Supervisor, Racing Surfaces

Woodbine Entertainment•Etobicoke, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to ensure that the racing surfaces are prepared in a safe and consistent manner each day of racing and that all equipment is functional and that the resources needed are readily available to staff.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of standardbred horse racetrack surfaces and related issues.
Knowledge of horse racing industry.
General understanding of the operational and regulatory structure of horse racing.
Knowledge of managing a team of 10 – 15 people
Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership, organizational and management skills
Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite) and able to multi-task in an ever changing, demanding environment.
Ability to create and manage a seven-day schedule.
Must be flexible and innovative.
Ability to maintain and influence internal and external relationships.
Ability to operate heavy equipment.
Ability to evaluate the track surface to determine the best maintenance, resulting in lowering horse injury.
Ability to make decisions regarding the track surface due to variable weather.
Identify areas to improve the efficiencies of track maintenance while still maintaining high standards of safety
Proven ability to build strong relationships within the racing department and property services to enable collaborative work environment
Demonstrates excellent judgement on how to manuever machinery while sharing the track with the standardbred horses
Post secondary education (degree/certificate/diploma) in Property Services and/or horse racing track surface maintenance or related field.
3-5 years practical experience in a similar environment.
Experience operating graders, tractors and water trucks
Required to have a D-class license
Ability to evaluate the gait of a horse in order to determine a suitable track surface. Trotters vs. Pacers.

Responsibilities

Manages and supervises track staff, provides direction to Standardbred staff regarding managing track surface prior, during and after racing
Daily maintenance of Standardbred racing surface for racing at the Woodbine Mohawk Park location and ensures track and equipment is operational and maintained in safe working order
Ensures minimal impact to the operations when conducting maintenance activities of the track surface.
Makes recommendations to Vice President of Standardbred Racing to cancel racing due to adverse or dangerous conditions existing in the absence of the Manager.
Addresses Owners', Trainer's and/or Drivers' concerns with respect to track surface issues.
Monitors workload, develops and implements tasks and work procedures.
Provides feedback to managers on daily operational needs for parts, material and services, including staffing requirements.
Creates and implements daily work schedule for track surface employees.
Manages daily track log process on Mohawk’s racing surface, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Monitors environment for due diligence and compliance support.
Ensures all related equipment is in safe working condition and ensures staff are properly trained.
Ensures Horse Ambulance, Start Gate and Emergency Lights are operational for racing.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with horsemen and other racing related staff.
Interprets, administers and implements the applicable Collective Agreement(s), organizational policies, and Human Resources policies, as required.
Exhibits, demonstrates and encourages from others the core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability and Excellence.
Represents the Standardbred racing surface department on the Health & Safety committees to ensure safety procols are created and followed.