OPS VETERINARIAN - 41509016

Florida Department of Financial Services; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Financial Services is seeking a Blood Collection Officer located at Gulfstream Park Racing in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This role involves collecting biological samples from racing animals as per HISA guidelines, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Applicants must hold a current State of Florida veterinary medicine license and have at least one year of relevant experience. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, maintaining documentation, and adapting to a flexible working schedule.

Qualifications

• Must maintain a valid veterinary license in good standing.
• Requires one year of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Collect post-race specimen samples from racing animals.
• Conduct pre-race inspections of horses on race days.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and procedures.
• Evaluate the condition of horses and manage specimen collection.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida Statutes and regulations

Attention to detail

Animal behavior recognition

Ability to work outdoors

Flexibility in schedule

Professionalism under pressure

Education

Current State of Florida license in veterinary medicine

Relevant experience

Job description

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the Blood Collection Officer for the collection of post-race specimen samples, including blood and other requested biological samples, from racing animals, in accordance with the guidelines and protocols established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) guidelines.
• Observes post-race horses presented to the detention barn for signs of physical distress, medical compromise, injury, or unsoundness.
• As needed, conducts pre-race inspections of potential starters on race days, observing horses for overall health, soundness, injury, or illness, and notifies the Stewards of any horse determined to be unfit or unsafe to race.
• As needed, observes and evaluates the overall condition of horses presented for removal from the Veterinarian’s List and oversees the collection of required specimen samples associated with that process.
• Maintains strict compliance with all chain-of-custody procedures, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and detention barn operating protocols.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to consistently interpret and apply applicable Florida Statutes and all relevant FGCC, HISA, and HIWU rules, policies, procedures, and operating protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation and specimen handling procedures.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to important indicators of animal behavior, including aggressive, fearful, distressed, or abnormal behavior.
• Ability to work effectively in a barn or stable environment, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven surfaces such as dirt, straw, and shavings.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on racing operations, including afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime on short notice when necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational needs, work effectively under pressure, and manage frequent interruptions, schedule changes, delays, and unexpected situations while maintaining professionalism and procedural compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current State of Florida license in veterinary medicine in good standing.
• One (1) year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications, not required

• Experience working with thoroughbred racehorses, other equine breeds, or other large animals.
• Familiarity with racing regulations, rules of racing, and/or anti-doping organizations.

Where you will work

This position is located in Hallandale Beach, Florida at the State Detention Barn at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino.

Employment Conditions

Employees traveling more than 50 miles from their residence may be eligible for work-related travel expense reimbursement. Work-related travel, when required, will be reimbursed in accordance with State of Florida travel reimbursement policies (s. 112.061, F.S.).

This is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position. This position does not accrue leave or paid holidays. OPS employees are required to participate in the Florida FICA Alternative Plan and are automatically enrolled.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.