Veterinarian

Salary : $175,000.00 - $225,000.00 Annually
Location : Ontario, CA
Job Type: ARCIE Position
Job Number: 042126-VET-ARCIE
Department: Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ARCIE


The Position
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.

Animal Resource of the Inland Empire Agency

On July 16, 2024, the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) was established through a Joint Power Authority (JPA) Agreement with the member agencies being the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario and the County of San Bernardino for the west end unincorporated areas. ARC is a full-service animal services agency providing both animal control and sheltering services to the member agencies. ARC is lead through a Board of Directors which is comprised of an elected official from each of the member agencies. In December 2024, the Board of Director appointed Clinton Thacker to be the inaugural Executive Director of the Agency where he brings over 20 years of public animal services experience including animal control, sheltering, and even has built and opened a new animal services facility. The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire has 35 full-time equivalent positions through three divisions of field, sheltering, and administrative. The service area for our agency is 95 square miles.

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Examples of Essential Functions
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.

Qualification Guidelines

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.

Certificates

N/A
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.

Supplemental Information

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, including different positions with the same employer.

A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.
NOTE: Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.
Supplemental Questions

To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.
Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
Email Notices

Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the City of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.
BENEFITS SNAPSHOT


Here at the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire, you and your family are important to us. Our benefits programs are designed to support you and your loved ones through life's transitions and stages. We offer medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life insurance, retirement plan savings and so much more

MEDICAL, DENTAL, & VISION
Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire provides medical, dental, & vision insurance that fits you and your family's needs. Below is a snapshot of the programs available to you and your family!


Medical - California Choice - Up to $2,250 per month city contribution
Dental - Up to $117.12 per month employer contribution
Vision - Up to $17.24 per month employer contribution

RETIREMENT
The Agency has Deferred Compensation Plans available through Voya Financial. Employer paid contributions of 13% of base salary to a 401(a) retirement plan will be made on your behalf.


VACATION
3 Weeks of Annual Leave
40 Hours of Management Leave each year
10 Paid Holidays per year

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Cell Phone Allowance of $100 per month
Life Insurance $106,000 in coverage
AD&D $109,000 in coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Mental health awareness, legal assistance, financial coaching, child & eldercare assistance, pet insurance, counseling sessions, gym membership discounts, rideshare program, and much more!
01


INSTRUCTIONS: The information on your application and the following supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility and to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information or AI-generated responses may result in disqualification from the selection process. Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the job experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. Responses to the supplemental questions that indicate "see resume" are considered incomplete. By checking the 'Yes' response below, I indicate that I have read the job bulletin and these instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire. Additionally, I certify that my application and supplemental answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and I understand that my responses are subject to verification.

• Yes, I understand the above statement

02


All applicants must provide an attached Resume and Cover Letter. Those candidates whom fail to attach these items will not move forward in the selection process.

• I understand the above statement.

03


This opportunity is a position with the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire and not an employee with the City of Ontario nor any other agency members.

• I understand with the above statement.

04


All candidates will be required to provide proof of successful completion of required programs, semester/quarter units, and/or required hours and experience 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 . Have you attached the required documents to your application?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess 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?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you possess a valid license to practice Veterinary Medicine issued by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine? (Please attach to application)

• Yes
• No

07


Do you possess 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?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the previous questions, please briefly list related work experience by including the following: 1. Employer Name 2. Position Title 3. Employment Dates 5. Job Functions/Areas of Responsibility. If you answered "No", please type N/A
09


Do you possess a Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.) controlled substance registration? (Please attach to application.)

• Yes
• No

10


In 500 words or less, please describe on how you will ensure the well-being and proper care of animals in the shelter if selected for the Veterinarian position?
11


Do you possess a valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment 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?

• Yes
• No

Required Question