Racing Steward - Iowa

Job Description

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals Racing and Gaming Commission. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

The racing steward position is full time during the live racing season. Racing season can change from year to year, but is approximately mid-April thru September. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are required. Specific hours determined in part by the race schedule. Potential for minimal hours during the non-live season.

Proof of current steward accreditation is required.

Duties include:
• Officiate the running of the race, observing for compliance with state laws and commission rules and issue orders as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the State Veterinarian and state lab on any special drug testing needed.
• Investigate potential violations and interpret and enforce the laws and rules.
• Resolve any issues, negotiate stipulations with violators, or prepare a board hearing request packet as needed for hearings or appeals.
• Function as a member of the three person quasi-judicial board; conduct hearings on alleged rule violations, hear testimony and evidence on the allegations, deliberate on the matter in question, and determine the appropriate action/penalty. Write rulings for decisions by the Board of Stewards.
• Act as witness and/or assist attorney general with preparation of appeals from Board of Steward rulings.
• Track and review all post-race and out-of-competition drug testing results for compliance and provide Horsemen's Bookkeeper with timely notification of when purses can be released.
• Review license applications as requested by the licensing assistants. Make license suitability determination by interviewing applicant, reviewing known information, and checking with other jurisdictions.
• Review DCI backgrounds, making final license determination, and updating compliance database.
• Write and issue licensing decisions as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from other jurisdictions regarding Iowa licensees.
• As necessary, observe the draw to assure that the Racing Secretary has fulfilled qualification requirements of all horses entered and to resolve any disputes or questions.
• Review scratches and vet list scratches.
• Evaluate the condition of the track and check the security of all entrances and exits.
• Communicate with all racing officials to ensure starting gate, tote system, photo-finish, video, etc., are operational.
• Prepare, update, and administer trainers' test to applicants.
• Provide approval/disapproval input to Director of Operations on proposed racing officials.
• Evaluate rules and submit proposed rule changes when necessary and participate in racing task force meetings as requested.
• Keep a log on all infractions of the rules and of all rulings. Follow through to ensure all Board of Steward decisions are enforced.
• Review incident reports received from the Security Department regarding ejection or exclusion of patrons or any other circumstances of interest to determine if the Commission needs to take any action.
• Testify at administrative law hearings or Commission meetings regarding appeals of gaming board rulings or occupational license denials/suspensions.
• Investigate promptly and render a written decision on every objection and on every complaint made by the public.
• Keep updated on current trends of the industry.
• Attend conferences and trainings, in-state and out-of-state, as requested.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• The equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge, paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales, steward, assistant steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting rules of horse racing and making judgments;

OR

• The equivalent of five years of full-time experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry in a non-official capacity that still involved interpreting the rules of horse racing, such as jockey, trainer, owner or closely related occupation.

For additional information please click on the link:https (Download PDF reader)://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/RacingStewardEquine-15057.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Additional Qualification 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).
• Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass an optical examination evidencing corrected 20/20 vision. Thereafter, evidence of such must be provided every 3 years at employee's cost.

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and a copy of steward accreditation to Betty Tschetter at betty.tschetter@iowa.gov or Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, 1300 Des Moines Street, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309. Email of PDF documents preferred.