Veterinarian 2/Veterinary Medical Officer

Veterinarian 2/Medical OfficerJoin Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!The Georgia Department of Agriculture is seeking highly motivated and service-oriented veterinarians to join the Animal Health Division as Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO). The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of veterinary medicine, emergency response, public health, and livestock production.Key Responsibilities:Conduct investigations involving potential reportable and foreign animal diseases.Perform field-based disease surveillance and emergency response activities.Obtain, process, and submit diagnostic samples from livestock and other species.Implement regulatory actions including quarantines and movement controls when necessary.Assist in developing disease control, containment, and eradication plans.Case management, including but not limited to initial investigation, documentation, coordinating samples and further investigation, as well as follow-up communication with producers and agency representatives.Participate in real-world Agriculture Emergency Responses, as well as emergency preparedness exercises.Provide expert guidance on veterinary public and animal health issues, including zoonotic diseases, biosecurity measures, and prevention/control strategies.Collaborate with state and federal agencies, veterinary professionals, and stakeholders to enhance animal health and welfare.Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to disease control and food animal production.Conduct veterinary accreditation orientations for licensed Georgia veterinarians.Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports, policy recommendations, and supporting documentation to agency officials and public stakeholders.Supervise and support field personnel, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.Support the statewide Animal Disease Traceability program +/- serve as Georgia's Designated Scrapie Epidemiologist.Evaluate state and federal programs, making recommendations for improvements as needed. Assist in developing and implementing statewide animal health policies and programs.Deliver educational presentations and outreach programs to veterinarians, producers, and agriculture stakeholders.Maintain active involvement in veterinary medical associations and relevant animal health groups as interested or assigned.Other duties as assigned to support the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our mission.Training Opportunities:USDA APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) CourseUSDA APHIS Program Disease Field Skills CourseUSDA APHIS Comparative Cervical Test (CCT) TrainingNational Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) Training; position-specific certifications as needed.Georgia Meat Inspection Section (GMIS)/USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)/Public Health Veterinarian TrainingContinuing education and advanced emergency response opportunitiesBenefits:Competitive salaryRetirement plan with employer contributionsGenerous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and holidays)Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance optionsSupport for work-life balance and flexible working conditionsHome office-basedContinuing education and professional development opportunitiesEligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; other loan repayment programs may applyLocation:Applicants must reside in Georgia or be willing to relocate. The positions are home office-based with frequent travel, including overnight stays, throughout assigned territories and statewide. Assigned counties will be determined based on operational needs and candidate locations, targeting areas south and east of Atlanta. Preferred counties include, but are not limited to: Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Dooly, Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Macon, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Taylor, Twiggs, Upson, Washington, Wilkinson.General Qualifications and Physical Demands:Strong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent organizational and time-management abilitiesProficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems and databasesAbility to perform physical field activities including prolonged driving, walking over uneven terrain, restraining animals, and working in agricultural environmentsWillingness to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditionsAbility to handle and work with livestock and animal speciesMust be capable of lifting and transporting equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.Willingness to travel throughout assigned territories and statewide as neededRequired Qualifications and Skills:Doctorate in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by or eligible for licensure by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine; AND Two years' experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Medical Association AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine AND Two years' experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent; AND USDA Category II accreditation; AND a valid driver's license.Preferred Experience and Skills:Preferred candidates may possess experience in regulatory medicine, food animal or mixed animal practice, public health, epidemiology, and/or emergency response operations.Please Note: Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to phone/email inquiries regarding application status. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io.** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified. **Minimum Qualifications:Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent or certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) from the American Veterinary Medical Association and licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent.Equal Employment Opportunity EmployerThe State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.