Veterinarian

Veterinarian

Annual Salary Range: $175,000 - $225,000 Effective July 1, 2026 (3% Increase): $180,250 - $231,750 EDUCATION INCENTIVE Receive up to $15,000 at the end of each year of employment, for the first five years, to be used toward tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, or as a 457(b) contribution—provided it falls within the annual IRS contribution limit and you haven't already maxed it out.

Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications, experience, and ultimately established by the ARC Board of Directors. The ARC Executive Director of Animal Services will serve as the ultimate hiring authority. The ARC is not employed by the City of Ontario nor any other agency members. The successful candidate will be an at-will employee of the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire and ultimately they will be appointed by and serve under the ARC Executive Director of Animal Services. This position will be opened until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026.

Are you passionate about serving the community and supporting a team that is committed to making a positive impact? The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire is seeking skilled, compassionate, and an experienced individual to join the organization to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make a difference. If you are interested in the honorable profession of public service, join in this unique opportunity as the Agency's Veterinarian. The Veterinarian will be responsible for supervising subordinate clinical staff. Additionally, this class is responsible for providing oversight and guidance on the health and well-being of animals housed at the Animal Resource Center's shelter.

Under general direction, supervise and direct the operation of the veterinary services team; performs veterinary services including spay/neuter surgeries; examines and determines preventative medical care and treatments for shelter animals and stray animal emergency cases; vaccinates; and provides oversight for the security and dispensing of drugs and ensures compliance with all federal and state regulations. Performs other related duties as requested.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Premiere customer service skills that embody the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire's Customer Service Philosophy.
• A growth mindset with a strong passion for developing others, and an exceptional ability to model and foster teamwork.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Executive Director, and the political acumen to engage effectively with local partners, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with veterinary technicians and support staff.
• Compassionate approach to animal care with a commitment to high welfare standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of veterinary care services
• Strong diagnostic, surgical, and clinical decision-making skills.

The following procedures will apply:

• The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.
• The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to considering external candidates on the Eligibility List.
• The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire serves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.
• Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of ARC will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Veterinarian

The essential functions typically performed by the Veterinarian include the following:

1. Manages the daily operation of the Animal Resource Center's veterinary clinic; supervises and trains subordinate clinical staff.
2. Performs physical examinations, preventive medicine, vaccinations, diagnostics, and other ongoing care and treatment for animals brought to and being retained at the Animal Center, including the health of animals at impound, during extended care periods, and prior to adoption.
3. Performs surgical procedures, including the spaying and neutering of animals, treatment of medical conditions or injuries; administers anesthesia and/or medication as needed; uses appropriate medical equipment.
4. Provides control over ordering drugs and medical supplies, monitors inventory and reviews computerized records of drugs and supplies ordered and dispensed by direct action or through subordinate staff.
5. Examines reported instances of inhumane treatment of animals; performs necropsies; evaluates case information; prepares reports; provides testimony in court as an expert witness as needed.
6. Ensures and maintains vaccination and cleaning protocols for herd health of all species impounded in shelter.
7. Participates in the development of the budget for the area of assignment, monitors expenditures, and provides information as needed.
8. Analyzes medical records in the context of the clinical, insurance, and administrative needs of the organization, and advises the Executive Director of Animal Services of any necessary actions.
9. Develops partnerships with local shelters and other organizations to establish programs and new initiatives, including intern/extern programs for medical staff.
10. Maintains effective relations with governmental agencies, professional industry representatives, interest groups, and the general public; answers fundamental questions related to animal and clinical care practices.
11. May include the veterinary care of animals from the public.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school of veterinary medicine recognized by the California Veterinary Medical Board as sufficient for licensure in the State of California to practice as a veterinarian.

Candidates will be required to provide proof of successful completion of required programs, semester/quarter units, and/or required hours and experience. Proof of completion must be provided by way of attachment to your online application or as an email attachment sent to the Hiring Agency Representative at, or before, time of the reference check process. Acceptable forms of proof include Unofficial Transcripts, Official Transcripts, Photos and/or Photocopies of Institutional Degree/Certifications.

Experience

Three years of recent professional clinical experience in a professional animal medicine practice, working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital or other animal care setting.

Licenses

• Individuals must be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle safely and possess a valid Class C California Driver's License OR be able to demonstrate the ability to travel on scheduled or unscheduled visits to various locations which may or may not be reachable by public transportation. This requirement applies at time of appointment and throughout employment in this classification.
• Acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid license to practice Veterinary Medicine issued by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.) controlled substance registration.

Desirable

Prior experience working with an animal shelter, and in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck, and sufficient manual dexterity to assist in hands-on care of animals.
• Standing for significant lengths of time.
• Frequent walking, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Handle, position, and restrain live animals of small and large species; respond quickly to sudden movements or unexpected animal behavior.
• Sufficient eyesight needed to conduct thorough examinations of animals.
• Complete required tasks/functions under stressful and unpredictable conditions, including emergency situations.
• Some exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, confining workspace, and chemicals.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your user name and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:

• List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.
• List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including, if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).
• Separately list each position held,