Humane Society for Southwest Washington
Shelter Veterinarian
Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Vancouver, Washington, United States, 98662
Position Announcement
The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Shelter Veterinarian to join our team.
Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has been caring for the animals of Southwest Washington and the surrounding area. We are a donor-supported non-profit with public contracts. Our mission is to rescue, return, restore, rehome, and reconnect one animal at a time. We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store, the premiere Clark County thrifting experience. Proceeds from ReTails support animal care and shelter operations.
Path Forward 2025 is an exciting and ambitious strategic plan focused on five pillars: lifesaving pathways for animals, keeping people and pets together, thriving workforce, mission expansion, and leveraging technology. Through these efforts, we will build a community low-cost veterinary clinic and behavior and education center and improve animal spaces. We will expand programs and resources for the community, allowing people and pets to stay together. People bring our mission to life each day. We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, treat one another with kindness, and provide quality and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve.
We have a beautiful shelter in Vancouver, WA, across the magnificent Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. HSSW is part of two greater coalitions: Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland and Humane Southwest Network, working collaboratively with our surrounding animal shelters. Our shelter treats many local animals, transfers animals from other areas of the country, and pets owned in the community through our mobile veterinary clinic. We have an annual intake of more than 8,000 pets and an overall save rate of 94%.
Shelter Veterinarian
The Shelter Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and maintaining standards of animal care, quality diagnostics, treatment, and surgical services to animals served by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington by HSSW policies, procedures, and philosophy. The position requires strong attention to detail, ambition for team collaboration, strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. This is a high-energy, fast-paced environment, and the schedule will include at least one weekend day.
We have digital radiology, digital dental radiology, full dental equipment, in-house blood analyzers, electrocautery, and video otoscopy. Our team comprises the Vice President of Veterinary Services, three Veterinarians, three Licensed Veterinary Technicians, one Director of Clinic Operations, six Veterinary Assistants, and numerous dedicated volunteers. There are also opportunities for teaching and training with our rotation of extern veterinary, technician, and assistant students.
The Ideal Shelter Veterinarian
Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for veterinary medicine and working with animals and the people who love themDemonstrates an attitude of being in service, uses sound judgment, maintains a positive outlook and a sense of humorWorks well on teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaborationCommitted to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the teamExhibits adaptability, curiosity, and flexibility to change, is open to innovative ideas, and encourages others to understand changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformationIs committed to personal and professional development through life-long learningEssential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide quality veterinary and surgical care for animals served by HSSW, including shelter animals housed on site and in foster homes, stray and protective custody animals, and pets of low-income clientsPerform high-quality, high-volume, spay and neuter (HQHVSN) surgical techniques. Perform other soft tissue surgical procedures and dentistry as neededPractice incremental medicine within HSSW's scope of care, utilizing problem-solving and critical-thinking skillsWork collaboratively with other Shelter Veterinarians and Leadership from other departments to develop and implement treatment plans and to make euthanasia and population-level decisionsProvide HQHVSN, urgent care, and wellness to pets of low-income community members through the HSSW Spay & Save and Community Solutions Program.Practice medicine and maintain records by state practice act and organization standardsDemonstrate knowledge and compliance with safety regulations and safe work practices. Follow all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Take immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance with safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at riskAssist with directing, guiding, counseling, and training staff and volunteers in the performance of their respective responsibilities within the department in a culture of continuous improvementParticipate in the creation and maintenance of departmental SOPs and trainingActively support staff and the integration of volunteers and promote the development of skills related to the advancement of our goals and missionRepresent HSSW in a professional and positive mannerProvide quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their contribution to the success of our organizationClosely monitor the shelter population to maintain the integrity of the HSSW's shelter and adoption programWork closely with the Shelter Operations teams to jointly determine placement for special needs animalsSupport positive working relationships with other animal shelters, private veterinarians, and rescue groups. Assist with the transfer or acceptance of animals requiring extended medical care to/from partner facilitiesRequired Qualifications
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited University or equivalentDVM license in Washington State or ability to attain one within 3 months of hire.Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of 1-year experience in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgical techniques and/or shelter medicinePassion for improving access to veterinary careRequired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to work effectively in a demanding environment with diverse populationsExcellent interpersonal and leadership skills and a high degree of emotional and social intelligenceExceptional verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, weekends, and on-call status.Demonstrated ability to utilize Microsoft suite of products.The ability to work in an emotional field where a positive attitude, sense of humor, and understanding of how to recognize and address compassion fatigue are essentialAble to perform physical work: bending, lifting, walking, and standing for up to 6 hours per day, lifting to 50 lbs. with assistance.Compensation
We offer part-time or full-time schedules with a salary range of $95,000-$105,000 FTE (Full Time Equivalent, i.e., 40 hours per week), depending on experience. Positions may be FLSA-exempt or non-exempt, depending on full-time or part-time employment status. Regular full-time employment involves working a regular schedule of 30 or more hours per week, whereas regular part-time employment involves working a regular schedule between 16 and 29 hours per week. Prorated to FTE, licensed veterinarians are eligible to receive paid CE days, a stipend for attending conferences, and license reimbursement.
Full Time Employee Benefits
In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose; full-time employees currently enjoy the following benefits and employee perks.
Health, dental, and vision insurance benefits that become effective the first of the month after hire.Matching percentage 401 (k) retirement plan that begins the first month after hire, has a 3-year graded vestment schedule and a ROTH contribution option.Employee assistance program for all household member access.Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.As a 501c3 non-profit organization, full-time employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness with the potential to eliminate student loans within 10 years!Part time employees currently enjoy the following benefits and employee perks.
Shared cost premium for dental and vision benefits that become effective the first of the month after hire.Matching percentage 401 (k) retirement plan that begins the first month after hire, has a 3-year graded vestment schedule and a ROTH contribution option.Employee assistance program for all household member access.Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits for full-time Shelter Veterinarians include fifteen days of PTO annually , plus floating holidays, bereavement leave, pet bereavement leave, and the ability to build up a long-term sick leave bank.
PTO benefits for part-time Shelter Veterinarians accrue PTO at 0.057 hours for every hour worked. Working part-time at 25 hours per week equates to about 74 hours of PTO per year. HSSW's Paid time off plan for part-time employees includes a prorated bereavement & pet bereavement leave based on part-time hours.
HSSW Culture
Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.
Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time.
Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity.
We endeavor to seek excellence in all we do; we strive to maintain a positive attitude while doing it; we seek out opportunities to be in-service to one another; we depend on teamwork and collaboration in setting and achieving goals. With integrity as a core value, we expect everyone to set a positive example of excellence, service, compassion, integrity and collaboration.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
This position requires you to be comfortable speaking with and to groups of people. Work duties and tasks may require walking, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, bending, typing, talking, seeing, listening, utilizing arms, hands & fingers for grasping, lifting, operating computers, answering telephone, and working with animals. The position will call for repetitive use of hands to perform tasks related to traditional veterinary & surgical work in addition to operating computers, telephones, and cell phones and using the computer keyboard for extensive periods. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and/or near animals, with potential exposure to fractious animals, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and scratches, radiation, cleaning chemicals, allergens, and potential exposure of infectious diseases to personally owned animals. The Shelter Veterinarian must be able to perform physical work: bending, lifting, walking, and standing for up to 6 hours a day, lifting fifty pounds with assistance.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Nor does this document create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship. HSSW participates in E-Verify.
How to Apply
If this job & HSSW sound like the right place for you, you feel a dedication to HSSW's mission, vision, and values, and you meet the qualifications for this position, click the Apply button to begin your journey today.
HSSW participates in E-Verify
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Salary Description
$95,000-$105,000 FTE, DOE
The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Shelter Veterinarian to join our team.
Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has been caring for the animals of Southwest Washington and the surrounding area. We are a donor-supported non-profit with public contracts. Our mission is to rescue, return, restore, rehome, and reconnect one animal at a time. We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store, the premiere Clark County thrifting experience. Proceeds from ReTails support animal care and shelter operations.
Path Forward 2025 is an exciting and ambitious strategic plan focused on five pillars: lifesaving pathways for animals, keeping people and pets together, thriving workforce, mission expansion, and leveraging technology. Through these efforts, we will build a community low-cost veterinary clinic and behavior and education center and improve animal spaces. We will expand programs and resources for the community, allowing people and pets to stay together. People bring our mission to life each day. We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, treat one another with kindness, and provide quality and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve.
We have a beautiful shelter in Vancouver, WA, across the magnificent Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. HSSW is part of two greater coalitions: Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland and Humane Southwest Network, working collaboratively with our surrounding animal shelters. Our shelter treats many local animals, transfers animals from other areas of the country, and pets owned in the community through our mobile veterinary clinic. We have an annual intake of more than 8,000 pets and an overall save rate of 94%.
Shelter Veterinarian
The Shelter Veterinarian is responsible for implementing and maintaining standards of animal care, quality diagnostics, treatment, and surgical services to animals served by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington by HSSW policies, procedures, and philosophy. The position requires strong attention to detail, ambition for team collaboration, strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. This is a high-energy, fast-paced environment, and the schedule will include at least one weekend day.
We have digital radiology, digital dental radiology, full dental equipment, in-house blood analyzers, electrocautery, and video otoscopy. Our team comprises the Vice President of Veterinary Services, three Veterinarians, three Licensed Veterinary Technicians, one Director of Clinic Operations, six Veterinary Assistants, and numerous dedicated volunteers. There are also opportunities for teaching and training with our rotation of extern veterinary, technician, and assistant students.
