Seasonal Veterinary Assistant 1 (Exempt) – PART-TIME, NON-PERMANENT, MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Description

Note:
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions. Application review will begin immediately, and will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Therefore, it will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Schedule: 
These seasonal positions will run from early May through early September of 2026, based at the Emerald Downs Racetrack in Auburn, Washington. The work schedule is typically Friday-Sunday, but hours will vary based on the live racing schedules. Candidates should expect a mix of weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays, typically averaging 15 to 20 hours per week.

About the Opportunity:
As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the horse racing industry by managing the collection of urine samples from designated racehorses. Your primary responsibilities will include executing the sample collection process, maintaining meticulous documentation, and strictly adhering to chain-of-custody protocols to prevent contamination. Beyond the clinical aspects, you will ensure a secure and professional environment by regulating access to the test barn, verifying the licensure of all personnel, and keeping the facility clean and well-supplied. By performing these duties with precision, you will provide the maximum level of security and transparency necessary to preserve the confidence of the betting public.

About the Commission:
The Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC)'s mission is to regulate and support the racing industry while maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of the sport. The commission is comprised of 3 voting members (1 chairperson and 2 commissioners) appointed by the Governor, and 4 non-voting ex-officio members (2 members of the Senate and 2 members of the House of Representatives). The commission appoints an Executive Secretary and staff to carry out its assigned duties and the day-to-day operation of the WHRC. For more information about the agency, go to www.whrc.wa.gov.

Duties

Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:

• Escort racehorses from the winner's circle to the test barn while providing essential care, such as washing and walking.
• Execute the formal collection of urine samples following established regulatory protocols.
• Label and record each collection process to maintain a strict, documented chain of custody.
• Prevent sample contamination to uphold the integrity and security of the horse racing industry.
• Maintain the test barn and office environments to the highest standards of cleanliness and organization to prevent sample contamination and ensure a professional workspace.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age or older.
• Experience handling and working around horses.
• Ability to perform job duties under fast-paced and potentially stressful working conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualification:

• Knowledge of the pari-mutuel horse racing industry
• Knowledge of Title 260 WAC, specifically WAC 260-14 and WAC 260-70

Supplemental Information

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions. Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.). 

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified. 

Opportunity for All: 
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.