Master Plumber

Churchill Downs Racetrack ("CDRT"), the world's most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Master Plumber is responsible for the comprehensive oversight, scheduling, installation, and repair of all plumbing systems across Churchill Downs Racetrack-focusing on Frontside, but assisting Backside, and Trackside when necessary. This role combines technical expertise with budget accountability, ensuring recurring maintenance, seasonal projects, and event-driven needs are executed on time and within budget. Success in this position requires effective communication skills, effective vendor coordination, and the ability to prioritize both day-to-day operations and capital replacement projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

System Oversight & Repair: Serve as the primary technical authority for plumbing systems and fire sprinkler systems. Diagnose, install, and repair plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets/urinals, water heaters, pumps, ejectors, valves, and hydronics). Review building and event plans to anticipate plumbing needs and sequence work efficiently.

• Maintenance Programs & Budget Execution: Manage recurring maintenance programs tied to budget assumptions, including Monthly grease trap cleaning (~16 units) and quarterly interceptor service (~6 units); Jet sewer drains, backflow/RPZ repairs, boiler and pump maintenance, sewage ejector pump service. Lead seasonal programs including winterization (shutoff in fall, restoration in spring). Plan, track, and report on budget line items for plumbing labor, materials, and vendor services, ensuring alignment with plumbing budget allocation.
• Event & Derby Support: Lead temporary installations and high demand plumbing needs during Derby and Spring Meets (e.g., restroom trailers, urinal/toilet replacements, hand sink installs). Oversee vendor relationships and F&B vendor allocations to ensure Derby plumbing support is seamless and cost-efficient.
• Capital Projects: Coordinate with Facilities leadership on capital-replacement items including pump valve rebuilds, recirculating pump replacements, and urinal/toilet upgrades. Provide technical input on capital justifications and vendor quotes.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Communicate across departments to ensure plumbing tasks integrate with facility schedules. Maintain compliance with plumbing and fire codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards. Attend operational, safety, and budget meetings to provide plumbing status updates.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Expert knowledge of plumbing and fire sprinkler systems, tools, and codes.

• Strong ability to interpret drawings, diagnose system issues, and execute repairs.
• Proven capability to manage a diverse plumbing budget with recurring, seasonal, and capital items.
• Vendor management and contract oversight skills, particularly for F&B allocations and service providers.
• Effective communication and record-keeping skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of a technical degree or accredited plumbing apprenticeship.

Minimum 15 years' experience as a Journeyman or Master Plumber, with emphasis on large facility plumbing and sprinkler systems.

Demonstrated history of budget management and vendor coordination.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing, sitting, walking, bending, squatting, climbing, and lifting to 75 lbs. Work conditions include exposure to machinery, temperature changes, humidity, dust, fumes, and gases.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

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