Shelter Veterinarian

Shelter Medicine Technical Position

This is a technical position with responsibility for planning and implementing the shelter medicine procedures and policies for the City of Rochester, such as: spay/neuter program, vaccination protocols, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and treatment protocols for sick and injured animals. General direction is received from the Director of Animal Services with regard to department policies and priorities. Wide latitude is allowed in the use of independent judgment in the performance of duties particularly in development of internal animal care procedures. Related work is performed as required. This is a Competitive Class position. The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title. A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three.

Typical Work Activities

• Directs, coordinates, and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of all animals harbored at the shelter;
• Performs or oversees the visual monitoring of animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined for signs of illness or unusual behavior;
• Makes recommendations on disease control, sanitation, and clinic procedures and supplies, and veterinary equipment and supplies;
• Maintains the records to track the care and condition of animals;
• Administers or trains and oversees appropriate staff in administering medical care and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties;
• Performs euthanasia in absence of euthanasia technicians;
• Works, communicates, and interacts professionally with staff, volunteers, and clients;
• Recommends transfer of animals to veterinary hospitals and emergency care facilities;
• Performs high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, including pediatric surgeries, for shelter and owned pets;
• Provides post-operative care as necessary;
• Assists with adoption counseling and in-foster treatment;
• Assists with on-site training and supervision of veterinary technician and animal care technicians;
• Assesses veterinary equipment and supply needs and assists with inventory and purchasing;
• Assists with media and public relations efforts in promotion of the organization;
• Assists Director with decisions on shelter policy;
• Communicates and follows safety and hazard procedures;
• Ensures that shelter staff participates in a comprehensive disease prevention program.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED PLUS:

1. Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience performing surgical sterilizations and overseeing the veterinary protocols; AND
2. New York State License to Practice Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

NYS License to Practice Veterinary Medicine and Surgery will continue to be required throughout employment.

• Relocation allowance for out of state candidates;
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness;
• Free Health, Vision, and Life Insurance;
• Low cost Dental Insurance;
• Deferred Compensation;
• New York State Retirement System;
• Tuition Assistance;
• Employer Assisted Housing Program;
• Four weeks of paid vacation and 14 paid holidays per year