Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  50294990

Description Activated On:  4/3/2025 10:00:49 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Provide professional Veterinary expertise at harness Racing tracks regarding regulatory medicine.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1.Supervise the duties of Livestock Workers in the test barn (pre and post detention barn) activities including the collection and processing of blood and urine samples.
2.Oversee the normal racing activities and record keeping for horses that qualify for treatment with medication for respiratory bleeding in accordance to the rules of the Harness Racing Commission.
3.Conduct pre race inspections on horses entering the paddock prior to racing.
4. Resolve controversies that arise as to the qualification of horses for bleeder medications. This would include observing the endoscope for adding horses onto the bleeder program.
5. Be present in the paddock and the finish of each racing program in order to observe horses before, during and after racing.
6. Examine the horse when requested by the judge and/or notify judges of any horse that is deemed physically unfit to complete in racing.
7. Administer emergency treatment if a private veterinary practitioner is not immediately available.
8. Oversee the coordinated efforts in the disposal of infected horse and the disinfetion of the premises and other areas as required and prescribed by law. Complete necropsy documentation according to established policy.
9. Train other personnel to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency.
10. Attend meetings and hearings when requested by the judges.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

On daily basis, the Commission Veterinarian must make decision covering a wide range of responibilities including and not limited to:
Application of rules of Pennsylvania Harness racing Commission and protocols to a variety of regulatory problems.
The physical fitness of horses prior to, between and after races, the disposition of medical cases of injury or disease.
All personnel matters involving Livestock Workers are normally referred to the Commission Veterinarian

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

One year of professional experience as a veterinarian and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from a Veterinary Medical accredited college or university.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Commission Employee License
 
2.  
Veterinarian
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Knowledge of rules of racing
 2. Resolve regulatory problems quickly
 3. Work in barns with horses
 4. Read and Interpret regulations
 5. Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing
 6. Present hearing testimony when required
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