Veterinarian - Per Diem

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs high volume, high quality spay/neuter surgeries of shelter animals; may provide consultation and education to pet owners on spay/neuter procedures and explain possible complications.
• Determines the need for diagnostic procedures, provides routine and emergency medical treatments; provides high quality shelter medicine by performing physical exams, treatments, and surgical procedures on shelter animals including assisting with administration of anesthesia, catheter placement, and pre- and post-operative monitoring.
• May administers injections to humanely euthanize animals in accordance with California State Law and Department guidelines and policies.
• Provides training and  guidance to shelter medical staff on the medical care of impounded animals and on the animals for which surgery has been performed.
• May provide professional assistance in the investigations of mistreatment or neglect of animals; occasionally prepares reports to testify in court as the medical expert in animal cruelty or neglect cases.
• Provides direct, written or telephone health care instructions to the department’s Registered Veterinary Technicians.
• Monitors, and provides oversight for the quality control of drugs used at the shelter and in the field.
•  Oversees the clinical care provided by Registered Veterinary Technicians as needed.
• May participate in developing a comprehensive disease prevention program for the animal shelter.
• May perform health exams on adopted animals and animals released to rescue groups.
• Maintains animal medical records to track their care and health conditions.
• May assist with emergency and disaster services.
• Performs other veterinary medicine related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: 

Knowledge of – 

• State, federal, and municipal animal health laws, regulations and ordinances governing the, care, and treatment of animals.
• Principles and practices of veterinary medicine.
• Treatment, prevention, and control of the common diseases of animals.
• Rabies control laws.
• Veterinary forensics and animal cruelty laws.
• Fundamental principles and methods of clinical diagnosis.
• Physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals.
• Uses and operations of computers and standard business software.
• Safety regulations and safe work practices.
• Bacteriology, pathology, serology, and other veterinary laboratory procedures
• Mathematical computations such as calculating proportions, percentages, volume, ratios, fractions.

Skill & Ability to – 

• Examine, evaluate, and treat shelter animals in a professional and efficient manner.
• Perform high quality animal surgeries in a fast-paced environment.
• Administer tests for diseases in animals and interpret results.
• Handle animals (including aggressive and/or feral animals) safely, properly, and humanely.
• Make sound medical decisions that include prescribing medications and euthanasia of animals that are irremediably suffering from serious illness or severe injury.
• Train staff on basic paramedical duties and to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care.
• Develop and establish medical standards/procedures for the maintenance of healthy/safe/sanitary facilities.
• Explain rules and regulations regarding care and treatment of animals to staff, volunteers and the general public.
• Write reports, business correspondence, and assist in developing policies and procedures.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Maintaining confidentiality of City documents and records. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Education and Experience:

Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from an accredited college or university, and one (1) year of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of animals in a clinical setting, private practice or animal shelter environment that includes performing surgery, including residency or clinic experience during Veterinary Medical School. Experience as Veterinarian in an animal shelter strongly preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice Veterinary Medicine issued by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.  Must obtain a valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain valid license while employed.

A valid California Class C driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The employee frequently works in veterinary setting or shelter. The employee is often exposed to dangerous, injured, or diseased animals. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions; fumes or airborne articles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and zoonotic and other communicable diseases. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud within confined areas. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary : $188