Shelter Veterinarian

JOB SUMMARY Responsible for providing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) services and performing skilled professional work in the surgical sterilization of animals. Oversees the full spectrum of medical care for all animals at Marion County Animal Services, including examinations, diagnostics, treatment, ongoing monitoring, and ensuring humane, compassionate care throughout their stay.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs HQHVSN surgeries for dogs, cats, and occasionally rabbits, at the shelter and on the mobile surgical clinic, for both shelter and privately-owned animals.

Oversees pre- and post-operative care of animals.

Assists with overseeing the maintenance of surgical equipment, medical supplies, and clinic area.

Triages, examines, and treats healthy, diseased, and injured animals with little to no history or background, including those that may be fearful, fractious, or aggressive. Based on medical evaluation, decides on appropriate disposition of individual animal, considering available resources, prognosis, and the health and safety of other animals and people; outcomes may include adoption, rescue partner transfer, foster and/or humane euthanasia when appropriate.

Leads in the recognition and management of infectious disease concerns in the shelter, offering educated recommendations and directing appropriate response measures to safeguard the health and well‑being of all animals.

Assesses shelter health and overall herd health, provides recommendations and implements plans.

Performs and assists with Humane Euthanasia as needed; may be needed to train and/or assist newly certified employees.

Perform occasional necropsiesto determine cause of death, illnesses, and/or in relation to field enforcement cases.

Creates treatment protocols for individual animals and regularly seen shelter ailments; collaborates with coworkers, as needed, to determine most appropriate path.

Administers vaccinations and microchips at Marion County Animal Services and at off‑site locations, including during vaccination and microchip clinics for the community.

Safely and humanely handles animals of all species, attitudes, and behaviors, in accordance with Fear Free standards; assists with guiding employees, volunteers, and others with the same respect and expectation.

Must have superior data entry skills and the ability to clearly communicate via written word; must maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records.

Performs routine filing and record keeping tasks, including controlled substance logs.

Asses, examine, treat, and create treatment plans for animals involved in active investigations; compose and articulate findings in both written and oral form.

May be required to deploy to active investigation scenes to evaluate, triage, and treat any animals at the location.

May be required to testify in court.

Provides veterinary services during emergency/disaster situations.

May be asked to provide medical assistance or support for livestock; training and support will be provided and available.

Provides training and guidance for veterinary students at the shelter or mobile clinic from universities.

May assess and provide training and recommendations for employees, fosters, and volunteers.

Supports and occasionally participates in daily playgroups, following Dogs Playing for Life model.

Occasionally participates in outreach adoption events on weekends or evenings.

Remains available on a rotating on‑call basis for animal emergencies.

Attends trainings, conferences, events, seminars, meetings, hearings, and other continuing education opportunities.

Provides superior customer service to both internal and external customers and stakeholders, including but not limited to general public, adopters, fosters, rescue partners, pet owners, volunteers, and veterinary community partners. Service is provided in person, electronically or by phone contact.

Leads by example for all staff and volunteers.

Assists Senior Shelter Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician Supervisor, and Department Director with creating and implementing SOPs, budgeting, and championing for changes to align with best practices in animal welfare.

Collaborates with management to meet organizational goals and requirements.

May be asked to collaborate with leadership on the interviewing, selection, and training of new employees.

Implements the organization’s guiding principles and core values.

Required to report to work to provide support, coordination, and completion of duties as detailed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management ESF17 in the event of a disaster, severe weather threat, or other declared emergency. Performs other related job duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION This position can be responsible for directly and indirectly supervising work of one or more employees and volunteers. Includes assigning, directing, and reviewing work of employees. Responsibilities include providing on‑the‑job training; communicating job performance; and recommending selection of new staff members, promotions, status changes, and discipline. May be responsible for veterinary student trainees and provide basic evaluations to educational institution.

QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Doctoral Degree of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent; and two (2) years’ shelter medicine experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Training and mentorship opportunities are available.

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Valid Florida Veterinarian License required.

USDA Accreditation for Health Certificates and DEA Registration number within first year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Skilled in veterinary and shelter medicine practices. Ability to perform HQHVSN daily; training and mentorship will be provided. Ability to function as an expert in matters of shelter medicine and work cooperatively with fellow staff veterinarians and support staff. Knowledge of drug use regulations, euthanasia and disposal techniques, and bio‑hazardous waste disposal. Knowledge of communicable zoonotic disease symptoms and veterinary technical procedures. Ability, skill, and knowledge of humane, fear‑free, restraint and handling techniques. Ability to identify animals by breed, breed traits, assess behavior, and recognize common health conditions and symptoms of disease. Ability to make decisions and prioritize job assignments. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to communicate accurately, clearly, and professionally with patrons, the public and others in writing, in person, and by telephone, on both a one‑on‑one basis and in large groups. Demonstrates the ability to provide clear, confident testimony in court and other legal settings, effectively communicating observations, findings, and professional recommendations. Maintains composure under questioning, speaks articulately to diverse audiences, and presents information in an accurate, objective, and professional manner. Training, coaching, and counseling will be provided. Ability to deal with others in a courteous, professional, and tactful manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations involving people and animals. Knowledge of Marion County Animal Control and Enforcement Ordinance and Florida State Laws Relating to Animals. Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Ability to build a constructive team spirit where team members are committed to the goals and objectives of the team. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to effectively assist and present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as dosages, percentages, and volume. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to develop plans, policies, and specifications. Ability to contribute to evolving and improving upon current plans and policies within available shelter resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to climb, balance, and run; will regularly be required to talk or hear; and will frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and smell. Special vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work expeditiously and cautiously in a fast‑paced environment. Agile physical reflexes are necessary to avoid injuries to self and coworkers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in various indoor and outdoor environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and wet or humid conditions; exposure to zoonotic diseases, fractious animals, animal waste, blood, and cleaning chemicals. May be required to enter private citizen’s homes and properties while wearing a respirator. The noise level for the environment is loud.

_ Marion County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment_

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