learn about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Friend
• Indeed
• Job Board...