Racetrack regulatory equine veterinarian

Department Information

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. The mission of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is to become a trusted partner to every Coloradan, helping them navigate the complexities of government so they can thrive. Our core values of service, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and respect drive us. The Department’s vision is to empower businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation, and collaboration. We celebrate diversity and support an equitable and inclusive culture. We embrace our differences because we believe this brings innovation to our work. For more exciting information about the Department of Revenue, please enjoy this brief video!

Description of Job

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:

• Clinical Oversight & Animal Welfare: 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.
• Integrity & Innovation: 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.
• Leadership & Administration: 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 posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills: Determine the necessary course of action based on the appropriate situation with State of Colorado rules and regulations and/or policy. Require equine and large animal veterinary knowledge and expertise specifically as it pertains to race horses or other similar high performance sporthorses. Knowledge of horse racing requirements and risk. Ensuring compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statutes, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide research and expert opinions on suitability of staff, supplies, equipment, and tests. Determine what content and information is required for reports. Requires flexibility for analysis, goal setting, and completion of non-routine tasks. Outstanding decision making ability. Strong affinity for animals. Ability to make prudent decisions regarding the welfare and well-being of animals. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiency in Google Suite. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.