Track Maintenance Lead

Churchill Downs Incorporated•New Kent, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for providing day-to-day work direction and performing hands-on maintenance, preparation, and repair of the dirt racing surface, training track, and related racing grounds. Coordinates assigned work crews, operates specialized track-maintenance equipment, supports race-day and training activities, and helps maintain safe, consistent, and high-quality racing conditions under the direction of the Director or Track Operations.

Requirements

Working knowledge of dirt racetrack maintenance practices, including, harrowing, watering, rolling, sealing, drainage, surface repair, and moisture management.
Ability to safely operate tractors, graders, water trucks, loaders, utility vehicles, track-maintenance attachments, hand tools, and related machinery.
Leadership skills with the ability to assign work, train Team Members, monitor progress, and provide clear day-to-day direction.
Ability to evaluate surface and weather conditions, recognize potential safety or maintenance concerns, and communicate findings promptly.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe, consistent, and professional racing environment.
Ability to read and follow equipment instructions, safety procedures, maintenance schedules, written work orders, and product labels.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities may change based on weather, racing schedules, and track conditions.
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with Team Members, Racing personnel, horsemen, vendors, and other departments.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while following the direction and standards established by the Turf Track Manager.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience operating tractors, graders, water trucks, loaders, or comparable heavy equipment required.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must obtain and maintain all licenses and permits required by the Virginia Racing Commission.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Thoroughbred racing operations, track preparation, and the factors that contribute to a safe and consistent racing surface preferred.
Basic computer, mobile-device, and recordkeeping skills preferred.
Two to four years of experience in racetrack maintenance, heavy equipment operation, grounds maintenance, construction, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
Prior lead experience or demonstrated ability to direct the work of others preferred.
Experience maintaining a Thoroughbred dirt racing surface strongly preferred.
Knowledge of equipment inspection and routine preventive maintenance preferred.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Leads and participates in the daily maintenance, preparation, and repair of the dirt racing surface, training track, and associated racing grounds under the direction of the Director of Track Operations.
Provides day-to-day work direction to assigned seasonal Team Members, including assigning tasks, monitoring completion, and reinforcing established quality and safety standards.
Performs harrowing, watering, rolling, sealing, floating, packing, dragging, and other surface-maintenance activities necessary to maintain safe and consistent track conditions.
Operates tractors, water trucks, harrows, rollers, loaders, utility vehicles, and other specialized track-maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
Assists with evaluating track moisture, cushion depth, compaction, drainage, and overall surface condition and promptly reports concerns or recommended adjustments to the Director of Track Operations.
Coordinates and performs race-day preparation, including track conditioning, watering, equipment staging, surface inspections, starting-gate support, and other activities required for live racing.
Performs track maintenance between races and assists with emergency or time-sensitive repairs to address holes, uneven areas, standing water, washouts, or other surface concerns.
Prepares and maintains the racing surface for morning training, workouts, qualifying activity, special events, and other scheduled use.
Assists with maintenance and repair of track rails, gaps, crossings, drainage systems, access roads, fencing, signage, and other track-related infrastructure.
Monitors weather forecasts and changing track conditions and assists with implementing maintenance plans in response to rain, heat, freezing conditions, drought, or other environmental factors.
Inspects assigned equipment before and after use, completes required checklists, identifies maintenance or repair needs, and reports unsafe or inoperable equipment promptly.
Ensures assigned Team Members are trained and authorized before operating equipment and reinforces proper equipment operation, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices.
Maintains accurate records of track maintenance activities, equipment use, inspections, materials, repairs, incidents, and other information as directed by the Director of Track Operations.
Maintains track-maintenance shops, storage areas, equipment, tools, and supplies in a clean, safe, organized, and secure condition.
Monitors supplies, materials, fuel, tools, and equipment and notifies the Director of Track Operations when replenishment, servicing, repair, or replacement is needed.
Helps control access to active track-maintenance work areas and ensures work is performed with appropriate awareness of horses, riders, vehicles, and racing operations.
Provides training, coaching, and guidance to assigned Team Members and promptly communicates attendance, performance, conduct, safety, or staffing concerns to the Turf Track Manager.
Ensures assigned work is completed in accordance with Company policies, Racing department procedures, applicable safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
Performs hands-on track and grounds maintenance work alongside assigned Team Members and provides operational coverage as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.