Seasonal Track and Grounds Equipment Operator

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park offers competitive pay and an attractive benefits package for part-time team members. Our team members enjoy paid time off, floating holidays and holiday premium pay. For eligible team members, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes life, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching; robust wellness programs designed to promote overall health and well-being; and much more. Additional exciting perks include free admission to live racing events, exclusive access to special event privileges, and a wide variety of discounts at local businesses and throughout Canterbury Park. These benefits are carefully designed to not only enhance your experience at work but also contribute to a vibrant and rewarding lifestyle in the community.

Job Summary:

The primary responsibility for this position is to assist in maintaining the dirt track surface, turf track surface and/or the grounds. Essential duties will depend on which area assigned to.  Responsible for supporting the Company’s mission, vision, and values by providing an unparalleled experience of fun and entertainment.       

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead by example.


• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of hospitality, as well as a positive and professional demeanor at all times.


• Creates high levels of morale, fosters teamwork, inspires collaboration, delegates effectively and coaches and mentors direct reports for growth opportunities.


• Operate tractors, water trucks, lawn mowers and other equipment to maintain/groom the track and grounds.


• Responsible for reading, observing, enforcing and understanding all safety rules for safe operation for each piece of equipment.


• Provide basic maintenance to tractors, water trucks, equipment and notify appropriate staff when maintenance is due.


• Must use sound judgement when using equipment around the horses.


• Assist with the mowing, whipping, planting of all grass areas.


• The ability to learn the dirt track grooming patterns and turf mowing techniques for the various types of races and distances.


• Operate horse ambulance and backup horse ambulance, as needed.


• Help maintain dirt & red rock throughout the facility.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older


• On the job training/past jobs related.


• Valid driver’s license required.


• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and effectively communicate with guests, co-workers and management is a must.


• Must be able to attain an MRC license and meet the standards of the Safe Drivers Plan. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.


• Experience operating tractors, water trucks, skid loaders and grounds equipment.


• Flexibility of schedule is required. Available to work days, nights, weekends and holidays during the live racing season (May-September).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating tractors, water trucks, skid loaders and weed whip preferred.


• Have the ability to work independently.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the essential functions of this job, this position must be able to work in an outdoor setting under all weather conditions.


• Be comfortable with heights up to 40 ft. when using lift equipment.


• Use of ladders up to 12 ft.


• Able to lift and work with 50lb loads for 4 hours.


• Able to climb 5 flights of stairs.


• Able to work with racing department, horsemen, vets and other crews.