Summary:
Are you a highly skilled, compassionate veterinarian with a passion for helping at-risk cats and kittens? Do you excel in a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment? If so, you should consider the role of Veterinarian, Kitten Nursery at the ASPCA!
The Kitten Nursery cares for hundreds of underage kittens and their mothers in a dedicated nursery environment as well as through an expanding foster program. The Kitten Nursery is a seasonal program operating during the feline breeding season. Once these kittens are healthy and happy 8-week-olds, the Kitten Nursery helps them get ready for adoption through the ASPCA Adoption Center. Outside of kitten season, the Kitten Nursery Veterinarian supports other ASPCA programs in NYC.
To succeed in this role, the Kitten Nursery Veterinarian will be a skilled clinician with a passion for attending to the welfare of each animal and the entire shelter population equally. They must have a solid understanding of shelter medicine principles and be extremely well organized and efficient to operate in a fast-paced, continually changing environment. The Kitten Nursery Veterinarian must also be an excellent communicator who collaborates successfully with team members, as well as someone who excels at guiding and coaching team members in providing quality medical care for animals.
*This role is part-time (3 days/weekly) and year round.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Provide High Quality Patient and Population Care (60%):
- Provide high-quality, practical, compassionate, and cost-efficient veterinary care to kittens and cats in accordance with ASPCA guidelines, and shelter medicine principles and best practices.
- Provide skilled and efficient diagnosis and treatment of patients with timely recognition of, and planning for, conditions requiring care through the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH).
- Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques.
- Maintain regular and close communication with veterinary colleagues in other ASPCA programs to coordinate care for patients, to meet medical needs and to determine animal flow between populations.
- Ensure that in-house and foster animals receive medical exams upon admission and are provided with ongoing care as appropriate.
- Document physical exam findings and a plan in appropriate medical records.
- Oversee all other aspects of the delivery of veterinary care including pre and postoperative care, foster appointments, emergency care, restraint, and treatment.
- Collaborate with the Midwest Office Call Center to provide input on and support for overnight emergency processes.
- Play a leading role in daily rounds; ensure individual patients and the population are assessed daily and treatment/intervention recommendations are implemented in a timely fashion.
- Ensure appropriate use of quarantine and isolation spaces to manage herd health effectively.
- Guide appropriate and timely decisions about euthanasia.
- Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Follow and enforce all written and verbally communicated Kitten Nursery Standard Operating Procedures.
- Offer input and feedback on medical protocols and standards of care.
- Follow all departmental personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning protocols.
- Work to support other NYC ASPCA departments as assigned during the Kitten Nursery’s off-season.
- Obtain continuing education as required by ASPCA and state licensing board.
- Provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments and to the public.
- Deploy with Community Engagement, Community Medicine, Field Investigations & Response or Relocation up to twice per year.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Teach and Coach Quality Patient Care (40%):
- Contribute to a culture of learning at the Kitten Nursery, including ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment.
- Model a standard of continual commitment to improvement in all aspects of Kitten Nursery care.
- Stay current with shelter medicine principles and best practices.
- Teach and mentor animal care staff on shelter medicine principles.
- Direct patient care provided by medical team members.
- Ensure the medical team provides timely foster support.
- Inform and advise relevant internal stakeholders of medical conditions of shelter animals.
- Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
- Mentor and train externs and interns.
Qualifications:
- Excellent veterinary medical knowledge, including familiarity with shelter medicine principles.
- Strong clinical skills, including efficient diagnosis and treatment of cats and kittens.
- Knowledge and familiarity with low-stress animal handling and restraint skills.
- Sound clinical judgement, strong critical-thinking and multi-tasking skills.
- Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work well within a team and communicate effectively.
- Ability to teach and coach others.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Basic computer skills, including Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Able to lift 40 pounds.
- Able to work standing for 10 or more hours.
Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:
- Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals.
- Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes.
- Believes in Team – that we are stronger together.
- Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible.
- Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals.
Education:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (or equivalent degree) from an accredited veterinary college.
- Eligibility for licensure in New York State (NYS) as a veterinarian required.
Compensation and benefits:
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors. The target hiring range for this role is $88,800 - $93,600. In addition to a competitive salary, this role offers a signing bonus.
For more information on our benefits offerings, click here.
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If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community.
Language:
English (Required), Spanish
Education and Work Experience:
Doctorate: Veterinary Medicine (Required)
Minimum 2 years clinical practice involving cats, prior experience and/or advanced training in shelter medicine strongly preferred.
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
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