Seasonal Starter

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park offers competitive pay and an attractive benefits package for part-time team members. Our team members enjoy paid time off, floating holidays and holiday premium pay. For eligible team members, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes life, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching; robust wellness programs designed to promote overall health and well-being; and much more. Additional exciting perks include free admission to live racing events, exclusive access to special event privileges, and a wide variety of discounts at local businesses and throughout Canterbury Park. These benefits are carefully designed to not only enhance your experience at work but also contribute to a vibrant and rewarding lifestyle in the community.

Job Summary:

The Starter ensures safe, fair, and efficient race starts in compliance with Minnesota Racing Commission and HISA regulations. This role oversees starting gate operations, staff, and equipment; coordinates with jockeys and race officials; monitors horse behavior; and supervises starting gate schooling while maintaining professional leadership and high standards of conduct. Responsible for supporting the Company's mission, vision, and values by providing an unparalleled experience of fun and entertainment.

The pay range for this seasonal role is $1,213 - $1,698 per week for approximately 20 weeks of employment. Placement within the range is based on relevant experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance is available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead by example.
• Maintain a high degree of hospitality, as well as a positive and professional demeanor at all times.
• Create high levels of morale, foster teamwork, inspire collaboration, delegate effectively, and coach and mentor direct reports for growth opportunities.
• Ensure fair and even starts for each race.
• Manage the starting gates and related equipment.
• Inspect horses for any signs of injury or agitation prior to the race.
• Work with jockeys to ensure they are prepared and properly aligned for the start.
• Monitor the behavior of horses and take corrective action when necessary.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with race officials and other track personnel.
• Initiate the start signal for each race.
• Record and report any incidents or issues occurring during the start.
• Ensure the starting gate is properly positioned for race conditions, all conduct and procedures comply with HISA regulations, and starting gate staff are fully trained on required safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform regular maintenance checks on the starting gates.
• Stay informed of industry standards and regulations related to race starting.
• Supervise schooling in the starting gate for any horse not sufficiently trained in starting gate procedures.
• Maintain a list of any horses so ordered until they are sufficiently schooled in starting gate procedures.
• Assign starting gate stall positions to assistant starters in accordance with Minnesota Racing Commission rules and maintain a record of such assignments.
• Immediately report to the Stewards any false starts, impeded starts, or unfair starts.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervision:

• Assistant Starters

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of three to five years of experience in starting gate operations or similar Thoroughbred racing roles required.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Starter strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group
• Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often challenging environment where multiple tasks and events may occur simultaneously.
• The highest of moral integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Must be able to pass Canterbury Park's pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, drug screening, and Canterbury Park's Safe Driving Policy.
• Must be able to attain a Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) license.
• As a requirement of HISA, must complete on an annual basis at least 2 hours of safety training either a) provided by Canterbury Park prior to the beginning of the current meet or b) through ROAP certification.

Working Conditions and 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.

• Maintain a flexible working schedule, which may include nights and weekends during the live race season May - September.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit throughout the assigned shift
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Requires frequent wrist and hand use.