Racetrack Regulatory Equine Veterinarian

State of Colorado; Colorado; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Annual/Sick Leave

State employee discounts

Job summary

State of Colorado invites applications for a State Regulatory Veterinarian within the Colorado Division of Racing. You will lead veterinary oversight to ensure animal welfare and integrity of the racing industry, directing pre-race inspections, on-track care, and lab testing programs.

Join a regulatory team focused on safety, innovation, and ethical standards, with collaboration across state agencies and research partners.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Colorado or able to obtain license within 30 days.
• Detail-oriented veterinary leadership and team supervision required.
• Experience with equine welfare and race industry practices is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-race inspections and scratch horses for medical or safety concerns.
• Provide medical care on track and monitor animal health.
• Collaborate with State Veterinarian and Agriculture to control diseases.
• Oversee lab testing program (urine, blood, hair).
• Lead sample integrity and drug screening protocols.
• Mentor Test Barn staff and assist in rule drafting under the Racing Act.
• Represent the Division in hearings and legal proceedings.

Skills

Clinical veterinary care

Leadership & mentoring

Regulatory awareness

Education

DVM / veterinary license

Colorado license transfer within 30 days

Job description

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The mission of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is to become a trusted partner to every Coloradan, helping them navigate the complexities of government so they can thrive. Our core values of service, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and respect drive us

The Department’s vision is to empower businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation, and collaboration. We celebrate diversity and support an equitable and inclusive culture. We embrace our differences because we believe this brings innovation to our work. For more exciting information about the Department of Revenue, please enjoy this brief video!

As part of the State of Colorado, DOR offers a competitive benefits package to permanent employees:

• PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage
• Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

Are you a veterinarian passionate about equine welfare, sports integrity, and public service? The Colorado Division of Racing is seeking a State Regulatory Veterinarian to serve as a pivotal leader in our mission to ensure the safety, health, and fairness of the racing industry.

In this role, you will lead a dedicated team and influence the rules and regulations that define animal welfare in our state.

What You'll Do:

Clinical Oversight & Animal Welfare

• Conduct critical pre-race inspections to ensure every starter is fit to compete. You hold the authority to scratch horses for medical or safety concerns, placing animal health above all else.
• Provide expert medical care in critical moments on the track.
• Partner with the State Veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to monitor and control communicable equine diseases.

Integrity & Innovation

• Oversee the Division’s sophisticated laboratory testing program, including urine, blood, and hair collection.
• Collaborate with Colorado State University on the Racehorse Postmortem Evaluation Project, contributing to vital industry research.
• Serve as the "gold standard" lead for sample integrity and drug screening protocols.

Leadership & Administration

• Mentor and manage the Test Barn staff, coordinating schedules and procedures to ensure a high-functioning, secure environment.
• Assist in drafting the rules and guidelines that govern medication usage and veterinary practices under the Colorado Racing Act.
• Represent the Division’s expertise in administrative hearings and legal proceedings.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to the integrity of Colorado’s sporting traditions and the protection of its equine athletes.
• Make a meaningful impact by serving as the state’s primary advocate for animal welfare, ensuring every race is conducted with the highest ethical and safety standards.
• Grow your career in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.
• This is an exempt, onsite position where you will balance your time between the Division of Racing office at 1707 Cole Blvd. Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80401 and the Division's Arapahoe Park and off-track facility located at 26000 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016.

Residency Requirement:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete.

If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado at their own expense. The time frame for relocation is based on DOR needs and is typically between 30 and 60 days after an offer has been accepted. For information about living in Colorado visit the Choose Colorado Website: https://choosecolorado.com/living/cost-of-living/

Class Code & Classification Description:

C9B1XX Veterinarian I

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

Colorado Residence - Must be Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado or Out of State Residence - able to apply and obtain a valid veterinarian license in the State of Colorado within 30 days if an offer is given and you are out of state.

*For out of state applicants, Colorado statute requires that Veterinarians transfer their License to Colorado: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Veterinary/Applications

No Substitutions:

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed.

NOTE: If submitting a transcript, certification or other relevant materials, candidates may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License (at the time of application or within 30 days of an offer).
• In and out of state travel required as needed.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays.
• Applicants must be willing and able to perform lifting, carrying