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Summary

The Shelter Veterinarian provides high-quality medical care to shelter animals, including spay/neuter, surgeries, treatment of various medical conditions, and herd health maintenance. (S)he assists in developing, advancing, and implementing shelter medicine protocols and delivers and ensures humane medical treatment of all animals seen in the shelter.

Essential Duties and Functions

• With the Shelter Manager and Executive Director, leads the evaluation and establishment of shelter medical protocols
• Continually improves the medical management program and ensures high-quality medical care and services for shelter guests including those temporarily in foster care, focusing on identification, treatment and prevention of health problems thereby increasing adoptions and decreasing adoption returns
• Makes recommendations and collaborates with the Executive Director and Shelter Manager in the formulation of shelter medical objectives, practices, plans and decisions that influence operations to ensure optimal health of sheltered animals
• Oversees the maintenance of shelter drug and supply inventory while meeting and maintaining DEA requirements
• Actively participates as a member of the management team; attends applicable meetings
• Maintains effective communication with staff through daily contact, in scheduled meetings, informally or in writing, as needed to coordinate and direct medical functions of the shelter
• Supervises shelter medical personnel, ensuring proper training and timely review
• Provides guidance to staff for situations requiring immediate medical problem solving
• Participates in interviewing and hiring decisions for shelter veterinary staff
• Communicates directly with the Shelter Manager with regard to care of all shelter animals
• Treats people and animals with respect; contributes to effective teamwork; promotes intra- and inter-departmental cooperation; and fosters public relations beneficial to the SPCA
• Evaluates and determines the disposition of incoming animals
• Provides medical services to all shelter animals, including physical examinations, diagnostics, medical rounds, and treatments
• Performs sterilization surgeries and other surgical procedures for shelter animals
• Ensures appropriate medication is administered by shelter veterinary staff as directed
• Advises, performs or oversees euthanasia performed within the shelter
• Provides on-call services for shelter animal emergencies
• Provides professional credibility to the SPCA’s endeavor to help all domestic pets
• Maintains appropriate licensing and completes required continuing education courses. Adheres to state regulations and organizational protocol regarding animal care, treatment, advocacy, and the mission of the SPCA
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Current license in the State of Florida to practice veterinary medicine
• Current DEA license
• Maintenance of PLIT
• Valid State DL
• Minimum of two years’ experience in shelter medicine with high volume spay neuter experience
• Ability to work well within frenetic nature of shelter environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proven organizational, time management, and planning skills required
• Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, pleasant, and respectful manner at all times
• Maturity with ability to use good judgment and display a professional manner
• Good analytical skills and ability to identify and access department issues/opportunities. Enjoys problem solving within existing resources
• Track record of fostering a positive work environment. Be viewed as a motivator and leader. Experience in molding and developing staff into a cohesive team while holding individuals and work units accountable for their results

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Exposure to high noise levels
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Subject to animal bites and scratches
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals
  
  

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor.  This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. 

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Current license in the State of Florida to practice veterinary medicine
• Current DEA license
• Maintenance of PLIT
• Valid State DL
• Minimum of two years’ experience in shelter medicine with high volume spay neuter experience
• Ability to work well within frenetic nature of shelter environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proven organizational, time management, and planning skills required
• Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, pleasant, and respectful manner at all times
• Maturity with ability to use good judgment and display a professional manner
• Good analytical skills and ability to identify and access department issues/opportunities. Enjoys problem solving within existing resources
• Track record of fostering a positive work environment. Be viewed as a motivator and leader. Experience in molding and developing staff into a cohesive team while holding individuals and work units accountable for their results