Steward/ Starter

About us

Harness Racing Victoria (
HRV
) is a statutory body whose role is to oversee all harness racing activity in Victoria.

Our mission is to deliver the most sought-after and accessible harness racing that produces financial sustainability, ensures clubs are the heart of their communities and provides equal opportunities for all participants to compete. (Further information about HRV can be found at ).

We also operate a racetrack, accommodation, and entertainment complex (hotel accommodation, functions, bars, and gaming) which is situated in Melton and trading as Melton Entertainment Park (
MEP
).

OUR VALUES

Purposeful:
Act with clear intent, consistency, and alignment to core objectives.

Respect:
Extend it unconditionally; earn it through integrity and accountability.

Innovate:
Strive for meaningful progress through thoughtful, transformative change.

Deliver:
Fulfill every commitment with reliability, precision, and excellence.

Empathy:
Seek to understand others by thoughtfully considering their perspectives and experiences.

THE OPPORTUNITIES

To join our integrity team of highly respected Stewards', administer race day operations and start or further your sports administration career with the national leaders in the exciting and vibrant sport of harness racing
.

Your responsibilities will include:

Start Races and Trial Duties

• Efficiently and effectively start both mobile and standing start races, in accordance with HRV's Starting Guidelines.

Race Day Duties

• Oversee the conduct of race meetings to ensure fairness, safety, and compliance with HRV Rules and Policies.
• Display strong race-reading skills, including the ability to analyse videos, assess interference or tactics, and make sound, evidence-based judgements.
• Conduct inquiries into race day incidents and other matters, providing clear and consistent decisions.
• Attend race meetings, inquiries, and appeals, performing duties as empowered under the Australian Harness Racing Rules and Victorian Local Rules.
• Complete all race day documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and fairness in all interactions, upholding the HRV Code of Conduct.

Non-Race Day Duties

• Ensure the secure handling and delivery of samples for prohibited substance testing.
• Conduct inquiries and stable inspections as required, preparing and presenting evidence in a professional manner.
• Provide evidence at appeals hearings and other proceedings when necessary.

ABOUT YOU

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively start harness races, including both mobile and standing start races, in accordance with HRV Rules and procedures.
• Proficiency in computer literacy, including demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications for reporting, documentation, and communication.
• Current motor vehicle driver's licence.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Sound understanding of Harness Racing Victoria Rules and Regulations, including race day procedures, handicapping guidelines, field selection criteria, bookmaker and totalisator rules, and policies relating to horse registration and licensing of participants.
• Knowledge of the harness racing industry and its operational environment.
• Practical and theoretical equine knowledge, with an understanding of standardbred horses and harness gear.
• Experience working in, or exposure to, a stewarding environment.

Essential Personal Qualities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and present evidence effectively.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build rapport, manage conflict, and maintain stakeholder trust.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritise, and perform effectively under pressure and within tight timeframes.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capability, with sound judgement, negotiation, and consultation skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility to respond to changing priorities and operational requirements.
• Team-oriented, cooperative, and able to work effectively with colleagues who have different working styles.
• Strong customer focus, actively listening to stakeholder needs and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Reliability and professionalism, demonstrated through punctuality, presentation, and consistent behaviour aligned with HRV's Code of Conduct.
• Integrity and fairness in all decision-making and actions, upholding the highest standards of probity and accountability.

Other Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to:

• travel between the HRV Head Office located in Flemington, Melton Entertainment Park (MEP), country clubs and regional Victoria will be required. Given this position's unique nature and the racing industry's operational requirements, weeknight and weekend work will be required in line with the racing calendar.
• work in and around horses and occasionally handle horses;
• fly in light aircraft to race meetings within Victoria;

The position holder must:

• Undergo a satisfactory police background, reference checks and probity checks in accordance with policy.
• Possess and maintain a current valid Victorian motor vehicle driver's licence.
• Possess and maintain a current valid Victorian Working with Children Check

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible working arrangements
• Career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted health insurance
• Flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking

Harness Racing Victoria are an Equal Opportunity and Child Safe employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to child safety and supporting the best interests of children in all our operations. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining people from a diverse background, including but not limited to, those identifying as LGBTIQ, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with a disability.