Veterinarian

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Health & Human Services Agency.   The anticipated life of the employment list is six months.  If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancy is with the Health & Human Services Agency located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $171,633 Annually

Performs high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgeries of shelter animals, including dogs and cats in a fast-paced environment; diagnoses and treats diseases, illness, and injuries of shelter animals including dogs, cats, pocket pets, and occasionally farm animals; oversees all aspects of veterinary surgical care including physical examination, surgery, pre-and post-operative care, anesthetic administration and monitoring, emergency care, restraint and treatment following all SOPs as put forth by Tulare County; perform pre-surgery physical examination on all surgical candidates; diagnose and treatment of post-surgical medical complications of animals; attend staff, management, and other requested meetings. Obtain continuing education as required by Tulare County and licensing requirements; examines animals to determine nature of disease or injury and recommends course of treatment or euthanasia with the support of a team decision; test animals for disease and inoculate animals against rabies; reviews animal bites and exposure reports concerning rabies and other diseases and directs follow-up procedures; evaluate condition and coordinate maintenance of surgical equipment and supplies; hold and maintain the Veterinary Premise Permit for Tulare County Animal Services shelter and clinic; oversee controlled substance procurement, storage, record keeping and administration as it relates to shelter animals; develop and confer with Management on sanitary measures, feeding, preventative medicine, and general care to promote health of shelter animals; research and prepare medical reports for guidance on request; provide veterinary expertise and document/testify as needed on animal abuse and neglect cases; participates in humane investigations, prepares written veterinary statements, and testifies in court as appropriate for animal welfare/cruelty cases; vaccinates and gives emergency treatment to impounded animals; regularly reviews medical condition of animals quarantined at the shelter; gives follow-up treatment to injured animals as necessary; directs care and feeding of exotic or unusual animals; assists with public health duties as needed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the shelter and in the community; supervises assistants and oversees the clinical care provided by Veterinary Technicians, Animal Care Specialists and Animal Care Technicians as needed; provides input on veterinary protocols; provides consultation and education to members of the public on regulations and medical aspects of animal care; assist with natural disasters and the care of animals; provide information to the public regarding laws, regulations, and department policies when necessary; prepare various forms, routine correspondence and run reports; compose Health Certificates; utilize custom animal software; attend and assist in animal shelter related events such as vaccine clinics; perform related duties as assigned; Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school of veterinary medicine 

Experience: None

License or Certificate: Possession of a current California Veterinarian License from the Veterinary Medical Board. The required licenses MUST be current and unrestricted; a conditional, provisional, probationary, or restricted license will NOT be accepted;  possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a National Accreditation Number from the USDA; aAbility to obtain a DEA license for the procurement and use of controlled substances utilized in a veterinary setting within 30 days from the date of hire into this classification. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in separation from County employment.

Knowledge of:  Current veterinary principles, practices, and techniques relating to sick or injured animals; rabies control laws; veterinary forensics and animal cruelty laws; shelter practices and population medicine; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations regarding health certificates and transport of animals; high volume, high-quality spay and neuter techniques; bacteriology, pathology, serology, and other veterinary laboratory procedures; principles of public health related to animal carried diseases; supervisory principles and practices
 

Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment; complete multiple priority projects with strict deadlines; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; attend meetings outside of regular working hours and may work on-call to respond to emergencies; perform high volume, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries daily in a fast-paced environment; work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours; demonstrate genuine concerns, compassion and caring for animals; diagnose and treat diseases among animals; apply animal care knowledge in a shelter setting; establish and enforce quarantine of animals; gather evidence in case of violation of rules and regulations; communicate in a manner that is both compassionate and informative when interacting with staff, clients and with the public; ability to address emotional situations with pet owners; maintain records and prepare reports; effectively supervise shelter staff as it relates to veterinary care or surgery; perform humane euthanasia; travel within and outside Tulare County for work related activities using County vehicle; organize work, determine priorities, exercise good judgment, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines under stressful conditions; follow safe work practices; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely in person and over the telephone; write clearly to convey ideas in memos, emails, and correspondence using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; effectively utilize specialized animal software; file and maintain accurate records; plan and complete assignments independently; exhibit humane and sympathetic treatment of animals; work in a loud environment while exposed to animals, animal fluids, waste and smells, and pharmaceuticals; remain standing for long periods of time; demonstrate hand and finger dexterity; demonstrate team approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and consider larger organization or team goals; demonstrate willingness to adapt and remain calm in a constantly changing and stressful work environment; handle, position, and restrain live animals of both small and large animal species; handle, position, lift, and move materials, equipment, and supplies; retain and recall information.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: 

Must be immunized against rabies within three (3) months of start date and maintain immunity for the duration of employment.

Conditions of Employment:  

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. 
• Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. 
• An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. 
• Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act: This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $110,000 - $171,633