Animal Control Veterinarian

Position Concept

The Animal Control Veterinarian plans, organizes and oversees the activities of the veterinarian services within the Animal Control section. The member performs all surgical and medical procedures necessary for the overall health of animals maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and reports to the Animal Control Administrator.

The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude which includes the following: interacting positively and cooperating with co-workers, responding politely to customers, working as a team member, functioning under intense time pressure and responding in a positive manner to supervision.

The Animal Control Veterinarian may perform other related duties and tasks, as required and shall have the physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position.

Essential Functions

Trains staff on prevention of zoonotic disease and proper handling of bio hazardous substances and sharps

Maintains overall care of animals in the custody of PCSO

Performs medical evaluations, emergency treatment and surgery of animals

Establishes medical standards for the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary living conditions for all animals

Oversees pre and post-operative care for animals

Monitors shelter population for disease by receiving staff input and walking through the shelter

Observes animal behavior

Provides medical insight and staff training concerning drugs and procedures used for euthanasia and tranquilizing animals in a humane manner

Provides veterinary medical assistance to investigations of mistreatment and neglect of animals

Provides direction in ordering various vaccines, drugs and medical supplies

Maintains and inventories all vaccines, drugs, and medical supplies

Cooperates with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) during audits

Utilizes and oversees the use, care and maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment

Evaluates animal medical cases for euthanasia

Maintains accountability for controlled substances and logs for all class III and above drugs

Determines appropriate action to prevent disease transmission among animals

Makes presentations to organizations concerning veterinary care

Communicates and builds continuing relationships with private practice veterinarians, rescue groups, and civic organizations

Spays, neuters, and inoculates animals in accordance with Polk County Ordinance and state law

Develops training and accompanying manuals in appropriate animal medical care

Maintains knowledge of current animal laws and will be required to appear in court to testify in animal cruelty cases.

Serves as an expert court witness as necessary

Administers routine vaccinations and oral medications

Performs necropsies and related analysis

Prepares and maintains clear, concise medical records

Ensures all medical data is accurately entered into the Chameleon database

Communicates with various drug company representatives to ensure the most current and effective drugs are being utilized in treating the animal population

Determines which animals should be treated by a private veterinarian

Provides care and treatment for all impounded large animals

Organizes, oversees and prepares animals for transport to private veterinary clinics for surgery

Provides care and treatment for all agency K-9 dogs

Operates office equipment

Prepares paperwork associated with registering microchips

Prepares and submits monthly medical/surgical statistics report

Implants microchips in animals

Schedules appointments for citizens for rabies vaccinations and post adoption medical cases

Attends seminars to maintain a comprehensive current knowledge of veterinary medicine and to complete required continuing education hours

Education, Professional Certification or License

High School diploma or GED

Valid Florida driver's license

Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school of veterinarian medicine

Possession of a Florida State Veterinary License

Must be able to obtain a Federal Drug Enforcement Administration License

Three to five years of experience in private practice or practicing shelter veterinary medicine, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is preferred

Professional Experience

Customer service, public contact or animal/kennel related work experience

Comprehensive current knowledge of veterinary medicine

Environmental Conditions

Work is subject to exposure to adverse environmental conditions

Work is subject to stand-by and/or call out for emergencies and shift work

Must carry a cell phone and remain available for consultation

Work may require acts of physical endurance and agility

Knowledge of

PCSO policy and procedure

Safety rules and regulations

General care of animals

Florida State Statutes concerning animals

Resources

First aid procedures

Animal diseases

Rabies control

Judicial procedures

Geographical area Animal Control ordinances/procedures

Chemical Immobilization techniques

Surgical procedures for spaying and neutering canines, felines, and other common animals

Humane euthanasia techniques

Shelter medicine and best practices, standards, and guidelines of the veterinary profession that are used in the State of Florida

Modern techniques for treating various animals for common diseases and injuries

Quality assurance procedures and techniques

Training principles, practices and techniques

Leadership and conflict resolution

Ability to

Read and write English

Operate motor vehicl

Control animals

Work independently

Decide whether to perform surgery based on the animals’ health status

Understand, interpret and apply pertinent provisions of county, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and standards that affect the operation and administration

Analyze situations, reach sound conclusions and take appropriate action

Establish and maintain cooperative relations and tactfully approach citizens and staff

Respond to emergency situations

Perform under stressful conditions

Prepare clear, complete and technically accurate reports

Perform work in an ethical and professional manner

Effectively provide training and instruction to non-professional staff on a variety of medical techniques common to animal care

Analyze program needs and develop, recommend and implement operational procedures, policies and protocols.

Skills

Report writing

Computer

Interpersonal

Keyboarding

Public speaking

Problem solving

Decision making

Analytical

Telephone

Communication

Clerical

Investigative

Independent judgement

Physical Requirements

Walk

Lift/carry push/pull 70 lbs

Speak English understandably

Sit for long periods

Stand for long periods

See at normal range or with accommodation

Hear at normal level or with accommodation

Manual dexterity

Ambulate independently

Run

Climb

Bend

Kneel

Crawl

Recognize colors

Strength to control animals

Must complete prescribed inoculations for pre-rabies vaccine

Other

• *FCIC/NCIC: Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center• FDLE: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Min

USD $125,044.82/Yr.

Max

USD $133,951.17/Yr.

Regular Full-Time