Track Curator - Queensland Greyhound Racing Club

Greyhound Racing in Queensland has entered an exciting new phase in 2024 with the amalgamation of the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club and Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club to form the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (QGRC). In late 2024 the QGRC will commence transitioning its operations to The Q greyhound racing facility located in Yamanto south-west of Ipswich.

The Track Curator - Ipswich will initially manage the operations of the Ipswich Showgrounds racing venue and then transition into an equivalent level position at The Q racing venue.

The Ipswich Showgrounds racing venue conducts four race meeting and two trial sessions weekly providing industry participants and the local community with quality racing facilities whilst ensuring maximum returns for the club and the racing industry.

We are seeking a passionate and professional person to fill the role of Track Curator. This is a hands-on role, and ideally suits an individual who possesses a proven track record in a similar role relative to either an allied racing sector or from within the recreational surface industry. Greyhound track experience is highly desirable. An understanding of the specific operations of greyhound racing and track preparations, understanding and implementation of various monitoring and diagnostic tools and procedures, adherence to OHS standards, as well as having a strong knowledge of facility maintenance is also highly desirable.

This position may also be required to work at the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club – Brisbane venue at Albion Park depending on operational needs.

THE ROLE

The role is full time minimum 38-hour week and will require attendance at race/trial days/nights including some weekend work. Maintaining the race tracks to the highest industry safety standards with the welfare of greyhounds is your first priority. You will be under the direction of the Operations Manager to ensure a safe and consistent environment for all greyhounds irrespective of whether for trials or racing.

• 'Hands on' general management of grounds, track, infrastructure and office area including mowing, track preparation and repairs and garden maintenance
• Management and upkeep of the irrigation systems used to prepare the racing surface
• Assist in maintaining areas around the race track including track gutters, mechanical lure system, starting boxes, fencing, lawn areas, garden beds and inside of race track
• Assist in the conduct of trials and race meetings
• Assist with the supervision of the pool of casual staff for the successful delivery of racing and trial days
• Implement the maintenance strategies for the venue and facilities
• Ensure work is delivered on time and within OH&S and club standards
• Sourcing and assisting of external services and supplies
• Monthly OH&S Reporting, Weekly Track Reporting and Race Day Track readings.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Previous experience in a curator role, either in the racing industry or a similar field (eg greens keeper, sports oval preparation etc).
• Ability to work within a team environment and to positively influence culture, yet work autonomously without supervision.
• A proven history of successfully preparing and maintaining greyhound racing tracks would be a distinct advantage.
• Ability to implement preventative maintenance strategies to bring about a proactive and preventative maintenance culture.
• Experience in communicating with staff, management, contractors & external stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes
• Strong communicator with excellent problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines
• Knowledge and experience in working with different sand surfaces.

• Ability to be flexible with hours and weekend work

• Valid QLD Driver’s license

If you have a background in maintenance, grounds keeping or similar industry, coupled with a passion for the racing industry, we would like to hear from you. Previous experience in greyhound track maintenance is considered an advantage.

The position will be employed under the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award.

More than one position may be filled with this advertisement depending on the quality of applications.