Veterinarian

Veterinary Medical Director

This requisition expires on September 21, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date. Responsible for oversight and delivery of high-quality medical care for animals in the shelter. Assist with developing and implementing protocols to ensure compassionate and humane care of all animals while in the shelter.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS DUTIES

• Perform health evaluations, vaccinations, and routine medical care for shelter animals.
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions.
• Conduct spay/neuter surgeries and other necessary surgical procedures.
• Develop and implement health protocols and preventive medicine programs.
• Collaborate with shelter staff on animal care plans, quarantine protocols and disease prevention measures.
• Consult with medical, dental, veterinary professionals to facilitate specialty animal care services and state and county health agencies regarding public health issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Local, State and Federal animal welfare regulations and notify leadership of any non-compliance or safety issues.
• Oversee activities of assigned staff; collaborate with shelter leadership on staff oversight for staff assisting with continued treatment.
• Maintain accurate medical records using shelter software including, but not limited to, controlled substances according to DEA requirements.
• Manage inventory of medications, supplies and equipment.
• Assist in training shelter staff and volunteers in basic animal care and first aid.
• Conduct thorough evaluations and assessments of animals prior to making euthanasia recommendations to shelter leadership.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Doctoral Degree from an accredited college or university by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in Veterinary Medicine; and,
• One (1) year experience as a practicing veterinarian; and,
• Must have a valid Texas License in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM); and,
• Must have a valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Registration Certification.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully:

• Knowledge of providing medical care, surgical techniques, and medical procedures in veterinary medicine for a variety of animals.
• Knowledge of nutrition, disease, diagnostics, treatment, and pharmaceuticals.
• Skill in analyzing and researching, to interpret and understand applicable policies, laws, and regulations, and to provide workable recommendations and solutions that maintain compliance.
• Skill in complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to recognize, diagnose, and treat illness, injury, and disease in animals.
• Ability to handle and humanely manage various animals in different health stages.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and train through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class "C" Driver's License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check and social security number verification.
• Must pass a physical examination.
• Must maintain a valid Texas License in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
• Must maintain a valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Registration Certification.
• Must attend and successfully complete the City's Defensive Driving Course (DDC) as soon as possible after employment (if required to drive City vehicle or personal vehicle for City business).

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; ensure equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office, clinic and operating room equipment, including computer and peripherals; operating a motor vehicle and wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting no more than 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Environment: Works in a clinic and operating room setting, and with and around animals (including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals); exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, odors, chlorine, other chemicals, sharp objects, and medications; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be available to be on stand-by/on-call and work emergency callouts, as needed.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

EEO STATEMENT The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Denton's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. ADA/EOE/ADEA This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice