Under general supervision, the Veterinarian - Animal Care and Control provides high quality medical care for all animals housed in the shelter. The incumbent will assess, diagnose and treat patients; make a recommendation regarding the adoptability of an animal; and monitor the herd health of the population. The Veterinarian - Animal Care and Control has the additional responsibility to assist the shelter medical staff, as needed.
- Conduct daily rounds and examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for shelter animals in accordance to protocols.
- Perform emergency triage and stabilization of ill and injured animals.
- Administer vaccines and perform other routine services, including client education, connected with preventative health maintenance.
- Perform routine sterilizations and surgeries including adult and pediatric sterilizations and other routine soft tissue surgery.
- Order diagnostic tests as needed, interpret results and recommend treatment plans.
- Monitor shelter population for signs of contagious disease and develop plans for outbreak response and implement protocol with staff, if needed.
- Assist medical staff and direct shift and work area assignment in order to maximize coverage.
- Provide oversight and training for shelter staff on proper euthanasia techniques, disease prevention, cross-contamination, and intestinal parasites.
- Evaluate the health and provide input on the temperament of an animal for future adoption.
- Examine document and treat neglect and cruelty cases, and testify in court, as needed.
- Perform humane euthanasia.
- Administer medication both oral and injections, including IV, IM, SQ.
- Administer controlled substances and keep accurate logs.
- Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
- Communicate instructions clearly to the shelter staff and other veterinarians.
- Maintain a positive work ethic and rapport with staff and clients.
- Oversee and coordinate the purchase of all medication, clinic supplies, and equipment.
- Humanely treat and care for all animals entrusted to Detroit Animal Care and Control.
- Serve on committees, attend continuing education courses, and attend staff meetings.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and American Veterinary Medical Association standards and guidelines.
- Prepare briefings, memos, analytical and statistical reports and develop policy and procedures.
- Present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Assume responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
- Serve as needed/assigned by supervisor in Health Department veterinary and public health activities, including emergency response efforts.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree required.
- One (1) year of experience practicing shelter veterinary medicine.
- One (1) year of supervisory experience.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirement of this position.
Licensing and Certifications:
- Must be presently authorized to work in the United States as a full time employee.
- Valid State of Michigan Driver License required.
- Certification in Incident Command Structure Crisis Management within six (6) months of hire.
- Completion of Emergency Preparedness training FEMA ISC 100, 200, 700 and 800 and others as required by DHD within three months of hire.
- Must possess and maintain a DVM license from the State of Michigan.
- Must possess a controlled substance license from the State of Michigan or willing to obtain and maintain a controlled substance licensure from the State of Michigan within six months of hire.
- Must possess a DEA license from the US Department of Justice or willing to obtain and maintain a DEA license from the US Department of Justice within six months of hire.
- Must hold accreditation from the US Department of Agriculture or willing to obtain and maintain accreditation from the US Department of Agriculture within six months of hire.
- To ensure standards for privacy, certification in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is required within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Animal shelter facility design and operation
- Animal husbandry including housing, nutrition, sanitation and disinfection
- Preventive medicine, including vaccination
- Infectious disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment
- Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
- Quality management and process improvement principles
Skill In:
- Diagnostic procedures and treatments
- Use of a handheld, desktop, or laptop computer, specialized workplace software, and other medical equipment
- Verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
Ability To:
- Manage effectively as a team leader
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations
- Handle both fractious and calm animals
- Consistently adhere to prescribed protocols
- Serve as an animal advocate at all times
- Carry out changes in policies and procedures whether in agreement or not
- Interpret animal behavior and stress level
- Read, analyze and interpret common scientific journal
- Interpret and analyze financial and statistical data
- Make effective and timely decisions when lines of authority are unclear
- Bring focus and perspective to group and team projects
- Respond to workplace dynamics in a timely, visionary and pro-active manner
- Work effectively in teams of diverse people and organizations
- Synthesize research material and present concise, clear, written analysis for a broad audience
- Work under strict deadlines
- Perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Use an equity lens in program planning and policy development
- Adapt to change quickly with a positive outlook
- Acquire additional training and knowledge of contemporary principles and best practices of veterinary care
- Work on-call some evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Candidates considered for placement in this classification will be subject to a FBI Criminal Background Investigation which includes a fingerprint clearance based on the requirements of the position.
Supplemental Information:
LRD: 10/11/2023
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