VETERINARIAN
 Job Specification

 

Class Code: AD8

    

Analyst: EM

 

Date Originated:

6/12

Dates Revised:

 

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate and perform the veterinary medical services of the Animal Services Authority; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class reports to the General Manager of Animal Services and is responsible for providing leadership and direction for managing the medical care and protocols of the Animal Services shelter. This position is responsible for carrying out the philosophy and policies of the organization, ensuring constant humane care and treatment of sheltered animals and providing guidance to the General Manager and Board of Directors on animal medical issues as needed.  

TYPICAL TASKS

Oversees daily animal medical care, maintenance of preventative health programs and animal sterilization; performs spay/neuter surgeries, including some animal preparation and aftercare as appropriate; conducts and evaluates treatment plans, disease control measures, hands-on medical treatment and progress of animals housed at the shelter, including sterilization and facility sanitation within shelter guidelines and operating philosophy; maintains animal medical and sterilization records and care recommendations for all shelter animal admissions and ensure those recommendations are completed; provides rabies quarantine observations and rabies vaccine administrations for shelter and public animals; maintains shelter disease control program in cooperation with Shelter Manager; maintains proper inventory, storage, handling and documentation of all controlled substances, supplies and functioning of all medically related equipment within the department; assists with internal and public consultation and educational services when appropriate; evaluates and schedules maintenance for surgical facilities and equipment in cooperation with Shelter Manager; provides staff training; prepares operational reports; develops and enforces compliance with standard operating procedures for animal medical and health operations; may assist law enforcement personnel on investigations involving animals including performing necropsies, animal medical reports and court testimonies.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

·         Current principles, practices, techniques and policies of veterinary medicine, including disease identification, prevention, control and eradication;

·         Preoperative, surgical and postoperative procedures involved in performing spay and neutering surgeries;

·         Utilization and effects of medications for animals;

·         Local, State and Federal Animal Health laws and regulations.

 

Working knowledge of:

 

·         Safety policies, procedures and practices as they relate to veterinary medicine and shelter environments including zoonotic diseases;

·         Appropriate equipment required in performing specific medical procedures;

·         Anesthesia monitoring equipment including capnograph, pulse oximeter and respiratory monitor.

 

Some knowledge of:

 

·         Quality assurance procedures and techniques;

·         Training principles, practices and techniques;

·         Principles and practices of leadership;

·         Basic computer skills.

Ability To:

  • Provide surgical and medical services and care for a variety of well, sick and injured animals, including a high volume of spay and neutering operations;
  • Perform full range of veterinarian duties including veterinary diagnosis and treatment;
  • Establish medical standards and procedures to assure the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary facilities;
  • Make sound decisions, including prescribing medications and euthanasia;
  • Establish and enforce quarantine of animals;
  • Develop and implement methods to control and prevent the spread of diseases in a shelter;
  •  Understand quality control practice to assure compliance with safety and accreditation standards and regulations;
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
  • Evaluate program quality, cost and overall effectiveness to recommend and implement changes and improvements;
  • Create and implement policies and procedures;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted through the course of work, including co-workers, volunteers and the public;
  • Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports;
  • Train shelter staff and volunteers;
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
  • Lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

 

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Twenty-four months of experience working in an animal shelter environment consisting of a high volume spay/neuter surgical setting is highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Licenses: Possession and maintenance of a license to practice as a Veterinarian issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board.

Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate/license.

Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver license.

Background Investigation: Departmental background investigation and fingerprints are required. Employment in this class requires successful completion of a criminal background investigation prior to appointment.

Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous and exposure to animal feces, urine and blood; the possibility of infections which may cause chronic disease or death.

 

Bargaining Unit:  11

EEOC Job Category:  02

Occupational Group:  91

Worker’s Compensation Code:  1073