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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50371204 |
Description Activated On: 2/6/2026 8:36:52 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. This position provides professional veterinary expertise in thoroughbred and/or standardbred racetrack regulatory medicine and supervises the Bleeder Medication Program and test barn activities. This position also administers Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services programs and legislatively mandated laws and regulations in the assigned PDA region to provide animal disease surveillance and control. |
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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. Race Track Duties Supervises Test Barn (Post-race Detention Barn) activities including the collection and processing of blood and urine samples and all related recordkeeping. Commission veterinarians are responsible for drawing blood samples and supervising all other test barn personnel. Supervises the normal pre-race activities and record keeping for horses that qualify for treatment with medication for respiratory bleeding (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage) in accordance with the rules of racing. This consists of 60-100 horses per race day. Supervises Commission employees permanently assigned to this activity and private veterinary practitioners as is pertinent to administering bleeder medication to qualified horses in accordance with the rules of racing. Observes horses that have exhibited respiratory bleeding or conduct an endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory system, if indicated, in order to qualify certain horses for the Bleeder Medication Program. Resolves controversies that arise as to the qualifications of horses for bleeder medication. Supervises and maintains a current list of horses that qualify for bleeder medication. Conducts pre-race inspections on most of the ship-in horses and maintains and supervises all related recordkeeping. Being present in the paddock and at the finish line for each racing program in order to observe horses before, during and after racing. Examines any horse when requested by the stewards/judges and/or notifies stewards/judges of any horses that are deemed physically unfit to compete in racing. Maintains a list of horses that are deemed physically unfit to compete and all related recordkeeping. Establishes up to date lists of horses not suitable for racing with a defined criteria regarding horses not suitable for racing and how an animal is to be added or removed from the Veterinary List. Observes horses that have exhibited respiratory bleeding or conduct endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory system, if indicated, in order to qualify certain horses for the bleeder medication program. Identifies and diagnoses horses that suffer from exercise induced pulmonary bleeding including periodically performing endoscopic examinations. Administers emergency treatment if a veterinary practitioner is not immediately available. Provides emergency medication treatment and first aid to horses which break down, collapse, or suffer any injury on the track during racing hours. Makes recommendation to Judges /Stewards on whether a horse should be scratched due to lameness or sickness. On a daily basis, the Veterinarian must make decisions regarding the application of the rules of racing, Commission policies and protocols to a variety of regulatory problems, physical fitness of horses prior to, after, and between races, the disposition of medical cases of injury or disease and personnel matters. Conducts approximately 30 pre-race physical examinations which include an evaluation of temperature, eyes, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and musculoskeletal system. Makes determinations as to whether a horse can compete satisfactorily with a physical limitation. If unfit, a scratch is recommended to the Stewards/Judges. Observes the behavior and soundness of horses as they enter and leave the paddock. If a horse injures itself in the paddock, a scratch is recommended to the Stewards/Judges. Observes warm up exercises prior to the start of the race and the entry of horses into the starting gate. If a horse is observed to be unfit, a scratch recommendation is given to the Stewards/Judges. Supervises the Lasix administration program and is responsible for accurately determining the Lasix status of all horses on the race card. Supervises the maintenance of all associated “bleeder records. Notifies Stewards/Judges of any discrepancies of incidents of non-compliance. Supervises and assists workers in discharging duties associated with maintaining daily Lasix treatment records. Certifies as a Commission representative, any horses post-race which are experiencing exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and scoped by practitioners on the backside. Examines and evaluates horses suffering severe racing injuries prior to euthanasia and conducts a gross pathological examination of the affected area. Occasionally submits specimens to the New Bolton Center for further examination. Obtains blood samples from horses euthanized as a result of sever racing injuries. Administers medication to certain horses in the detention barn to induce urination. Collects serum samples and supervises staff in collecting and packaging urine samples. Euthanizes horses after racing hours if track veterinarian or private veterinarian is not on duty. Responsible for remaining cognizant of the rules of racing. Attends meetings and hearings when requested by the Stewards, Judges or Commission. Prepares weekly reports, approves leave, schedules substitutes and completes employee performance reviews as necessary or required. Documents all pertinent information by keeping detailed and accurate records, writing memoranda and maintaining files. Uses respiratory protective equipment as required and subject to medical clearance. Will be required to obtain a Commission Employee License. Performs other duties as assigned. |
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 a daily basis, the Commission Veterinarian must make decisions covering a wide range of responsibilities, including (but not limited to): Application of the Rules of Racing, Commission policies and protocols to a variety of regulatory problems; the physical fitness of horses prior to, after and between races; and the disposition of medical cases of injury or disease. The incumbent is responsible for discussing or drafting a written response to questions regarding rules and laws administered by the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services and advising industry and farmers of actions necessary to stay within compliance. |
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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 an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited college or university. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Veterinarian 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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