Assistant Starter

About Us

Job Description:

Assistant Starter is responsible for the safety of the jockeys and horses as they load into the Starting Gate by performing the following duties.

• Rake starting area
• Test & maintain automatic gate.
• Minor repairs that occur during the racing season
• Ensure horses starting position is marked
• Leading horses to the gate and coaxing them in
• Training horses to accept the starting gate
• Troubleshooting & correcting leg soundness problems
• The moving and preparing gates before the race meet starts.
• The maintenance which includes greasing and oiling of gate.
• The changing of numbers
• The moving and storing of gates after the final program.
• Handling and loading of horses.
• Any directive assigned by the Starter with direct relationship to racing of horses and the scheduled post time of each race.
• Keep tense racehorses calm prior to start
• Assist in the removal of horses that cannot get off the racetrack under their own power during or following each race.
• Will abide by all safety requirements as required by individual departments and/or job functions.
• All other duties as assigned by management.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or up to 1 year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess strong communication skills, be flexible and detail oriented.
• Must be able to obtain an Illinois Racing Board License.
• Must have the ability to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

• Required is frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, climbing and sitting.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in various weather conditions.

Base Pay Range: 40.50 This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The base salary will depend on a number of factors such as: qualifications, experience level, and skillset.

• Voluntary full-time employment benefits include medical, dental, and vision; life, AD&D, critical illness, and hospital insurance; short and long-term disability; identity/legal protection; as well as access to FSA and HSA accounts.
• Full and part-time employees are eligible to contribute to traditional and/or Roth 401(k) plans.
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers counseling for a multitude of topics including (but not limited to) mental health, finances, adult care, disability and grief.

Fairmount Park is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.