OPS VETERINARIAN - 41509016

Williams-Sonoma; Florida; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Florida is seeking a Blood Collection Officer for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, responsible for collecting biological samples from racing animals. This role entails observing horses for health indicators, performing inspections, and maintaining strict regulatory compliance.

Candidates should hold a valid veterinary medicine license, with a minimum of one year of relevant experience preferred. This position is based in Hallandale Beach, Florida, and involves working in varying weather conditions and flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Current license in veterinary medicine in good standing.
• One year of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Blood Collection Officer for post-race samples.
• Observe horses for signs of distress or injury.
• Conduct pre-race inspections as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all protocols and regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida Statutes

Strong attention to detail

Ability to work outdoors

Experience in animal behavior

Education

State of Florida license in veterinary medicine

Job description

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is responsible for exercising all regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to legal gaming, including pari‑mutuel wagering, cardrooms, slot machine facilities, and other forms of gambling authorized by state law.

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).
• 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

• This is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position. The position does not accrue leave or paid holidays.
• Employees traveling more than 50 miles from their residence may be eligible for work‑related travel expense reimbursement. Travel, when required, will be reimbursed in accordance with State of Florida travel reimbursement policies (s. 112.061, F.S.).
• The position requires a Level 2 background screening, including fingerprinting. Social Security Number and date of birth are required for the background check.
• Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption.
• The State of Florida is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer.