Chief State Steward, Thoroughbred Racing - Penn National Racetrack

About the Department

Step into a leadership role that shapes the quality and fairness of racing in Pennsylvania! As a Chief State Steward with the Department of Agriculture, you oversee race operations, review incidents, and help maintain strong communication with racing professionals. Your decisions support safe and well-regulated racing events. This position offers a rewarding chance to guide teams, uphold standards, and serve the racing community!

Position Duties

This role oversees race operations, enforces rules, and supports coordination between the Board of Stewards and Commission staff. The work ensures that racing events follow regulations and operate smoothly. As a Chief State Steward, you will perform the following duties:

• Race Supervision: Oversee the running of races and participate in decisions on inquiries and objections
• Rule Enforcement: Review incidents to determine rule violations and prepare reports for the Commission
• Hearing Scheduling: Arrange hearings on rule violations and file official decisions
• Stakeholder Review: Discuss race replays with jockeys, owners, and trainers when needed
• Program Oversight: Share duties involving entry taking, scratching horses, and managing sales or transfers
• Track Coordination: Maintain cooperation with officials at nearby tracks and respond to correspondence

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Per diem employment
• This is a vendor-controlled position, meaning Penn National's race schedule will determine workdays and times, which can change with short notice.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Requirements:

• You must have a Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) Accredited Flat Racing, Stewards School Certification.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• A Commission Employee License is required for this position or will be obtained once hired. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov