This is responsible professional work supervising and providing medical care and treatment to sheltered animals in the Veterinary Services unit of the Animal Control Division. This position is responsible for providing veterinary services including administering injections and medication, post-operative observations, administrating medical treatments and monitoring the health and care of impounded animals in a shelter facility, medical testing and test results interpretation, inventory control and security of drugs, laboratory work, to include a broad variety of clinical and laboratory activities and related clerical duties. Supervision is exercised over clinic staff assisting in routine details. Work is performed under the direction of the Animal Services Manager and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observations of results obtained.
- Supervises and coordinates the activities of staff including determining work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties, reviewing work, recommending personnel actions, conducting performance reviews, and conducting departmental training and orientation.
- Directs sanitation and feeding protocols, determines whether animals are treated or euthanized as a last resort.
- Provides medical and surgical care, treatment and sterilizations to sheltered animals.
- Exercises medical judgment and skills in the independent performance of duties for the care and treatment of animals within the shelter.
- Applies knowledge of veterinary medical practices, administering medication, vaccines, anesthesia, and oral, intra-muscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections; safe and humane handling and restraining of all types of animals under varying and stressful conditions.
- Safely and humanely assists with, or euthanizes, sick and injured or unwanted animals of a variety of sizes and breeds, in accordance with regulations and standard veterinary procedures.
- Records, controls and maintains security of federally-restricted drugs and barbiturates in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations including bio hazardous waste disposal related to the treatment of animals.
- Works with veterinary technician to establish routine health protocols, daily observations of shelter populations for injuries and illness and reporting of incidents to the Animal Services Director.
- Establishes and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.
- Provides qualified testimony and documentation in court concerning cases of neglect and cruelty, as enforced by Animal Services Officers in accordance with County ordinance and State Statutes.
- Counsels citizens who adopt pets on post-operative care.
- Trains staff on prevention of canine and feline diseases.
- Performs animal care and cleaning of the County’s Animal Shelter, if needed.
- Remains abreast of the latest procedures and developments regarding the handling, care, and disposal of animals.
- Performs decapitation of animals that are submitted for rabies testing.
- Maintains medical inventory and offers qualified expertise on the appropriate selection of medical supplies.
- Reviews and makes recommendations to the Manager concerning animal care and regulations program policies, procedures, and activities; prepares periodic evaluative reports on veterinary services.
- Responds to verbal and written inquiries from the public regarding Animal Shelter services.
- Develops educational literature for Bay County citizens on animal care, feeding, housing and training.
- Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens pertaining to animals adopted from Bay County Animal Services with a valid veterinarian – client – patient relationship (VCPR).
- May be subject to emergency management situations that may require working afterhours, weekends and holidays.
- Regular reliable full-time attendance as scheduled.
- The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Graduation from an accredited school of veterinary medicine.
- Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida.
- Three (3) years of experience in animal services, animal shelter operations, or related field; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
- Ability to obtain a DEA license as required.
- Florida State Certification in Euthanasia or must obtain with six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to obtain Florida Animal Control Officer Certification within six (6) months of hire. Ability to obtain a Certification in the operation of the pathological incinerator within six (6) months of hire.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Applicants within six (6) months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
- Ability to use special types of equipment.
- Must be able to comprehend, speak and read the English language.
- Must have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
- Evening and weekend work may be required.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.
- Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn County ordinances, law enforcement, and health regulations pertaining to animals and related legal procedures.
- Knowledge of practices, policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter/kennel environment.
- Skill to effectively use all animal capture equipment issued, including but not limited to: Ketch-All pole, Snappy Snare, and live animal traps.
- Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
- Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Expertise in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
- Ability to capture and control vicious and dangerous animals.
- Ability to handle and restrain large and small animals.
- Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of subordinate employees.
- Ability to prepare related budget and statistical reports.
- Ability to deal effectively with the public especially during emotional and stressful situations.
- Ability to handle diseased animals in a safe manner;
- Ability to identify common animal diseases or disorders;
- Ability to assess the temperament of animals;
- Ability to clean and sanitize kennels;
- Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
- Ability to safely and humanely pick up and handle animals, alive and deceased, up to and over 100 lbs, with assistance when needed.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:Work is primarily performed indoors but requires moderate exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, fumes or airborne particles; dangerous animals, toxic and caustic chemicals, heights and/or dust.
Bay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or parental status. This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may include completing and successfully passing medical evaluations or clearances.
This position requires stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, visual acuity (i.e. seeing up close, seeing far away, depth perception), kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, climbing, finger movement, repetitive motions. This position requires dealing with animals, alive or dead, capturing, restraining, handling, lifting up to 100 lbs. and carrying up to 100lbs.
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