Camera Operator

Churchill-Downs-Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Racetrack is seeking a Seasonal Part-Time Camera Operator to support live production and broadcast of thoroughbred racing. Under the Technical Director, you will operate professional cameras, including tower and remote PTZ systems, to capture race coverage, paddock activity, and essential broadcast elements.

Seasonal position averages 28–35 hours per week during live racing, with assignments to tower or remote PTZ cameras based on production needs.

Qualifications

• Experience operating professional broadcast cameras in a live sports or live event production environment.
• Experience with PTZ camera systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Thoroughbred racing industry preferred

Responsibilities

• Operate professional broadcast cameras, including traditional tower cameras and remote PTZ camera systems, during live thoroughbred racing broadcasts.
• Capture shots of live race action, paddock activity, and other broadcast elements as assigned.
• Follow direction from the Technical Director and respond to cues during live broadcasts.
• Adjust camera framing, focus, movement, and positioning to match production needs.
• Maintain focus and situational awareness throughout live racing and broadcast activity.

Skills

Live sports broadcasting

Camera operation

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PTZ cameras

Broadcast cameras

Camera towers

Job description

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Seasonal Part-Time Camera Operator supports the live production and broadcast of thoroughbred racing at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Under the direction of the Technical Director, this position operates professional broadcast cameras, including traditional tower cameras and remote Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, to capture live race coverage, paddock activity, beauty shots, racehorses, and other broadcast elements.

Camera Operators may be assigned to tower camera or remote PTZ camera positions based on production needs and must be able to perform either assignment. This seasonal position averages approximately 28–35 hours per week during the live racing season.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Live Broadcast & Camera Operations

• Operate professional broadcast cameras, including traditional tower cameras and remote PTZ camera systems, during live thoroughbred racing broadcasts.
• Capture assigned shots including live race action, racehorses, paddock coverage, on-track activity, beauty shots, and other broadcast elements.
• Follow direction from the Technical Director and respond to camera assignments and production cues during live broadcasts.
• Adjust camera framing, focus, movement, and positioning as appropriate to the assigned camera and production needs.
• Maintain focus and situational awareness throughout live racing and broadcast activity.

Equipment & Production Support

• Ensure assigned camera equipment is operated safely and effectively to produce high-quality broadcast coverage.
• Assist with camera and related broadcast equipment setup, operation, and breakdown as assigned.
• Identify and communicate equipment or technical issues to the appropriate production team member.
• Collaborate with the broadcast and production team to support successful live productions.
• Comply with all broadcast, operational, and safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REGULATORY

Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating professional broadcast cameras in a live sports or live event production environment preferred.
• Experience with PTZ camera systems preferred.
• Experience or knowledge of the Thoroughbred racing industry preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of live television broadcast and camera operations.
• Ability to operate professional broadcast camera equipment with accuracy and precision.
• Ability to learn and operate both traditional and remote PTZ camera systems.
• Ability to follow direction and respond quickly to production cues in a fast-paced live environment.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to work the live racing schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while operating camera equipment.
• Ability to use broadcast cameras, computers, monitors, camera controls, and related equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to safely climb ladders and access elevated camera tower positions approximately 40–60 feet above ground level.
• Ability to work comfortably in a confined space.
• Ability to work comfortably and safely at heights and in elevated camera positions.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements while operating camera and broadcast controls.
• Ability to maintain focus for extended periods during live broadcasts.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments that may include noise, changing temperatures, and varying weather conditions.

This work is performed in a live broadcast production environment at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Some work areas may be noisy and subject to changing weather conditions. Churchill Downs Racetrack spans 175 acres and more than 1.5 million square feet under roof with additional entertainment facilities not protected from weather conditions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The above-noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of the position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.