Tracks Manager

Ballarat Turf Club are looking for a Tracks Manager to join our team. The main purpose of this role is to present BTC’s racing surfaces and training tracks to the highest possible standard. With particular note for the purpose of;
- training for both Ballarat & outside visiting trainers,
- for quality fair racing to all trainers supporting our racing program and;
- punters and raceday patrons with an interest & supporting Ballarat’s heavy racing schedule during the season.

Generally attend work hours between 10am - 6.30pm Monday

The main responsiblilties of the role include (but not limited to);
- The presentation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the racing & training services, facilities and surrounds in order to provide for a safe, attractive environment for all stakeholders, raceday patrons and visitors to the Ballarat Turf Club.
- To ensure that the Club’s tracks and grounds are well maintained and attractively presented at all times
- To prepare racing surfaces in accordance with the RVL Racecourse Maintenance Standards, to provide for superior tracks that have a reputation for safety, consistency and fairness for racing.
- To prepare and maintain training track surfaces in accordance with the RVL Racecourse Maintenance Standards that offer a consistently high standard to enable the best possible preparation of thoroughbred horses for racing.
- To assist in the development of the Annual Racecourse Maintenance and Renovation Plan in conjunction with the Racecourse Manager and in consultation with the Regional Tracks & Facilities Manager & RV officials as necessary.
- Tracks Maintenance reporting
- Manage schedules for the maintenance of tracks;
- Daily track messages to Ballarat trainers group with update on track conditions
- Work with the Grounds and Facilities Manager and Maintenance Division to ensure that all plant and equipment are maintained, serviced and repaired in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and that appropriate records are kept.
- To ensure that the Club’s infrastructure (e.g. irrigation, water, power, access etc) is appropriately maintained and serviced.
- To work cooperatively with the Racecourse Manager and CEO to plan for future facility development. Facility development may include stable construction, traffic management, expansion of tracks and facilities for racing and training, trainer facilities and improvements within the function centre etc
- Liaising with a range of contractors for quoting of works related specifically to tracks and managing through to actual works being completed onsite and to budget.
- Check track and weather conditions and perform penotrometer operation, consult with jockeys who have galloped on track on raceday morning to obtain rating.
- Contact all relevant persons and facilities with track information before 6.30am.
- Consult with RVL stewards when required.

Skills Required;
- Preferred qualifications in an appropriate turf management discipline (not essential)
- Ability to work independently and be self motivated
- Experienced in staff supervision and development
- Knowledge of all turf maintenance requirements in line with preparing a thoroughbred racing surface to meet industry guidelines.
- Ability to operate and working knowledge of required machinery including turf maintenance equipment
- Knowledge of general maintenance of buildings, facilities and surrounds to support the Grounds & Facilities Manager.
- Have ability to deal with any conflict that may arise (staff, contractors, trainers) and make autonomous decisions if required.
- Experience in developing and implementing track maintenance and renovation programs is preferred
- Occupational Health & Safety qualifications will be highly regarded
- Professional experience in the maintenance of thoroughbred racing and training surfaces preferred
- Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people
- Satisfactory computer skills

Salary range commenserate to experience, plus vehicle, phone and laptop.