Steward 2

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

28d • $32

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Gaming is seeking a dedicated Racing Division Horse
Racing Steward to interpret and enforce the Racing Commission Rules and
Regulations, ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all participants. This
critical role involves maintaining compliance with both state regulations and
the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), while safeguarding the
integrity of the racing industry. If
you are committed to upholding the
standards of racing and protecting the welfare of animal participants, we
encourage you to apply.

As a Racing Steward, you will oversee track operations, conduct investigations,
and make vital decisions affecting the racing community. You will ensure
compliance with regulations, supervise racing activities, and represent the
Department in all matters related to the racing industry.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Arizona State Racing Commission rules and regulations
• Knowledge of Statutes governing horse racing
• Knowledge of Track operations
• Knowledge of Investigations and licensing functions
• Knowledge of Horse anatomy and behavior
• Knowledge of HISA/HIWU rules and regulations
• Skills In Judging race results impartially and exercising mature judgment
• Skills In Detecting violations of rules during race meets
• Skills In Communicating effectively with the public and industry professionals
• Skills In Writing reports and gathering data for statistical analysis
• Skills In Diffusing volatile situations and resolving disputes
• Ability To Formulate appropriate courses of action and communicate those courses of action to staff/management
• Ability To Make informed decisions in sensitive and hazardous environments
• Ability To Maintain related certifications
• Ability To Perform work of considerate difficulty
• Ability To Investigate work of a sensitive and occasionally hazardous nature
• Ability To Work in a smoke and high dust environment and must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability To Training racing employees, independent contractors and department employees
• Ability To Work at racetrack locations within the State
• This position requires the ability to drive on State business; the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
• Must successfully pass a qualifying steward examination at time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous (animal) racing regulatory experience
• Possess at minimum, a basic level Racing Officials Accreditation Program certificate.

Responsibilities

• Rule Enforcement: Interpret and enforce Racing Commission Rules and Regulations, ensuring compliance from all racing participants, including jockeys, owners, and trainers.
• Track Inspections: Conduct regular inspections and maintain documentation for HISA/HIWU, ensuring all individuals involved have completed necessary requirements.
• Decision-Making: Hold hearings, issue fines, suspend licenses, and make determinations on race results, ensuring fair and impartial rulings.
• Reporting and Documentation: Write detailed reports on complaints, actions taken, penalties imposed, and keep accurate records in accordance with state regulations.
• Interpret and enforce the Racing Commission Rules and Regulations, ensuring compliance for the health, safety, and welfare of all racing participants and the integrity of wagering.
• Oversee compliance with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity Welfare Unit (HIWU), including conducting track inspections and ensuring all relevant documentation for jockeys, owners, and trainers is complete.
• Maintain daily records of individuals involved in racing on the HISA/HIWU website and ensure adherence to all applicable regulations.
• Act on behalf of the Director and the Racing Commission to hold hearings, issue fines, suspend or deny licenses, and supervise race results and on-track Racing Division employees.
• Investigate objections and make prompt decisions on entries and declarations, regulating conduct during racing meetings.
• Take immediate action in cases of rule violations, including disqualification of horses or suspensions of individuals involved, and refer matters for further review if necessary.
• Serve on the judiciary board, making decisions regarding the validity of complaints and race outcomes in line with state racing commission rules.
• Prepare detailed reports documenting all complaints, actions taken, penalties imposed, and the voting record of board members, while advising the Director on all rulings and hearings.
• Attend the racing secretary's office or racetrack during entries and racing days to represent the Department and interpret applicable rules.
• Impose civil penalties for rule violations, which may include fines and suspensions, and refer serious violations to the Director for potential license revocation.
• Assist as a Boxing/Mixed Martial Arts inspector at events throughout the year, ensuring compliance and certification for these activities.
• Inspect and certify Off Track Betting (OTB) facilities across Arizona and maintain necessary updates on the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) website regarding rulings.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees