Veterinarian

Responsible for the Animal Services Division's veterinary medical work. Performs clinical, laboratory and surgical veterinary services for sheltered animals. Exercises independent medical judgment when examining, caring for and treating impounded animals in accordance with County policies and procedures and in compliance with applicable State laws.

Oversees and directs the treatment and disposition of sheltered animals. Inspects and oversees the sheltering facilities to insure minimum disease contamination and humane environmental conditions. Examines, inoculates and spays or neuters adoptable animals, including juvenile animals as young as eight (8) weeks of age. Completes and certifies documents regarding the health status for impounded and adopted animals. Performs routine and emergency medical treatment and/or surgeries for sick and injured domestic animals detained within the custodial and legal possession of Animal Services. Performs and interprets laboratory tests for parasitic conditions, diseases and injuries. Monitors health and behavior of animals impounded for rabies quarantines. Performs decapitations of suspected rabid animals and prepares the specimens for testing as prescribed by County Health Officials. Assists the Animal Services Manager in the enforcement of rules and laws pertaining to rabies control, animal control and dangerous dogs. Participates with the euthanasia of impounded animals. Reviews, examines and evaluates animals involved in cruelty and abuse cases, including field inspections of properties wherein such animals are found to reside. Provides information and testimony for court proceedings as necessary. Assists with the preparation and administration of the annual budget. Establishes and maintains inventory records for medicine and surgical supplies in accordance with State and Federal laws. Maintains controlled substance logs in accordance with State and Federal guidelines to include purchases, inventory, daily use and disposal.  Oversees staff training programs regarding animal care issues. Responds to public inquires or complaints regarding veterinarian services. Advises Manager of unusual or difficult problems/complaints regarding animal health issues. Assists Division Manager as liaison with area private practicing veterinarians and various animal humane and rescue organizations concerning Divisional services. Performs related work as required.

PHYSICAL SKILLS:  Ability to see colors, hear at a normal level, ambulate independently, bend, stoop, sit and stand. Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination including steadiness of hand. Agility and strength to control animals and perform physical labor tasks. Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment. Ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk, and stand frequently. Must have the physical, developmental and mental abilities to perform job tasks, work efforts and responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated.  Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. Two (2) years veterinary experience preferably in regulatory medicine, veterinary public health, or veterinary medicine practiced in an animal shelter environment. Lead veterinary or supervisory experience preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:  Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.  Must have possession of and maintain a license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida. Must be eligible to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration License within one (1) month of date of hire.

Must have and maintain a telephone as employee is subject to call in emergencies.

ADA STATEMENT:  A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:  All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:  Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.