Track Superintendent

Churchill Downs Incorporated

About The Position

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Rosie’s Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision. JOB SUMMARYResponsible for the seasonal maintenance of the dirt racetrack, including equipment. Will ensure that dirt racing surfaces, and equipment are safe and compliant for horse racing activities. Propose and implement innovative methods and tactics designed to improve operations, minimize costs, and maximize use of materials and assets. Ensure that dirt racing surface is safe and fair for horse racing activities, including procuring proper materials for the track surface, properly applying those materials and properly watering, grading, and preparing all racing surfaces. Will load, secure, and transport equipment as needed.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of racetrack surface management, including grading, grooming, watering, and other maintenance practices.
Familiarity with the safety regulations, rules, and standards of the horse racing industry.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise and train staff effectively.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate with racing officials, trainers, and other personnel.
Ability to assess and resolve issues related to the track surface, infrastructure, and equipment.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, particularly during race days.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
High school diploma or equivalent (required).
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in racetrack maintenance, track management, or a similar field, including a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
Previous experience in preparing and maintaining racing surfaces for training and live racing required.
Must obtain and maintain a valid racing license.
Required to hold a valid driver’s license with a minimum of three (3) years’ driving experience.
The Team Member may be required to stand for the duration of the shift.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and sunlight.
Ability to lift heavy equipment and materials as needed.
Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
Comfort with working around large animals, including horses, and in areas with high traffic during events.
The Team Member may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke, depending on the assigned station and guest volume.

Nice To Haves

Certification in racetrack management or related training (preferred).
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience working with equine operations or horse racing is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Determining priorities, projects, and tasks needed to ensure continuous care, maintenance, and operating excellence of the dirt track surface, equipment, and other areas as required.
Procuring tools, equipment, supplies, and other essential items in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
Operating and maintaining all equipment (tractors, loaders, graders, etc.) necessary to prepare dirt surface for racing, training, and for building preventative maintenance.
Supervising team members and responsible for scheduling and complying with company policies and procedures.
Assist in Hiring, training, and developing team members to build cross functional knowledge of operational processes, industry standards, emerging technologies, and strategies.
Proposing and implementing innovative methods and tactics designed to improve operations, minimize costs, and maximize use of materials and assets. Ensuring that the dirt surfaces are safe and fair for horse racing activities. This includes procuring proper materials for the track surface, properly applying those materials and properly watering, grading, and preparing all racing surfaces. Loads, secures, and transports equipment/implements as needed.
Assisting with the turf rail movements during the race meets as needed.
Operating all track equipment such as loaders, lift trucks, and graders, etc.
Maintaining track rails, drains, curbs, gaps, and gates.
Using various hand tools, cutting torch, and welder.
Performing light clerical duties such as maintaining inventory records and filing.
Assisting in taking measurements of the track to be in complaint with HISA regulations
Responsible for fostering an environment of support and motivation for team members.
Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information in accordance with established procedures with company policy and state regulations.
Resolves problems that are within the position's scope of authority and recommends courses of action to resolve problems that are beyond the scope of authority to the position’s supervisor.
Keeps position supervisor informed of relevant activities.
Other duties as assigned.