Animal Welfare Investigative Steward

**About us**

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV), a statutory body, is responsible for the control, development and promotion of the Victorian harness racing industry.

With strong links to rural and regional communities, we are committed to developing a vibrant and sustainable industry that promotes participation, integrity and racing excellence.

We value all our customers, from our participants - which include trainers, drivers, breeders and owners - to our regional clubs, industry stakeholders and fans of the sport. We work closely with the other Victorian racing codes to support the ethical treatment of our animals, as well as ethical wagering.

**The Opportunity**

We are seeking an Animal Welfare Investigative Steward to join our Integrity Team. This opportunity is offered on permanent full-time basis. The Animal Welfare Investigative Steward will be responsible for coordinating HRV’s licensing and animal welfare function to ensure compliance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules.

Working under the supervision and direction of the Manager Investigations & Compliance, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Assisting Veterinarians in implementing and subsequently reviewing Policies and Procedures to consider and promote the health and welfare of Standardbreds.
- Coordinate the conduct of Standardbred welfare monitoring, inspections, and data management
- Internal benchmarking, performance monitoring and recommendations for improved performance on identified equine health and welfare issues.
- Assist to facilitate the conduct of Standardbred welfare research.
- Assist to build the Standardbred racing industry’s knowledge of best practice animal welfare standards.
- Conduct investigations in relation to animal welfare matters where appropriate.

**About You**

Ideally, we are seeking an applicant who meets the following key criteria:

- Experience/knowledge of animal welfare strategies and programs
- Knowledge and experience of investigative techniques and procedures, rules of evidence relating to various legal jurisdictions and equine drug use and analytical procedure would be highly desirable.
- Experience in managing confidential information together with understanding of the importance to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and fairness at all times.
- Passion for racing industry and animal welfare
- Ability to follow strict procedural guidelines
- Excellent interpersonal skills, strong writing style and an engaging presenter
- Strong attention to detail, time management and ability to meet deadlines
- A genuine desire to work and contribute to protecting the integrity of the racing industry is a must.

The successful applicant will be required to successfully complete background checks in accordance with company policy.

**Applications close 7 February, 2023