Definition
Performs canine veterinary regulatory duties at a pari-mutuel facility and advises the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and track stewards concerning veterinary matters; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Oversees/controls the lock out kennel and the collection of body fluid samples from greyhounds for the testing of prohibited medications; assists in the recruitment of persons to maintain the lock out kennel area, collect body fluid samples and deliver samples to official racing chemist for analysis.
Examines the physical condition of each greyhound at weigh-in time; observes greyhounds as they enter the lock-out kennel and re-examines them when they enter the paddock prior to the race; recommends to racing stewards that any greyhound deemed unsafe to race or physically unfit to produce a satisfactory effort be scratched.
Places greyhounds determined to be sick or having a communicable disease and those deemed to be unsafe, unsound, or unfit to race on a veterinarian’s list that is posted in a conspicuous place available to owners, trainers, and officials; removes greyhounds from that list.
Inspects the general physical condition of the greyhounds, sanitary conditions of the kennels, segregation of female greyhounds in season, segregation of sick greyhounds, types of medications used, incidents of cruel/inhumane treatment and other matters/conditions brought to the veterinarian’s attention.
Oversees/controls detention area for the collection of body fluid samples and testing of greyhounds for prohibited medications; takes samples of any medicine or materials suspected of containing improper medication, drugs, or other substances that could affect the racing condition of a greyhound and delivers it to the official chemist for analysis.
Conducts postmortem examinations of greyhounds to determine the injury/illness that resulted in the euthanasia or death of the animal while on the racetrack or kenneled at the racing facility.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of greyhound diseases, symptoms and treatments.
Knowledge of sanitary ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection techniques.
Knowledge of state and federal laws governing greyhound animal health.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the racing industry, the regulated facility, and the general public.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain associated records.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
- Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Notify the administrator of interaction with the media.
- Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, unrestricted licensure with the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine license and two years of experience as a practicing, licensed small animal veterinarian and/or one year as a practicing veterinarian at a pari-mutuel facility.
- All applicants for this classification must be able to obtain and maintain in good standing an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Occupational License and shall not be: licensed to participate in racing in any other capacity; and prescribe any medication, or treat any greyhound owned by a person licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, on or away from any facility, with or without compensation, except in the case of an emergency.
Employees in this position shall not: buy or sell any greyhound under their supervision; wager on a race under their supervision; be licensed to participate in racing in any other capacity; participate in wagering on any gambling games in any casino in the State of Iowa; and knowingly have a pecuniary, equitable, or other interest in or engage in a business or employment that would be a conflict of interest or interfere with the proper discharge of the duties of the commission (pursuant to 99D.5).
Note
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Apply directly to the employing agency.