Shelter Lead Veterinarian

Auburn Valley Humane Society • Auburn, WA, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 1m ago

Position Summary: The Shelter Lead Veterinarian is responsible for the overall management of the medical programs for Auburn Valley Humane Society’s (AVHS) animal shelter. In addition to overseeing the medical practices for the shelter, the Lead Veterinarian has a crucial role in leading medical support staff while promoting and upholding AVHS workplace culture.

Position Classification: Exempt/Salary

Pay Range: 95,000 – 140,000

Supervisor: CEO

Location: Auburn Shelter / 4910 A Street SE Auburn, WA. 98092

Driver Role: Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation; ability to meet AVHS insurance requirements and appropriately operate AVHS vehicles in accordance with policy.

Core Competencies (All Employees):

Respect
Communication
Eagerness to Learn
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Customer Focus
Animal Welfare

Leadership Competencies (in addition to Core):

Coaching
Achieves Results
Problem Solving
Time Management
Creativity
Adaptability to Change
Conflict Management

Senior Leadership Competencies (in addition to Core and Leadership):

Budget Management
Strategic Planning
Organization
Decision Making

Responsibilities:

To establish and maintain the Animal Care policies and procedures, as well as learn and follow AVHS’s policies and procedures and city, county and state requirements in regard to animal welfare.
To promote a positive image of AVHS through positive public relations.
To establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with staff members, volunteers, and other departments.
To oversee medical support staff, encourage a collaborative and kind working environment, support change and growth opportunities.
Perform medical examinations, diagnostics, and determine treatment plans for shelter and foster animals.
Consult and collaborate with external veterinary partners as needed to manage complicated cases.
Evaluate and participate in prognoses and shelter pathway planning.
Conduct cruelty/neglect intake examinations and prepare reports for legal cases and provide expert witness testimony as needed.
To assist the Director of Medicine with development and implementation of an annual business plan, strategic plan, and budget to include, but not limited to, strategies to increase productivity and efficiency within the shelter and promote AVHS workplace culture.
To assist the Director of Medicine with solicitation, hiring and performance management of medical support staff.
To assist the Director of Medicine in the development and maintenance of ongoing medical support staff and volunteer training programs.
To prepare and maintain proper records of work performance of medical support staff and operations.
To review and verify medical support staff timecards for payroll processing.
To maintain medical support staff scheduling and daily operations including relief coverage.
To foster and promote positive relations with volume clients to include but not limited to conflict resolution, scheduling appointments and follow-up care.
To maintain proper records of animal care and medical charting operations in-line with current standards of care.
To be proficient in all aspects of high quality, high volume, spay & neuter (HQHVSN) including exam, induction, surgery, and recovery based on organizational policy.
Regularly audit and evaluate programs to ensure shelter medical programs are targeted appropriately.
To maintain proper inventories and records of pet food, medical supplies, and controlled drugs.
To be proficient in all aspects of spay, neuter, and emergency surgeries including exam, induction, surgery, and recovery based on organizational policy.
To be proficient in the knowledge and delivery of preventative medicine topics and care based on organizational policy.
To evaluate the risks associated with each program and take appropriate action to mitigate the risks associated with the program.
Create program materials (policies and procedures, applications, handbooks, trainings, etc.).
To support and promote Fear Free and similar animal handling practices within the shelter.
To prepare monthly and annual departmental reports as they relate to program metrics for the Director of Medicine.
Administer AVHS’ foster program in coordination with the Animal Welfare Coordinator, determining animals in need of foster placement, maintaining foster communications, and working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator in training new foster homes.
Provides expertise and focus on infectious disease identification, management and prevention.
To manage and perform all services and requirements associated with the drug administration for the location, in accordance with DEA licensure.
To supervise the euthanasia and or euthanize animals as to Society policy.
Assist the Director of Medicine in general program management and new program development.
To write articles and provide data for AVHS newsletter and/or other marketing materials.
To counsel and respond to clients with concerns, surgical or medical complications and other situations as they arise.
To attend board meetings and fundraising events as needed.
To perform other reasonable duties time to time, as assigned by the Director of Medicine.
To maintain a general working knowledge of other Shelter departments, all Society locations, functions, and their contribution to the organization as a whole.
To be available outside of regularly scheduled hours in a supervisory role promoting operational success and staff support.
Able to work flexible hours, which will include weekends and some evenings.
To remain current on daily communication and time sensitive issues.

Educational / Licensing Qualifications:

DVM; licensed to practice in the State of Washington.
Current or eligible for DEA licensure.
Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation; ability to meet AVHS insurance requirements and appropriately operate AVHS vehicles in accordance with policy.
Passion for the mission of Auburn Valley Humane Society. Knowledge of and commitment to animal welfare issues.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Skills and Experience:

3+ years of veterinarian experience, 1+ year in a shelter environment preferred.
Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, and courteous manner.
Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures.
Ability to bring an equity lens to program services.
Ability to handle and assess potentially dangerous or fractious dogs and cats.
Demonstrated experience in leading a diverse staff in a positive, friendly, collaborative, and inclusive manner.
Program development experience.
Ability to set goals, work with a team and independently to plan and carry out projects.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
Organizational and time management skills.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office applications, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Experience with shelter software (ShelterHQ / PetPoint) preferred.
Comfortable learning new systems, including online information systems and shelter software.

Physical Demands:

Individuals will frequently be required to speak publicly; stand, walk or sit for extended periods, reach, bend or stoop, regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Occupational Disclaimer:

This position works daily in a veterinary shelter type setting. This position will come in direct contact with animals and will be exposed to animal related smells and sounds.

Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) and all parts of its organization, including Northwest Spay & Neuter Center and the Thrift Store, is committed to an inclusive work environment that is full of opportunity for all, with a workforce that reflects the region’s diversity. At the core of it all, our approach is shaped by a strong respect for people. AVHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, genetics, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. AVHS uses E-Verify to verify the ability of all new employees to legally work in the United States. If you need assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us.

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