Detention Barn Technician

State of Minnesota; Minnesota; On-site; USD 28,254 - 32,525; Part time

Job summary

The Minnesota Racing Commission is seeking a Detention Barn Technician for the Columbus Barn in Minnesota. This 4.5-month seasonal, part-time position requires working Sundays and holidays, with a rotating shift and evenings during the 2026 racing season.

Responsibilities include monitoring detention, tagging horses, escorting to stalls, obtaining urine/blood samples, maintaining chain of custody, restocking supplies, and reporting safety issues.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience working with horses.
• Able to handle a horse in an emergency and summon veterinary attention.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to identify horses and samples and report to coordinators.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Horse knowledge

Emergency handling

Written and spoken communication

Education

Veterinary/Animal sciences degree in progress

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
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/28/2026
• Closing Date: 09/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC)
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Racing Commission / MRC-Columbus Barn
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $23.61/ hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: MRC-Columbus Barn
• End Date: 09/19/2026
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

THIS IS A 4.5-MONTH SEASONAL SUMMER POSITION THAT REQUIRES WORKING ON SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS.

The 2026 racing season is May 17, 2026, to September 19, 2026. Training for this position will begin Saturday, May 2, 2026. Running Aces will conduct live racing on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. There will be no live racing on Friday, July 4, 2025. There are 55 days of live racing scheduled. First post is at 6 pm, Sundays and Thursdays, 7pm, Tuesdays. Work hours are variable and flexible-typically between 4pm and 11pm.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Must be able 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

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 the essential functions.

• 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, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nella Austin at [e-mail].

About The Minnesota Racing Commission

The Minnesota Racing Commission operates in the public interest to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing, to oversee the proper distribution of funds back into the industry, and to provide for the safety and welfare of the human and equine participants. The Racing Commission works to promote the horse racing and breeding industry in Minnesota in order to provide economic stimulus, offer residents and visitors an exciting entertainment option, and support agriculture and rural agribusiness. Visit https://mn.gov/mrc/ for more information.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

Your benefits may include:

• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance.
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

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 encourages 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.