Veterinarian

About the Fremont Police Department:
Fremont Police Department is the law enforcement agency for the City of Fremont, California. As of 2023, the department consists of over 300 staff, of which more than 200 are sworn personnel, and more than 100 are professional staff.  Fremont Police Department was first established under the direction of Chief Richard E. Condon on July 1, 1958. At that time, it was staffed by one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, two investigators, one juvenile officer, 17 patrol officers, a secretary, and a clerk. By the end of 1958, there were a total of 25 officers serving a population of 29,000 people in the City of Fremont. In 1966, Fremont PD grew to 82 officers, serving a population of 88,000. The department continues to grow as demand for services increased. Today, Fremont Police Department is one of the most reputable police agencies in the State, serving the 4th largest city in the Bay Area.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs high volume, high quality spay/neuter surgeries of shelter animals and owned animals including dogs, cats, and rabbits
• Determines the need for diagnostic procedures and medical treatments
• Provides high quality shelter medicine by performing physical exams, treatments, and surgical procedures on shelter animals
• Monitors and evaluates the shelter population for behavioral conditions
• Administers injections to humanely euthanize animals in accordance with California State Law and Department guidelines and policies

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in the following areas:
  • High volume spay/neuter
  • High volume herd health
  • Shelter medicine
  • Emergency triage
  • Community cats spay/neuter

First Review of Applications 
The first review of applications is June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM (PT). Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume must be submitted with the completed online application. Applications submitted without a resume may not be considered. Only online applications will be accepted.

To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. Please review your settings in government jobs to ensure that you receive all updates regarding your status in the recruitment. 

Selection Process: 
The selection process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.

Contact Us
For additional information, please e-mail Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov   

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Veterinarian - Class Specification

Definition

Under general direction, provides medical care and treatment to animals at the animal shelter; examines, diagnoses, and performs treatment for impounded animals; and develops a comprehensive animal health care services program.  May supervise and direct the day-to-day activities of animal services staff, volunteers and others responsible for the medical management of impounded animals.  Performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

The position is distinguished from Veterinary Technicians who are responsible for basic care of the animals in the shelter and who provide expert advice to citizens regarding the animals they wish to adopt, but do not have the knowledge, skill and training to perform surgery, provide diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases, or the ability to prescribe drugs. Additionally, a Veterinary Technician cannot administer controlled substances or rabies vaccinations without the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Incumbents in this class may need to work weekends, holidays, nights and rotating shifts, and respond to emergency animal services assignments during off-duty hours.

• Performs high volume, high quality spay/neuter surgeries of shelter animals and owned animals including dogs, cats, and rabbits; may provide consultation and education to pet owners on spay/neuter procedures and explain possible complications.
• Determines the need for diagnostic procedures and medical treatments; provides high quality shelter medicine by performing physical exams, treatments, and surgical procedures on shelter animals.
• Monitors and evaluates the shelter population for behavioral conditions, specifically identifying animals for whom euthanasia is the best outcome due to safety or quality of life concerns. Create enrichment and behavior modification plans to lower the fear, anxiety and stress caused by life in the shelter.
• Administers injections to humanely euthanize animals in accordance with California State Law and Department guidelines and policies.
• Ensures the humane care of shelter animals and safeguards herd health by following the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters and evolving industry best practices.
• Provides expertise to Animal Control Officers for cruelty investigations or rescues where medical intervention is necessary; conducts necropsies when necessary for evidence collection; prepares written veterinary statements, and testifies in court as appropriate for animal welfare/cruelty cases.
• Effectively communicates the condition and status of animals with staff, public and animal groups.
• Advises staff on matters within the veterinary field.
• Trains appropriate staff in administering first aid and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties.
• Participates in vaccination clinics.
• Assists with emergency and disaster services.
• Ensures appropriate medication is administered by veterinary staff within clinical and statutory requirements, and supervises the use and security of controlled drugs.
• Implements and maintains medical record and drug use logs to established standards of veterinary and sheltering practices, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and compliant at all times.
• Maintains medical records for sheltered animals during rounds and collaborates with the shelter medical support team.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: California state and federal animal health laws and regulations governing the care and humane euthanasia of animals; principles, practices and techniques of veterinary medicine and disease; medical treatment for a wide range of animals including domestic, livestock, wildlife and underage animals; safe work practices; Federal guidelines related to controlled substances; principles of lead supervision; written and oral communication techniques; public relations; conflict resolution techniques; common animal types and their normal characteristics and behaviors.

