Veterinarian - Division of Racing Events

Full Job Description

The mission of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is to become a trusted partner to every Coloradan to help them navigate the complexities of government so they can thrive. We are driven by our values of service, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and respect.

The vision of the department is to empower businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation, and collaboration.

We celebrate diversity and support an equitable and inclusive culture. We embrace our differences because we believe this brings innovation to our work.

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Requirements

Are you a veterinarian passionate about equine welfare, sports integrity, and public service? The Colorado Division of Racing is seeking a State Regulatory Veterinarian to serve as a pivotal leader in our mission to ensure the safety, health, and fairness of the racing industry.

In this role, you will lead a dedicated team and influence the rules and regulations that define animal welfare in our state.

What You'll Do:

Clinical Oversight & Animal Welfare

• Conduct critical pre-race inspections to ensure every starter is fit to compete. You hold the authority to scratch horses for medical or safety concerns, placing animal health above all else.

• Provide expert medical care in critical moments on the track.

• Partner with the State Veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to monitor and control communicable equine diseases.

Integrity & Innovation

• Oversee the Division’s sophisticated laboratory testing program, including urine, blood, and hair collection.

• Collaborate with Colorado State University on the Racehorse Postmortem Evaluation Project, contributing to vital industry research.

• Serve as the "gold standard" lead for sample integrity and drug screening protocols.

Leadership & Administration

• Mentor and manage the Test Barn staff, coordinating schedules and procedures to ensure a high-functioning, secure environment.

• Assist in drafting the rules and guidelines that govern medication usage and veterinary practices under the Colorado Racing Act.

• Represent the Division’s expertise in administrative hearings and legal proceedings.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to the integrity of Colorado’s sporting traditions and the protection of its equine athletes.

• Make a meaningful impact by serving as the state’s primary advocate for animal welfare, ensuring every race is conducted with the highest ethical and safety standards.

• Grow your career in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.

• This is an exempt, onsite position where you will balance your time between the Division of Racing office at 1707 Cole Blvd. Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80401 and the Division's Arapahoe Park and off-track facility located at 26000 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016.

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States.

All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete.If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado at their own expense.

The time frame for relocation is based on DOR needs and is typically between 30 and 60 days after an offer has been accepted.

For information about living in Colorado visit the Choose Colorado Website:https://choosecolorado.com/living/cost-of-living/

Class Code & Classification Description:

C9B1XX VETERINARIAN I

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado or hold a current license in another jurisdiction with the ability to obtain Colorado licensure within 30 days of offer.

*For out of state applicants, Colorado statute requires that Veterinarians transfer their License to Colorado:https://dpo.colorado.gov/Veterinary/Applications

NOTE: If submitting a transcript, certification or other relevant materials, candidates may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Colorado statute requires that Veterinarians be licensed in Colorado https://dpo.colorado.gov/Veterinary/Applications
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License. For out of state applicants, the ability to obtain a Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of offer
• In and out of state travel required as needed
• Applicants must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays.
• Applicants must be willing and able to perform lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving objects, occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Random drug tests may be required of all positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of equine and large-animal medicine, with a specialized focus on the unique physiological and health needs of racehorses or elite high-performance sporthorses.

• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex state statutes (such as the Colorado Racing Act) to ensure unwavering compliance with veterinary ethics and administrative policy.

• Outstanding clinical decision-making skills, with the ability to act decisively under pressure—especially when making high-stakes "scratch" recommendations or providing emergency trackside care.

• A deep-seated commitment to animal welfare, evidenced by a career-long dedication to the ethical treatment and well-being of equine athletes.

• A comprehensive understanding of the operational risks, safety protocols, and nuances of the horse racing industry.

• Experience providing expert opinions on the suitability of medical staff, specialized equipment, and diagnostic testing protocols.

• High level of flexibility in managing non-routine tasks, from setting long-term policy goals to performing real-time forensic analysis.

• Professional fluency in both Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite for digital record-keeping and data management.

• Sophisticated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to testify as a subject matter expert

Conditions of Employment with the CDOR:

Employees are in a position of public trust in the performance of their job duties and must operate in a manner that maintains the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence.

As a condition of employment with the CDOR, all personnel must file all necessary Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) returns and pay tax obligations, therefore all employees must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of their tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with this policy.

Final candidates must also complete a successful background investigation and reference check prior to appointment. Certain positions based on duties may require scheduled background investigations.

Pursuant to the Universal Driving Standards Policy, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application, to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

Only complete applications submitted before the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed.

• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.

• Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

• List your employment history starting with the most recent job, including part-time, temporary, and volunteer jobs. If more than one job was held with a given organization, list each job held as a separate period of employment.

• Information must be accurate, including dates of employment. If it is found that information provided is falsified, you will not be considered for a job with the State of Colorado and/or may be removed from a job after hire.

• The eligible list established from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email.

Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative.

This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Additional Information

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Compliance

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Revenue is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA inbox, dor_ohr@state.co.us.

We are committed to building work environments that are inclusive and reflect our communities and the diverse talents of all people. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.

If not applying online, submit application to:

If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application(Download PDF reader).

Paper applications must be received via email to dor_ohr@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.

Methods of Appointment:

Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.

Step Pay Program:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program, any former or current State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series.