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Delaware Department of
Agriculture


Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund



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About DESBF


The Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund is an appointed 11-member board created to oversee a state-bred breeding program. A hired administrator performs the daily activities.

The Administrator oversees the Sires Program and the Racing Program, which consists of 48 races annually divided equally between the states’ two harness tracks, Bally’s Dover and Harrington Raceway.

The Fund also markets Delaware Bred Horses at major Standardbred sales, and supports educational events such as the Harness Horse Youth Camp, an annual New Owners’ Seminar, and other events around the state, with the major day being Governor’s Day at the Delaware State Fair in July.

 

Employment Opportunities


Administrator of Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (Exempt Position), Closing Date: April 30, 2024

Salary Range: $65,185 – $79,069

As an employee of the State of Delaware, Department of Agriculture, the Administrator will represent the state’s interests in oversite of registration of stallions, yearlings, and two- and three-year-olds eligible for the Breeders’ Fund program. This includes tracking all specific stake monies and bonuses paid to the two harness tracks, Bally’s Dover and Harrington Raceway. In addition to ensuring all Regulations of the Breeders’ Fund are adhered to at the tracks and breeding farms. The Administrator is the primary contact for the “Fund” between track management, racing departments, and the Horsemen’s Association. In addition, they are the point of contact for the Harness Racing Commission and other state agencies such as the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, and Lottery and the Registrar. Outside the state but within the harness industry, they would be the main contact for the United States Trotting Association, Standardbred Canada, and multi-staking services.

The Administrator is the single employee, and as such, collects payments for registration and racing. The Administrator handles any dispute with these payments, and any resulting appeal goes to the Board of Directors for a decision. Keeps detailed records of these payments and provides data pertaining to purses and bonuses paid, along with lists of top performers in each division. Maintains and creates databases for each and every stallion and foal crop along with charts tracking the numbers and economic impact and keeping the Board of Directors apprised and recommends any increase or decrease in purses and bonuses as dictated by the size of foal crops and yearly projection of purses. In addition, all advertising placement and sometimes creation, for placement in track racing programs and industry publications. Knowledge of race office procedures and use of USTA Etrack and Pathway systems preferred. Stays apprised of national industry trends and participates in associations and select horse sales. At all times, is available for any task assigned by the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Finance.

This exempt position with the State of Delaware within the Department of Agriculture comes with a generous benefits package, details of which can be reviewed at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/. Interested applicants must submit a resume by April 30, 2024, to the following address: Department of Agriculture, Human Resources, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system, where the State will provide the federal government with each new hire’s Form l-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Please call (302) 739-5458 to request an auxiliary aid or service. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware, including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

 

Upcoming Meetings


All DESBF Board Meetings are held at 1pm at the Department of Agriculture in the Secretary’s Conference Room.

DESBF Meeting Schedule

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