Veterinarian

FLSA: Exempt (salaried) REVISED: July 4, 2022

REPORTS TO: Chief Veterinarian

SUPERVISES: N/A

Position Summary:

Under administrative direction, responsible for providing high-quality veterinary care of shelter and/or client-owned animals, shelter medicine, spay/neuter surgeries, and disease control protocols. Some positions may require an emphasis on high-volume spay and neuter surgery, and others may require emphasis on duties related to shelter medicine and herd health.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Surgery

• Performs high-volume spay/neuter procedures for client-owned and/or shelter animals.
• Performs pre-operative physical exams, administers peri-operative medications, and manages postoperative surgical care for surgical patients.
• Performs other elective special procedures (amputations, enucleations, dentals, mass removals, etc) as needed

Shelter Medicine

• Reports the status of overall shelter health to management.
• Collaborates with management and veterinary staff to create both real-time adjustments to shelter protocols, as well as preemptive planning to mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks.
• Diagnoses and treats illness and injury in shelter animals and occasionally client-owned companion animals, recommends a course of treatment, diagnostic testing, or euthanasia, species include dogs, cats, pocket pets, reptiles, fish, and occasionally farm animals.
• Administers pre-euthanasia sedation and performs euthanasia when necessary.

General

• Administers vaccines and preventative medications for shelter animals and for client-owned companion animals during public shot clinics.
• Maintains accurate and detailed electronic medical records.
• Dresses appropriately and professionally to project a positive image to the public.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests as outlined in the organization's Guest Service Charter.
• Applies the principles of The Animal Foundation's Core Values toward the goal of bettering self, the organization, and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• DVM/VMD degree from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine.

License & Certification Requirements:

• Valid License issued by the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
• Valid License issued by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.
• Valid Controlled Substance Registration Certification issued by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Animal shelter medicine and surgical procedures/protocols.
• Principles and practices of immunization as related to infectious diseases of animals.
• Proper review/audit of medical procedures to ensure that efficient and effective medical procedures are being practiced at the Foundation.
• Standard clinical office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Communicating effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Instructing (training) staff, providing clinical oversight and case management assistance.
• Performing surgery to spay, neuter, and treat animals.
• Performing elective surgical procedures on an as-needed basis
• Demonstration of genuine concern, compassion, and caring for animals.
• Diagnosis of medical conditions and determining an appropriate course of treatment.
• Explaining medical conditions and treatment options to staff and the public.
• Reviewing medical charts and records.
• Maintaining accurate medical and clinical records and preparing accurate and timely reports.
• Performing high volume of spay/neuter surgeries on a daily basis.
• Use of business software and associated computer hardware.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Communicating, relating, and interacting with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical clinical setting; stand for extended periods of time; strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally; hand and finger dexterity required to perform tasks required of a veterinarian; vision to read printed materials; hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Job incumbent is continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, potentially harming cleaning chemicals, high noise, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites, and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All Team Members work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Team Members must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.

I have read and understand the above to be a general description of the duties, physical demands, and occupational exposures of the position for which I am being hired.