Medicine/Surgery Veterinarian

SALARY: $110,000.00($52.88/hourly), plus full benefits package

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, the Shelter Veterinarian examines diagnoses and performs emergency treatment for impounded animals; directs a program for the care and treatment of animals in the custody of Douglas County Animal Services; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Directs, coordinates, and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of all impounded animals; develops a comprehensive program of health care services for the animal shelter, and establishes medical standards and procedures for the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary facilities.
• Provides and participates in training for subordinate staff and other staff regarding, ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of all equipment and areas of the animal shelter where animals are housed; assures that special medical dietary requirements are met and that proper, humane care is provided for all shelter animals.
• Provides ongoing training for staff throughout the department to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care
• Develops a comprehensive disease prevention program for the animal shelter; supervises the visual monitoring daily of impounded animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; assures that problems are promptly reported; determines and directs appropriate action as required.
• Provides the training of appropriate staff in administering first aid and vaccinations to animals, tranquilization, the performance of euthanasia by injection and other paramedical duties; performs euthanasia as required.
• Provides professional assistance in the investigation of mistreatment or neglect of animals and occasionally testifies in court ass the medical expert in the investigation of animal cruelty and neglect cases
• Assists with emergency and disaster response services
• Directs the ordering, maintenance and control of drugs, medical equipment, food and supplies used in the veterinary division; estimates veterinary requirements for the budget
• Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
• Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, performing surgery, or other therapies.
• Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
• Perform laboratory procedures and diagnostic tests, including parasitology, hematology, and urinalysis.
• Administer anesthetics, perform surgery, and monitor patients during surgery and recovery with the assistance of the technical team.
• Document actions by completing forms, reports, logs and animal records.
• Provide guidance and leadership to the healthcare team that will positively influence the level of care and service provided to the residents of Douglas County Animal Services.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possession of a doctor's degree in Veterinary Medicine from a college or university recognized by the Georgia Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine AND
• Requires a valid license issued by the Georgia Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine to practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; AND
• Four (4) years of verifiable veterinary experience working in an animal shelter. This includes recent experience within the last year in soft tissue surgery; examples include laceration repair, mass removal, spay/neuter surgery
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)
• Possession of a DEA license within ten weeks of employment. Must maintain a valid DEA license while employed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of veterinary medicine and the diseases, treatment, prevention, control and care of animals, particularly dogs and cats; city, state and federal animal health laws and regulations governing the impounding, releasing and euthanasia of animals; humane methods of caring for and physically restraining domestic and wild animals; modern principles of supervision. Ability to: plan, assign, supervise and train subordinates in the paraprofessional treatment and humane care of animals; develop and direct a comprehensive program of disease prevention and control in an animal shelter; establish medical standards and procedures to assure the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary facilities; establish and maintain harmonious and effective relationships with co-workers, volunteers and the public; advise the public and department employees on veterinary medical matters; estimate veterinary requirements for budgetary purposes; communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Valid and in good standing licensed veterinarian within the state of Georgia
• Qualifies to have a DEA license.
• Knowledge of principles, theories and practices of veterinary medicine and science. Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, including federal and state regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and medical texts.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence and medical records that meet professional standards.
• Able to perform veterinary surgery in a safe, accurate and healthy manner.
• Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
• Client and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Must have active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Verbal communication - Talk to others to convey information effectively.
• Strong computer skills to obtain and enter client information, order laboratory and diagnostic tests, and receive and send messages.
• Commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine, upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• Commitment to the mission of Douglas County Animal Services
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is routinely required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in an animal shelter environment
• Work may include outdoor responsibilities and exposure to weather conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
• Work will include interaction with live or deceased animals, up to and including livestock and small mammals