Chaplain

Position: Chaplain: Full- Time Seasonal: November 2026 through April 2027 (ongoing each season depending on performance)
Location: Tampa Bay Downs, Oldsmar, Florida
Engagement: Independent Contractor
Term: 2026–2027 Racing Season: November 2026 through April 2027 (ongoing each season depending on performance)
Reports To: RTCA–TBD Board of Directors

The Chaplain serves as the spiritual leader and operational coordinator of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America – Tampa Bay Downs (RTCA–TBD). The Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, crisis support, and practical assistance to backside workers and their families while overseeing the day-to-day activities and programs of the Chaplaincy.

The Chaplain is accountable to the RTCA–TBD Board of Directors and is expected to maintain consistent, proactive, and timely communication with the Board regarding all significant Chaplaincy operations, needs, activities, challenges, and future plans.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong pastoral leadership, sound judgment, compassion, initiative, organizational ability, and a commitment to working collaboratively with the Board, Tampa Bay Downs management, horsemen’s organizations, and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*Maintaining regular Chaplaincy office and common area hours
*Holding a regular weekly interdenominational church services
*Leading prayer events within jockey rooms, gate staff, trainers, grooms, barns, etc.
*Walking shed rows, offices, and grounds to check on the wellbeing of all involved
*Making biblically based guidance available to all track workers on issues including crisis, grief, etc.
*Helping with (facilitating) translating paperwork and forms of backside workers ,as needed.