Skill in: the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for staff; planning, scheduling, monitoring and evaluating the work of staff; prioritizing and assigning work; veterinary forensics; interacting effectively with staff, community groups and the general public; performing surgery on a variety of animal species; performing animal examinations; performing diagnostic and treatment procedures; preparing reports; making sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public and others.

Ability to: examine, evaluate and treat shelter animals (primarily dogs and cats) in a professional and efficient manner; operate assigned medical equipment; make sound decisions, including prescribing medications and euthanasia of animals that are irremediably suffering from serious illness or severe injury; develop and implement methods to control and prevent the spread of diseases in a shelter; plan, design, supervise and train staff an volunteers in the paraprofessional treatment and humane care of animals; communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacities to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of animals in a clinical setting, private practice or animal shelter environment, including the performance of surgery.
 
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

Incumbents in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California driver's license by the time of appointment and will be placed in a pull-notice program (must maintain a good driving record). Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice Veterinary Medicine issued by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.  

Possession of a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license for procuring drugs.

Possession of the California Veterinary Medical Board premise permit. 

Possession of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accreditation may be required.

Willingness to respond to emergency animal services assignments during off-duty hours.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%

Sitting:  Frequent
 Walking:  Frequent
 Standing:  Frequent
 Bending (neck):  Frequent
 Bending (waist):  Frequent
 Squatting:  Occasional
 Climbing:  Rare
 Kneeling:  Occasional
 Crawling:   Rare
 Jumping:  Never
 Balancing:  Rare
 Twisting (neck):  Frequent
 Twisting (waist):  Frequent
 Grasp - light (dominant hand):  Frequent
 Grasp - light (non-dominant):  Frequent
 Grasp - firm (dominant hand):  Frequent
 Grasp - firm (non-dominant):  Frequent
 Fine manipulation (dominant):  Frequent 

Fine manipulation (non-dominant):  Frequent 

Reach - at/below shoulder:  Occasional
 Reach – above shoulder level:  Occasional

Push/pull:
 Up to 10 lbs.  Occasional
 11 to 25 lbs.  Occasional
 26 to 50 lbs.  Occasional
 51 to 75 lbs.  Occasional
 76 to 100 lbs.  Occasional
 Over 100 lbs.  Rare

Lifting:
 Up to 10 lbs.  Occasional
 11 to 25 lbs.  Occasional
 26 to 50 lbs.  Occasional
 51 to 75 lbs. Occasional
 76 to 100 lbs.  Occasional
 Over 100 lbs.  Rare

Carrying:
 Up to 10 lbs.  Occasional
 11 to 25 lbs.  Occasional
 26 to 50 lbs.  Occasional
 51 to 75 lbs.  Occasional
 76 to 100 lbs.  Rare Over 100 lbs.  

Coordination:
 Eye-hand:  Required
 Eye-hand-foot:  Required
 Driving:  Required

Vision:
 Acuity, near:  Required
 Acuity, far:  Required
 Depth perception:  Required
 Accommodation:  Required
 Color vision:  Required
 Field of vision:  Required

Talking:
 Face-to-face contact:  Required
 Verbal contact w/others:  Required
 Public:  Required

Hearing:
 Normal conversation:  Required
 Telephone communication:  Required

Work environment:
The incumbent of this classification will work in the animal shelter office and the shelter’s animal care area; exposure to animal bodily fluids in clinical situations and caring for their needs; may be exposed to aggressive animals.  Assigned duties require extensive use of the medical care equipment; moving and handling domestic animals and wildlife; working in a variety of weather exposed to pollens, fumes, animal waste and other airborne irritants; frequent noise exposure; bending, squatting and crawling to care for animals in the shelter; and stepping, and climbing over physical barriers.

Class Code:  6747  
 FLSA:  Exempt
 EEOC Code: 2
 Barg. Unit: FAME
 Probation:  12 months
 Established: 3/24

Salary : $168,738 - $227,797