Job Description

Ops Vet Assistant

The Florida Gaming Control Commission is responsible for exercising all regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to legal gaming, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms, slot machine facilities, oversight of gaming compacts, and other forms of gambling authorized by state law, excluding the Lottery, as well as directly enforcing Florida's gaming laws and combatting illegal gambling activities.

The agency is overseen by five Commissioners who are appointed by the Governor, with Commissioners appointing an Executive Director who leads a team of nearly 200 staff members. The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement.

The Commission offers a supportive work environment that fosters growth and collaboration.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Under supervision, the vet assistant carries out essential routine and non-routine tasks within work parameters assisting veterinary and administrative staff in enforcing both the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) regulations, standards, procedures, and chain-of-custody protocols at licensed and regulated pari-mutuel facilities within the State of Florida. The duties are as follows:

• Ensuring a safe, secure, and healthy detention barn work environment by following chain-of-custody protocols and monitoring and enforcing detention barn area security, sanitations, and safety regulations; maintaining detention barn stalls and barn area to ensure they are always clean and free of safety hazards.
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance with applicable Florida rules relating to the detention and handling of horses at licensed racetrack facilities.
• Verifying document identification of horses designated for specimen collection.
• Escorting designated horses from the finish line to the detention barn for the purpose of facilitating specimen collection.
• Ensuring compliance with biological specimen collection, documentation, storage, shipping, and chain-of-custody procedures for specimens that must be subsequently shipped offsite for comprehensive testing.
• Ensuring racehorses are treated properly and humanely by observing the behavior of animals, trainers, and other personnel within the detention barn area and reporting recognized anomalies to supervisor.
• Assisting the designated security attendant in maintaining the detention barn area security.
• May be required to participate in hearings or depositions, as to the nature of specific biological specimen collection efforts, and associated documentation related to a specific racehorse or horses.
• Completes other related assignments and responsibilities as reasonably assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to understand and consistently apply all related Florida Statutes, and FGCC, HISA and HIWU policies, procedures, and operating protocols, as applicable;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions; learn new skills, multitask, prioritize, and manage time proficiently;
• Ability to recognize important characteristics of animal behavior (e.g., able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior);
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos, as well as draft simple correspondence, if necessary;
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and industry participants, as may be appropriate;
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, work well under pressure, and deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; consistently comply with all employer safety, security and chain-of-custody protocols; and
• Ability to work flexible schedules as needed; irregular shifts; occasional evenings and/or nights; and overtime on short notice as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications, not required:

• Experience with thoroughbred racehorses, other breeds of horses, or other large animals; and
• Experience and/or training; or a combination of extensive education and experience in the Florida regulated thoroughbred industry or a similar jurisdiction.

Where you will work:

This position is located in Hallandale Beach, Florida at the State Detention Barn at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino.

Important Notices:

• This is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position. This position does not accrue leave or paid holidays. OPS employees are required to participate in the Florida FICA Alternative Plan and are automatically enrolled. The Florida FICA Alternative Plan affords OPS employees an excellent opportunity to help accumulate money for a secure retirement.
• The Florida Gaming Control Commission has employment restrictions for all commission employees referenced in sections 16.713 and 16.715, Florida Statutes.
• This position requires a Level 2 background screening as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and/or State-Issued Photo Identification to conduct this background screening.

Applicants are required to apply through the People First system by the closing date, by applying online. All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the advertisement. Applicants must complete all fields in the Candidate Profile. Work history with month and year, hours worked, and education is required to qualify for this position. Responses to Qualifying questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile. Resumes and other documentation can be attached to provide additional information. If you have any questions regarding your application, you may call 1-877-562-7287.

Special Reminders:

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: .

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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