Veterinarian

Under general direction, to provide medical services dealing with the prevention, treatment, and control of diseases and injuries in animals; to inspect, investigate, diagnose, prevent, control, and eradicate contagious and infectious diseases of animals; to perform spay neuter services on adoptions, qualified low‑income applicants, and community cats; to enforce applicable laws and regulations; and to do related work as required. Licensing and Certification Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver’s license. Valid California Veterinary License. Valid Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. Education and Experience Graduation with a Doctorate in veterinary medicine. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted. Hiring Incentive First payment of 50% will be made to an employee within the next available pay period following the date of hire. Second payment of 25% will be made within the next payroll following the 13th month of employment. Third payment of 25% will be made within the next payroll following two (2) years of employment. The employee must remain employed with the County for two (2) years or repay the incentive on a pro‑rated basis. Essential Duties Investigates, prevents, controls, and eradicates infectious diseases of animals, including those transmissible to humans. Investigates rabies suspects and animal bites of people. Imposes quarantines on biting domestic animals. Collects samples for rabies testing. Issues quarantines and hold orders in disease outbreaks and supervises the enforcement of these orders. Collects data and laboratory samples, such as blood, tissue, parasites, when indicated for disease investigations and forwards to appropriate diagnostic laboratory. Consults with department, private, and other public veterinarians and animal owners on disease problems. Prepares required records and reports. Consults with the Animal Control Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating County veterinary programs. Operates a spay/neuter clinic to help reduce and control the animal population of the County. Examines, diagnoses, and gives emergency treatment to animals within the animal care shelter. Supervises personnel assigned to the clinic and the care shelter staff regarding the care of sick animals. Advises the public and department employees on matters within the field of veterinary medicine. Conducts vaccination clinics, provides medical consultations and services during special events. Directs the purchase of and maintains in‑house shelter medical supplies and medical equipment. Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge County and state ordinances and laws relating to the licensing, quarantine, impounding, care, and treatment of animals. Care and feeding of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Animal behavior, common diseases, sanitation practices, animal anatomy, first aid, animal capture and handling techniques. California Animal Laws Handbook. California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. Public personnel management. Principles, techniques, and practices of effective program administration. Principles of supervision, training, work coordination, planning, and work evaluation. Minimum Qualifications – Ability Participate in process management and evaluation of results. Examine and test livestock/animals for diseases communicable to humans. Perform postmortem examinations of animals that died of unknown causes and make diagnoses based on pathological findings. Examine animals in bite cases and establish and maintain quarantines when necessary. Work with field officers in conducting investigations. Consult with other public agencies and public and private groups to prevent and control the outbreak of animal related diseases. Enhance adoption programs. Maintain charts/records and prepare correspondence and reports. Analyze, interpret, explain, and apply a variety of state and county laws, ordinances, policies, rules, procedures, and regulations. Effectively represent the Animal Care and Control Department in contacts with the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations. Provide testimony regarding animal control issues in court. Exercise good judgment in handling potentially hostile individuals and situations. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public when providing information and carrying out veterinarian activities. Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients. Working Conditions, ADA, and Other Requirements Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. Incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Light work involves exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally. Medium work involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel. A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to appointment, which may include civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check as allowed by state law. Equal Opportunity and ADA Accommodations The County of Lake is a committed equal‑opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Veteran’s Preference Veteran’s Preference is granted to eligible veterans. Compliance Statements The County of Lake is an Equal Opportunity‑Affirmative Action Employer. The County of Lake is dedicated to valuing diversity and promoting inclusion and ensuring our customers remain our top priority. #J-18808-Ljbffr