Supervisor Racing Surfaces

Our rich history is a big part of who we are. With historic roots dating back over 135 years, Woodbine is steeped in tradition. We have been the engine that drives the Ontario horse racing industry, creating winning experiences for all our guests.

We are also currently on an amazing 20-year journey to ‘build a city within a city’ and transform the largest privately held land in Toronto into one of Canada’s premiere entertainment destinations. This journey will unlock the value of approximately 700 acres of land, leading to job creation and the revitalization of our communities, while enhancing our ability to share the thrill of horse-racing and cementing our place as an entertainment powerhouse.

We also take care of our PEOPLE. Here are some of the things we offer:

We need dedicated people to join our cause. Be part of Woodbine Entertainment and get inspired to make work awesome!

Job Title: Supervisor, Racing Surfaces

Department: Standardbred Racing

Reports To: General Manager, Mohawk Park 

Date: May 2024

Business Address: 555 Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto, ON, M9W5L2

Language of Work: English

Type of Employment: Full-time

Salary Range: $63,500 to $65,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Defined Contribution Pension Plan, Paid Vacation, Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability

Contact Information:

Email: msebastiao@woodbine.com

Telephone: 416-675-3993 ext. 3254

Mailing Address: Same as business address

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to ensure that the racing surfaces are prepared in a safe and consistent manner each day of racing and that all equipment is functional and that the resources needed are readily available to staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•Manages and supervises track staff, provides direction to Standardbred staff regarding managing track surface prior, during and after racing

•Daily maintenance of Standardbred racing surface for racing at the Woodbine Mohawk Park location and ensures track and equipment is operational and maintained in safe working order

•Ensures minimal impact to the operations when conducting maintenance activities of the track surface.

•Makes recommendations to Vice President of Standardbred Racing to cancel racing due to adverse or dangerous conditions existing in the absence of the Manager.

•Addresses Owners', Trainer's and/or Drivers' concerns with respect to track surface issues.

•Monitors workload, develops and implements tasks and work procedures.

•Provides feedback to managers on daily operational needs for parts, material and services, including staffing requirements.

•Creates and implements daily work schedule for track surface employees.

•Manages daily track log process on Mohawk’s racing surface, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

•Monitors environment for due diligence and compliance support.

•Ensures all related equipment is in safe working condition and ensures staff are properly trained.

•Ensures Horse Ambulance, Start Gate and Emergency Lights are operational for racing.

•Develops and maintains positive relationships with horsemen and other racing related staff.

•Interprets, administers and implements the applicable Collective Agreement(s), organizational policies, and Human Resources policies, as required.

•Exhibits, demonstrates and encourages from others the core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability and Excellence.

•Represents the Standardbred racing surface department on the Health & Safety committees to ensure safety procols are created and followed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Knowledge

•Advanced knowledge of standardbred horse racetrack surfaces and related issues.

•Knowledge of horse racing industry.

•General understanding of the operational and regulatory structure of horse racing.

•Knowledge of managing a team of 10 – 15 people

Skills

•Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership, organizational and management skills

•Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite) and able to multi-task in an ever changing, demanding environment.

•Ability to create and manage a seven-day schedule.

•Must be flexible and innovative.

•Ability to maintain and influence internal and external relationships.

•Ability to operate heavy equipment. 

•Ability to evaluate the track surface to determine the best maintenance, resulting in lowering horse injury.

•Ability to make decisions regarding the track surface due to variable weather.

•Identify areas to improve the efficiencies of track maintenance while still maintaining high standards of safety

•Proven ability to build strong relationships within the racing department and property services to enable collaborative work environment

•Demonstrates excellent judgement on how to manuever machinery while sharing the       track with the standardbred horses

Education and Experience

•Post secondary education (degree/certificate/diploma) in Property Services and/or horse racing track surface maintenance or related field.

•3-5 years practical experience in a similar environment. 

•Experience operating graders, tractors and water trucks

•Required to have a D-class license

•Ability to evaluate the gait of a horse in order to determine a suitable track surface.  Trotters vs. Pacers. 

Working Conditions

•Exposure to external weather conditions and dust, noise

•Must be able to respond to numerous outside influences and impacts

•This role is required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to match the Standardbred race schedule.