Special Investigator 1 - Chester Downs Racetrack
State of Pennsylvania - Harrisburg, PA
Apply NowJob Description
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: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: 3/7/2026 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: THE POSITION 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 QUALIFICATIONSMinimum 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. 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 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. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short ! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities. Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply. 01 Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Special Investigator Trainee program? Yes No 02 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 03 How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in criminal investigation work, civil investigation work, or administrative investigation work? 2 years or more 1 but less than 2 years Less than 1 year None 04 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 05 Are you claiming full-time professional experience conducting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations while employed as a police officer? Yes No 06 If you answered Yes, you must provide the following detailed information to support your experience. Be sure to include the following information: i. The name of the employer(s) where the work was performed. ii. The number of hours worked per week spent specifically on criminal, civil, or administrative investigations work. iii. The name of the specific office in which you were employed (if applicable).iv. The job duties you performed.v. The dates of employment (month/year to month/year) that this experience took place. 07 How much graduate coursework have you completed in criminal justice, law/legal studies, psychology, sociology, or finance?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted. 30 credits or more Less than 30 credits None 08 Preferred Qualification - Do you have experience working with and/or around horses? Yes No Required Question
Created: 2026-03-04