Assistant Starter - Seasonal

Zia Park Casino; Hobbs (NM); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one medical coverage

401(k) matching

Annual performance bonus

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Zia Park Casino is looking for an Assistant Starter to ensure fair starts for the betting public. In this specialized role, you'll handle horses and assist in vital tasks regarding their welfare. Your responsibilities include loading horses into the starting gate, aiding veterinarians, and maintaining the gate. Strong physical ability and prior horse experience are essential.

The position offers day-one medical coverage, a 401(k) match, and a competitive starting salary of $18.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Prior horse experience is required.
• Able to handle heavy physical demands of the position.
• Must be able to work as a team player.

Responsibilities

• Load and handle horses in the starting gate during races.
• Assist the state veterinarian with injured horses.
• Maintain and set the gate.

Skills

Mathematical Skills

Reasoning Ability

Education

Eligible for New Mexico Racing Commission license

Job description

Assistant Starter – PENN Entertainment

We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll work in a fast‑paced environment with a diverse team, and we care about your career growth.

Summary

The main objective of the Assistant Starter is to secure as fair a start as possible for the betting public.

Responsibilities

• Load and handle horses in the starting gate during races.
• Work in the mornings schooling unruly horses.
• Teach young horses the ways of the starting gate.
• Assist the state veterinarian with injured horses and assist track maintenance by loading injured horses on the horse ambulance.
• Assist EMT crew with injured riders.
• May be called to the paddock to assist with unruly or injured horses.
• Responsible for maintaining the gate.
• Responsible for setting the gate.

Qualifications

The job is extremely specialized and prior horse experience is required as well as being able to handle the heavy physical aspects of the position.

Skills and Certification

• Mathematical Skills: Must be able to count and do general addition and subtraction.
• Reasoning Ability: Must be able to anticipate how a horse may react in various situations.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must be eligible to hold a New Mexico Racing Commission license.

Physical Demands

This position demands the employee to be on their feet during their shifts. Must be able to climb, lift, and be able to move quickly. They will be required to work until the last race has run.

Work Environment

Must be able to work as a team player. Required to work in year‑round weather conditions.

Benefits

Day‑one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, annual performance bonus, paid time off earned per local policy, and wellness programs.

Starting Salary

$18.00 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer.