Detention Barn Technician

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Arizona; On-site; USD 28,254 - 32,525; Part time

Job summary

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment is seeking a Detention Barn Technician in Columbus, MN. This part-time role involves monitoring horses post-races, ensuring proper sample collection, and assisting veterinarians. Ideal candidates will have experience with horses and communication skills to follow procedures effectively.

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they have a background in animal sciences or veterinary medicine and can communicate effectively in Spanish. This role requires outdoor work and the ability to handle physical tasks.

Qualifications

• Ability to handle a horse in an emergency situation and summon immediate veterinary attention.
• Written and oral communication skills to follow procedures and report appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enforce rules related to the detention and handling of horses after races.
• Verify and tag horses, and collect urine and blood samples.
• Assist the Detention Barn Coordinator and other veterinarians as required.

Skills

Knowledge and experience working with horses

Fluent in written/spoken Spanish

Communication skills

Education

In pursuit of a degree in veterinary medicine or animal sciences

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Fluent in written/spoken Spanish.
• Working Title: Detention Barn Technician
• Job Class: Agricultural Technician
• Agency: Racing Commission
• Job ID: 92254
• Location: Columbus, MN
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $23.61 per hour
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• End Date: 09/19/2026
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Duties

• Monitor and enforce rules related to the detention and handling of horses after races at Running Aces.
• Verify and tag horses.
• Escort horses and handlers to assigned stalls in the detention barn.
• Assist in obtaining appropriate urine and blood samples.
• Ensure proper handling of samples to maintain a strict chain of custody.
• Replace supplies in stalls.
• Remain alert for safety and security hazards and report any violations of safety and security regulations.
• Assist the Detention Barn Coordinator, Detention Barn Veterinarian, and/or Chief Commission Veterinarian with other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience working with horses.
• Ability to handle a horse in an emergency situation and summon immediate veterinary attention as required.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to understand and follow procedures to identify horses and samples, complete forms, respond to inquiries, and report to coordinators or veterinarians as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• In pursuit of a degree in areas of veterinary medicine or animal sciences.
• Fluent in written/spoken Spanish.
• Previous work experience with the Minnesota Racing Commission or within the racing and/or gaming industry.

Physical Requirements

• Involves maintaining a stationary position.
• Involves frequent moving and positioning of self to accomplish work tasks.
• Involves moving through uneven terrain.
• Requires working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to transport up to 40 lbs.

Additional Requirements

• Successful applicants must pass background and employment reference checks required for all employees of the Minnesota Racing Commission.
• Criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant; each case is reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.