Track Superintendent-TTC

Track Superintendent

The Track Superintendent is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and daily operation of The Thoroughbred Center's training tracks. This position plans, coordinates, and supervises all activities necessary to provide safe, consistent, and high-quality racing surfaces for horses and riders.

The Track Superintendent oversees the racetrack maintenance staff, directs daily track preparation, monitors weather and track conditions, maintains specialized equipment, and assists with facility maintenance as needed. This position also supports custom track maintenance projects for clients and works closely with management to ensure the highest standards of safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Track Maintenance

• Oversee the daily preparation and maintenance of both training tracks.
• Monitor track composition, cushion depth, moisture levels, drainage, and overall racing surface conditions.
• Determine appropriate harrowing, grading, rolling, watering, and renovation schedules.
• Inspect tracks throughout training hours and make adjustments as necessary to maintain consistent footing.
• Recommend track closures or delays due to weather or unsafe conditions.

Supervision

• Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate track maintenance personnel.
• Assign daily work responsibilities and monitor employee performance.
• Promote a safe, productive, and team-oriented work environment.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees.

Equipment Management

• Operate and oversee the operation of graders, tractors, rollers, water trucks, loaders, and other specialized track maintenance equipment.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs for all track maintenance equipment.
• Maintain equipment, maintenance records, and inspection schedules.
• Report equipment repair needs and coordinate outside service providers when necessary.

Safety and Operations

• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with company safety policies and applicable regulations.
• Assist with emergency responses involving injured horses, riders, or other incidents occurring on the training grounds.
• Communicate track conditions, closures, delays, and operational updates to management and horsemen.
• Coordinate daily operations with outriders, clockers, veterinarians, maintenance personnel, and management.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain records related to track maintenance activities.
• Monitor inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist in preparing annual operating and capital equipment budgets.
• Recommend improvements to equipment, procedures, racetrack safety, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We recognize that strong candidates may possess transferable skills without having experience operating every piece of specialized equipment used in racetrack maintenance. Qualified applicants who demonstrate a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three to five years of experience in racetrack maintenance, grounds maintenance, heavy equipment operation, or a closely related field.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience maintaining equine training or racing surfaces is preferred. Related experience in maintenance, agriculture, construction, landscaping, or heavy equipment operation will also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of racetrack maintenance practices and racing surface management.
• Knowledge of drainage systems, soil composition, and moisture management.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment or demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn the safe operation of specialized track maintenance equipment through on-the-job training.
• Strong leadership and employee management skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in changing weather and track conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Basic computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and maintenance records.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with horsemen, employees, contractors, and management.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRCG) License required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently climb on and off heavy equipment.
• Frequently bend, kneel, stoop, and reach.
• Regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift more than 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and motor vehicles.
• Good vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and hearing are required.

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily outdoors and requires exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, mud, dust, and uneven terrain.

The employee will regularly work around horses, heavy equipment, moving vehicles, loud machinery, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Early morning, weekend, holiday, and emergency work is required to support racing and training operations.