Veterinarian - Animal Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of the Animal Services Director, the veterinarian plans, organizes and manages a comprehensive overall animal health care program for the Animal Shelter which has an annual intake of over 8,800 cats and dogs and is committed to achieving a high live release rate.  Duties of the position include spay and neuter surgeries, minor surgeries, illness diagnostics and treatment, health exams, blood draws, lab interpretations, and other basic vet work for shelter pets.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED 

Exercises direct supervision over the Animal Services Veterinary Technician and functional supervision of other staff assigned to care for animals undergoing treatment.
 
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
 
Provide high quality and fast paced medical care of animals in the shelter.
 
Perform clinical, laboratory and surgical veterinary services for sheltered animals with high quality, high volume spay, neuter and other surgeries, including pre-and post-operative care.
 
Ensure all impounded animals receive prompt and proper medical care and continued monitoring for individual/herd health and welfare.
 
Perform examinations, diagnose, create treatment plans, and monitoring treatments as needed along with emergency triage and stabilization for sick/injured animals.
 
Ensure accurate and thorough recordkeeping for each individual animal treated.
 
Ensure compliance with City policies and procedures and in compliance with applicable State laws related to animal care and treatment.
 
Develop procedures and train all Animal Services staff on proper medical evaluation during intake.
 
Assist with the development of policies, procedures and protocols which relate to the veterinary needs of sheltered animals, including disease prevention and sanitation.
 
Consult during animal welfare investigations, and provide expert witness testimony. Supply a high level of medical care to neglected/abused animals and ensure thorough documentation of medical finding for criminal prosecution of perpetrators. Assist with investigations of animal care regulations which may include bites and attacks, animal cruelty and testifying at court and administrative hearings and assist the public in animal care and regulations issues.
 
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues.
 
Train the Senior Zoo Veterinarian and the Zoo Veterinarian in shelter medicine protocols so that these individuals are able to cover the Shelter Veterinarian’s extended absences.
 
Work with the City of Abilene Senior Zoo Veterinarian and the Zoo Veterinarian to maintain veterinary coverage at both the zoo and the animal shelter. This may include filling in for emergencies when both the Senior Zoo Veterinarian and the Zoo Veterinarian are away from work.
 
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
 
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 
Knowledge of:

Risks of human and animal exposure to dangerous drugs and the ability to perform treatment humanely.
 
Skill to:
 
Operate personal computers and software applications in a business environment, including MS Office and pet management software.

Have a high degree of confidence with all domestic species.
           
Ability to:
 
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
                       
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
 
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
 
Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

 
Experience and Training Guidelines:
 
Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

 
Experience:
 
One (1) year of experience as a veterinarian working with domestic pets, preference for experience working in municipal or non-profit shelter environments or performing high volume spay/neuter surgeries is preferred.
 
Education/Training:
 
Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited college or university is required.
           
License or Certificate:
 
A valid current Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
 
Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas or ability to get license within six (6) months of employment is required.
 
Texas Department of Public Safety and Federal Drug Enforcement Agency clearance to use Class 2 narcotics Texas or ability to get license within six (6) months of employment is required.
 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport in Texas or ability to get license within six (6) months of employment is required.
 
Special Requirements:
 
Essential duties require the following physical skills and include the following work environment:
 
With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
 
Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, and climb.
 
Ability to respond appropriately to emergency crisis situations.
 
May occasionally respond to emergency situations after hours or on weekends.
 
Attend shelter medicine professional development courses.
 
Exposure to cold, heat, outdoors, and chemicals.
 
Must be able to work evening, holidays, and weekends as needed.