Animal Services Medical Director / Veterinarian (Unclassified)

Responsible for the Animal Services department veterinary medical work. Performs clinical, laboratory and surgical veterinary services for sheltered animals, including herd health maintenance. Assists in developing, advancing, and implementing shelter medicine protocols and delivers and ensures humane medical treatment of all animals seen in the shelter.

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.
 

• Coordinates and directs shelter medical operations and ensures sound veterinary medical practices under the direction of the Animal Services Chief.
• Provides medical and surgical care, evaluation, treatment, and sterilization to sheltered animals.
• Evaluates and determines the disposition of incoming animals.
• Performs a high volume of spay/neuter surgeries for animals that are placed for adoption.
• Applies knowledge of veterinary medical practices, administering medication, vaccines, anesthesia, and oral, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections; safe and humane handling and restraining of all types of animals.
• Safely and humanely assists with, or euthanizes, sick and injured animals of a variety of sizes and breeds, in accordance with regulations and standard veterinary procedures.
• Recommends and collaborates with the Animal Services Chief in the formulation of shelter medical objectives, practices, plans and decisions that influence operations to ensure optimal health of sheltered animals.
• Records, controls, and maintains security of federally restricted drugs and barbiturates in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations including biohazardous waste disposal related to the treatment of animals.
• Provides qualified testimony and documentation in court concerning cases of neglect and cruelty, as enforced by Animal Services Officers in accordance with County ordinance and State Statutes.
• Works with Animal Services staff to establish routine health protocols, daily observations of shelter populations for injuries and illness and reporting of incidents to the Animal Services Chief.
• Counsels’ citizens who adopt pets in post-operative care.
• Trains Animal Services staff on prevention of canine and feline diseases.
• Remains current on the latest procedures and developments regarding the handling, care, and disposal of animals.
• Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance.
• May have a role in the County’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.
• Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards; works rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
• May be subject to emergency situations that may require working after hours, weekends and holidays.
• Performs related duties as required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree; supplemented by Two (2) years of experience in veterinary animal services, animal shelter operations, or related field. Must be computer literate. Veterinary medicine practiced in an animal shelter environment is preferred. Lead veterinary or supervisory experience preferred. 

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Requires a valid driver license at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position. Requires a license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida and maintain said licenses while employed in this position. Requires a valid Drug Enforcement Administration License and maintain said license while employed in this position.