Superintendent, Racing Surfaces

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Woodbine Mohawk Park's position as the leader in racetrack safety in North America by developing and executing racing surface operating plans that support Woodbine Mohawk Park's overall standardbred racing strategy
• Provide technical oversight to the Standardbred Racing Surfaces Track Maintenance team. Monitor overall staff performance and identify areas for improvement, development, and additional training and make recommendations to the Director, Racing Surfaces.
• Subject matter expert to oversee the standardbred racetrack maintenance, ensuring safety and compliance and readiness for racing, training, qualifying. Make informed recommendations to the Director, Standardbred Racing in consultation with the Director, Racing Surfaces on whether racing should be cancelled and provide back up and insight on the issue at hand in terms of track condition and safety.
• Provides guidance and support to Supervisor, Racing Surfaces regarding day to day maintenance requirements.
• Make recommendations to the Director, Standardbred Racing, Director, Racing Surfaces and Manager, Fleet on equipment and asset acquisitions to ensure the proper equipment is readily available and in safe working order.
• Contribute to the development of and assist in the management of the Standardbred Racing Surfaces budget.
• Develop and maintain maintenance programs/logs for tracks to ensure they meet industry standards with a focus on Health & Safety.
• Works collaboratively with Facilities and Property Services Staff on the team approach of road maintenance, snow removal, grounds maintenance and training.
• Responsible for assessing operational staffing to efficiently and effectively meet the operational demands of all racing, qualifying & training. Make recommendations to Director, Racing Surfaces and  Director, Standardbred Racing on required staffing levels.
• Member of Joint Health & Safety Committee to ensure all areas of the operation are safe for workers.  This included inspections, training records, logs and that all corporate polices and procedures are  followed.
• Ensure Horse Ambulance, Starting Gate & track lights are operational and in good working order for live racing.
• Share feedback from external stakeholders regarding track racing concerns with Director, Racing Surfaces and provide recommendations to provide an industry-leading experience for the horsepeople, owners and trainers.
• Interpret, administer and implement the applicable Collective Agreement, organizational policies and PX policies with the assistance of Director, Racing Surfaces and General Manager, Mohawk Park.
• Exhibit and demonstrate and encourage the core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, and Excellence.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of the horse racing industry
• Advanced understanding of racing equipment and materials
• Advanced knowledge of track surfaces and related issues and machinery
• General understanding of the operational and regulatory structure of horse racing
• Advanced knowledge of WHMIS and Health and Safety Acts and relevant regulations
• General knowledge of union contracts and human relations

Skills

• Take charge attitude in resolving problems with creative solutions
• Demonstrate and model professionalism, courtesy, consideration and respect to internal and WEG guests at all times
• General leadership and people skills with a demonstrated ability to work as a team player representing the Racing department
• Develop and maintain relationships with all departments to effectively coordinate work at MHP.
• Collaborate and demonstrate flexibility in filling work orders from other departments
• Respond in a timely and effective manner to unexpected and immediate needs of trainers/customers
• The ability to interact with customers/trainers to monitor the level of service satisfaction and deal with complaints/corrections immediately
• General computer skills in a Windows and MS Office Suite environment

Education and Experience

• Minimum 3 years of racing surfaces maintenance/ management background
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a supervisory position within a unionized environment is an asset
• Extensive experience operating a Grader Operator

Working Conditions

• Has constant exposure to racetrack/warehouse environment where conditions are affected by dust, noise or weather (heat/cold)
• The majority of tasks performed require a high degree of physical exertion, such as regularly lifting and carrying heavy items, pushing or moving large items, or maintaining agility/stamina for extended periods
• Regular interruptions, multiple demands and time pressure
• Able to travel to multi-location WEG properties within Ontario, as required
• Must possess a valid class "DZ" driver's license
• Hours of work will vary and be in line with year round racing/qualifier schedule. This includes evening, weekends and holidays