Veterinarian

Shelter Veterinarian

A take-home vehicle is provided. Veterinary students that are in the process of obtaining a FL veterinary license upon graduation are encouraged to apply. AVMA, ASV, and FVMA membership dues covered. AVMA PLIT liability insurance coverage provided. Continuing education costs for 30 hours every 2 years covered. Florida Retirement System (FRS), medical, dental insurance available.

The Shelter Veterinarian provides medical and surgical care of animals that are housed at the Animal Care Center, Paws and Stripes College, and the working K-9's of Brevard County Sheriff's Office; monitors day-to-day health of animals in these facilities; and works to ensure the health of the population through quality shelter medicine practices and progressive herd health protocols. This includes triage and stabilizing ill and injured animals, diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions, anesthetizing animals, and performing surgery in accordance with a weekly schedule. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to animal welfare; an excellent working knowledge of shelter medicine and companion animal care; previous clinical experience in a fast-paced, high-demand veterinary setting. Strong surgical and diagnostic skills, understanding of shelter medicine, epidemiology, infectious disease, veterinary forensics, and herd health; good written and verbal skills; excellent team approach to work and communication; ability to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; critical thinking and problem-solving.

Position Duties

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Examines and treats animals housed at the Animal Care Center and Paws and Stripes College; directs population management decisions and advises on operational decisions to decrease disease and increase good health: provides complete medical records, medical release statements, and certified health certificates as appropriate.
• Immunizes, spays or neuters adult and juvenile animals in accordance with established Association of Shelter Veterinarians best practice guidelines, laws, and policies.
• Performs emergency treatment and surgery upon injured and diseased animals.
• Performs, interprets, and records laboratory testing and radiology findings for disease and injuries.
• Directs, and at times performs, euthanasia of shelter animals according to established laws and policies.
• Performs routine examinations and required State testing of large animals/livestock; advises on best care practices of large animals/livestock.
• Develops training and accompanying communication on appropriate shelter animal care and procedures for Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Technicians, and other personnel.
• Monitors and responds to shelter animals with potentially dangerous diseases that may affect animal or human population.
• Evaluates, examines and reviews animal cases that are subject to animal cruelty investigations; prepares examination findings in report fashion to be used by courts; serves as an expert court witness as necessary.
• Acts as liaison with veterinarians in private practice; seeks their support and cooperation for various projects and activities.
• Confers and cooperates with animal humane and civic organizations in the community; makes educational presentations to civic organizations on the topic of shelter animals, shelter medicine, or other related topics.
• Required to perform routine health screening and immunizations of agency owned canines and barn cats.
• Regular, dependable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this job.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medical Doctor degree. Shelter Medicine experience preferred and qualified experience can include both internships and externships under the guidance of a veterinarian. Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida or seeking such license for new graduates. Must be able to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration License within 60 days of hire. National Veterinary Accreditation with the United States Department of Agriculture to perform exams and issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (health certificates). Can be obtained within 6 months of hire. This position requires successful completion of the Sheriff's Office pre-employment medical certification. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation including polygraph, reference/employment/neighborhood checks. Submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to assuming position and will be subject to return to duty, post-accident and/or random and reasonable suspicion drug tests while employed with BCSO.

Additional Information

Work is performed in an Animal Shelter. Employees may travel to different locations for meetings or other events as required. Typically work is completed during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 8am-5pm); flexibility is required to meet operational needs. Will come in contact with supervised Inmate work Trustees. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, and sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), disability or genetic information in employment practices. We encourage veterans, service members and their spouses and family members to apply for employment with this agency, qualified applicants will receive preference and priority in hiring decisions. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Job applicants and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. This position is open until filled.

Benefits

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office offers a comprehensive benefit package including:

• 12 annual days per year (96 hours)* Increases based on years of service.
• 11 holidays per year*
• 12 sick day accrual per year*, unlimited carryover.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical/Life insurance
• Dental/Vision/Dependent Health Insurance available at Group Rates
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program (employee contribution)
• Direct Deposit
• Uniforms provided
• Take home Agency vehicle provided