The Ideal Shelter Veterinarian
Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for veterinary medicine and working with animals and the people who love themDemonstrates an attitude of being in service, uses sound judgment, maintains a positive outlook and a sense of humorWorks well on teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaborationCommitted to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the teamExhibits adaptability, curiosity, and flexibility to change, is open to innovative ideas, and encourages others to understand changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformationIs committed to personal and professional development through life-long learningEssential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide quality veterinary and surgical care for animals served by HSSW, including shelter animals housed on site and in foster homes, stray and protective custody animals, and pets of low-income clientsPerform high-quality, high-volume, spay and neuter (HQHVSN) surgical techniques. Perform other soft tissue surgical procedures and dentistry as neededPractice incremental medicine within HSSW's scope of care, utilizing problem-solving and critical-thinking skillsWork collaboratively with other Shelter Veterinarians and Leadership from other departments to develop and implement treatment plans and to make euthanasia and population-level decisionsProvide HQHVSN, urgent care, and wellness to pets of low-income community members through the HSSW Spay & Save and Community Solutions Program.Practice medicine and maintain records by state practice act and organization standardsDemonstrate knowledge and compliance with safety regulations and safe work practices. Follow all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Take immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance with safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at riskAssist with directing, guiding, counseling, and training staff and volunteers in the performance of their respective responsibilities within the department in a culture of continuous improvementParticipate in the creation and maintenance of departmental SOPs and trainingActively support staff and the integration of volunteers and promote the development of skills related to the advancement of our goals and missionRepresent HSSW in a professional and positive mannerProvide quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their contribution to the success of our organizationClosely monitor the shelter population to maintain the integrity of the HSSW's shelter and adoption programWork closely with the Shelter Operations teams to jointly determine placement for special needs animalsSupport positive working relationships with other animal shelters, private veterinarians, and rescue groups. Assist with the transfer or acceptance of animals requiring extended medical care to/from partner facilitiesRequired Qualifications
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited University or equivalentDVM license in Washington State or ability to attain one within 3 months of hire.Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of 1-year experience in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgical techniques and/or shelter medicinePassion for improving access to veterinary careRequired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to work effectively in a demanding environment with diverse populationsExcellent interpersonal and leadership skills and a high degree of emotional and social intelligenceExceptional verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, weekends, and on-call status.Demonstrated ability to utilize Microsoft suite of products.The ability to work in an emotional field where a positive attitude, sense of humor, and understanding of how to recognize and address compassion fatigue are essentialAble to perform physical work: bending, lifting, walking, and standing for up to 6 hours per day, lifting to 50 lbs. with assistance.Compensation
We offer part-time or full-time schedules with a salary range of $95,000-$105,000 FTE (Full Time Equivalent, i.e., 40 hours per week), depending on experience. Positions may be FLSA-exempt or non-exempt, depending on full-time or part-time employment status. Regular full-time employment involves working a regular schedule of 30 or more hours per week, whereas regular part-time employment involves working a regular schedule between 16 and 29 hours per week. Prorated to FTE, licensed veterinarians are eligible to receive paid CE days, a stipend for attending conferences, and license reimbursement.
Full Time Employee Benefits
In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose; full-time employees currently enjoy the following benefits and employee perks.
Health, dental, and vision insurance benefits that become effective the first of the month after hire.Matching percentage 401 (k) retirement plan that begins the first month after hire, has a 3-year graded vestment schedule and a ROTH contribution option.Employee assistance program for all household member access.Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.As a 501c3 non-profit organization, full-time employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness with the potential to eliminate student loans within 10 years!Part time employees currently enjoy the following benefits and employee perks.
Shared cost premium for dental and vision benefits that become effective the first of the month after hire.Matching percentage 401 (k) retirement plan that begins the first month after hire, has a 3-year graded vestment schedule and a ROTH contribution option.Employee assistance program for all household member access.Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits for full-time Shelter Veterinarians include fifteen days of PTO annually , plus floating holidays, bereavement leave, pet bereavement leave, and the ability to build up a long-term sick leave bank.
PTO benefits for part-time Shelter Veterinarians accrue PTO at 0.057 hours for every hour worked. Working part-time at 25 hours per week equates to about 74 hours of PTO per year. HSSW's Paid time off plan for part-time employees includes a prorated bereavement & pet bereavement leave based on part-time hours.
HSSW Culture
Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.
Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time.
Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity.
We endeavor to seek excellence in all we do; we strive to maintain a positive attitude while doing it; we seek out opportunities to be in-service to one another; we depend on teamwork and collaboration in setting and achieving goals. With integrity as a core value, we expect everyone to set a positive example of excellence, service, compassion, integrity and collaboration.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
This position requires you to be comfortable speaking with and to groups of people. Work duties and tasks may require walking, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, bending, typing, talking, seeing, listening, utilizing arms, hands & fingers for grasping, lifting, operating computers, answering telephone, and working with animals. The position will call for repetitive use of hands to perform tasks related to traditional veterinary & surgical work in addition to operating computers, telephones, and cell phones and using the computer keyboard for extensive periods. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and/or near animals, with potential exposure to fractious animals, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and scratches, radiation, cleaning chemicals, allergens, and potential exposure of infectious diseases to personally owned animals. The Shelter Veterinarian must be able to perform physical work: bending, lifting, walking, and standing for up to 6 hours a day, lifting fifty pounds with assistance.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Nor does this document create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship. HSSW participates in E-Verify.
How to Apply
If this job & HSSW sound like the right place for you, you feel a dedication to HSSW's mission, vision, and values, and you meet the qualifications for this position, click the Apply button to begin your journey today.
HSSW participates in E-Verify
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Salary Description
$95,000-$105,000 FTE, DOE