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Special Investigator 1 - Chester Downs Racetrack

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania, Chester, PA, United States

Duration: Full Time








Salary



$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually






Location




Delaware County, PA








Job Type



Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time






Job Number



N-2026-43386








Department



Department of Agriculture






Division



AG Chstr Dwns Rctrk








Opening Date



04/27/2026






Closing Date



5/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern








Job Code



70810






Position Number



50294979








Union



FOP






Bargaining Unit



G4








Pay Group



ST06






Bureau / Division Code



00043185








Bureau / Division



Chester Downs Racetrack






Worksite Address



1001 Harrah's Blvd








City



Chester, Pennsylvania






Zip Code



19013








Contact Name



Zachary Bender






Contact Email



zbender@pa.gov








THE POSITION


NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF (N-2026-43386) WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM FEBRUARY 26, 2026 TO MARCH 7, 2026. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.


If you have a passion for working with horses and jockeys and are eager to play a vital role in the thrilling realm of horse racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has an exciting opportunity for you. The Department of Agriculture is on the lookout for a committed individual with a background in criminal investigations to take on the role of Special Investigator 1 at Chester Downs Racetrack. This position not only allows you to immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of horse racing but also enables you to contribute significantly to the integrity and safety of the sport. If you are ready to make a difference and be part of this exhilarating industry, do not hesitate-apply today!


DESCRIPTION OF WORK


In this position, you will conduct thorough investigations into unlawful activities and breaches of Pennsylvania's racing regulations, as well as administrative guidelines, substance abuse issues, and the analysis of equine post-race samples. Acting on behalf of the Race Track Manager from the Commission Office, the Special Investigator 1 is tasked with gathering and organizing investigative information, preparing and presenting testimony, and serving as the prosecutor during Stewards hearings. This role also involves interviewing applicants who have prior arrests, convictions, or racing suspensions from other jurisdictions, administering drug and alcohol tests, and collecting evidence and samples from individuals under investigation.

Your responsibilities will extend to searching various areas within the racing facility, obtaining necessary authorizations for the release of confidential information, including court documents and drug and alcohol treatment evaluations. You will also be involved in the collection, packaging, and securing of samples from witnesses, performing fingerprinting, photographing applicants, verifying the eligibility of licensees, and researching the criminal histories of applicants. The Special Investigator 1 plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of racing by diligently investigating and verifying all applicants for the Commission of Racing.


Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday; Tuesday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY


QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Special Investigator Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Two years of professional experience in criminal, civil, or administrative investigation work, and a bachelor's degree; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training.


Post Employment Requirement

  • A Commission Employee License is required for this position or will be obtained once hired.


Additional Requirements:

  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

  • Experience working with and/or around horses


How to Apply:
  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.


Veterans:

  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.


Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.