Job Details

Working Title: Animal Health Specialist
Job Class: Animal Health Specialist
Agency: Racing Commission

Job ID: 92252
Location: Twin Cities Suburbs: North
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 02/14/2026
Closing Date: 03/02/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Racing Commission / Racing Commission-MAPE
Division/Unit: Minnesota Racing Commission / MRC-Columbus Barn
Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
Days of Work: Varies
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
End Date: 09/19/2026
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

THIS IS A 5-MONTH SEASONAL SUMMER POSITION WHICH REQUIRES WORKING WEEKENDS.

The 2026 racing season is May 17, 2026 to September 19, 2026. Training for this position will begin Saturday, May 9, 2026. Running Aces will conduct live racing on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. There are 55 days of live racing scheduled. First post is at 6 pm, Sundays and Thursdays, 7pm, Tuesdays. Work hours are variable and flexible-typically between 4 pm and 11 pm.

This position will monitor and enforce compliance with State of Minnesota statutes and rules relating to detention, post-race testing, handling of horses after a race, and to monitor and enforce safety regulations in the detention barn. The position reports to the MRC Deputy Director and will work closely with Racing Commission veterinary staff, MRC Team, and serves in a lead position in the detention barn on daily basis during the period of live horse racing.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and experience in working with equines.
Ability to handle a horse in an emergency.
Must be able to act in an authoritative yet objective manner.
Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
Word processing skills to develop and modify a variety of correspondence, records, and reports.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Veterinary Technician or in pursuit of a degree in an area of veterinary medicine or animal sciences.
Experience in the collection of equine blood and urine specimens including chain of custody procedures.
Basic knowledge of MRC horse racing laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
Experience working with or for the Minnesota Racing Commission.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Involves frequent moving and positioning of self to accomplish work tasks.
Involves moving through uneven terrain.
Requires working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Must be able to transport up to 40 lbs.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass background and employment reference checks required for all employees of the Minnesota Racing Commission. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or 651-201-2393.

About the Minnesota Racing Commission

The Minnesota Racing Commission operates in the public interest to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing, to oversee the proper distribution of funds back into the industry, and to provide for the safety and welfare of the human and equine participants. The Racing Commission works to promote the horse racing and breeding industry in Minnesota in order to provide economic stimulus, offer residents and visitors an exciting entertainment option, and support agriculture and rural agribusiness. Visit https://mn.gov/mrc/ for more information.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

State of Minnesota - Racing Commission jobs

Animal Health Specialist

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