VETERINARIAN

Veterinary Medical Officer

Under general supervision, to provide professional medical care, diagnosis, and treatment to animals housed at the Animal Shelter; and perform related work as required.

Provides lead direction to staff responsible for following prescribed treatment and maintaining treatment records for animals brought to the Shelter; ensures that the highest level of service and care are provided and that changes in animals' conditions are recorded and properly addressed; assists in the development and implementation of goals, policies, and procedures for the facility and recommends changes as needed; examines and evaluates animals, and performs veterinary medical and surgical procedures, including vaccinations and preventative treatment as appropriate; performs surgical sterilization of animals, including pediatric and high volume spay/neuter; coordinates with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships; arranges for full-service care at a veterinary hospital for severely injured, sick or diseased animals and provides full orders for care; performs and/or directs necessary euthanasia according to established protocol; establishes and maintains medical records and drug use logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices; ensures that records are in order and complete, and prepares written reports as needed; ensures that all State and Federal laws, regulations, accepted standards, and Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) policies and procedures are adhered to; maintains up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues; builds and maintains effective relationships with the community, volunteers, and fellow employees; assists in the monitoring of inventory and ordering of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

Knowledge of symptoms of animal diseases; medications associated with veterinary care and their proper use and dosage; State and Federal laws regulations, accepted standards, and SAWA policies and procedures regarding clinic operations, the practice of veterinary medicine, drug control, and animal care and handling; proper methods of safely handling and restraining a wide variety of animals; various breeds and species of animals; animal nutritional needs; proper usage of veterinary and surgical equipment; animal behavior and anatomy; animal physical examinations.

Ability to detect symptoms of injury, illness, or abnormality in animals; perform medical and surgical procedures, including spay and neuter procedures for cats, dogs, and rabbits; write reports and maintain efficient records; work well and communicate effectively with fellow employees, outside agencies, volunteers, and the public; originate and execute projects with little or no supervision; effectively express ideas orally and in writing; appropriately interpret instructions in written, oral, graphic, or schedule form; work with and restrain animals of all sizes.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Veterinary degree and one year of professional veterinary medical experience.

The physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds; stoop, bend, carry, and run.

A valid License to practice Veterinary medicine in the State of California at the time of application and a valid Drug Enforcement Agency Registration Number, which authorizes the holder to purchase schedule 2, 2N, 3, 3N, and 4 narcotics and drugs within six months of appointment.