Perform the work of a professional veterinarian providing humane veterinary, husbandry and spay/neuter care and services to a variety of animals in city-operated shelters; supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for humanely operating and maintaining the City's kennels; ensure quality of work and adherence to established policies and procedures; perform or assist in the performance of euthanasia and surgical procedures; oversee operations of kennel and veterinary clinic and perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Oversee and help management health related issues in all areas of the shelter.This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
This is an unclassified at-will position.Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Diagnose animal sickness and injury; observe animals in order to determine progress and need for continued care; may perform surgery, administer medicine or conduct routine health care procedures.
- Establish schedules and method for providing compassionate and user-friendly animal veterinary services; ensure that the care and treatment of kenneled animals complies with established regulations and that medical services are performed in accordance with department policies and veterinary standard of care.
- Participate in on-going training programs in humane animal care and control, diseases, breed identification, first aid and safety; conduct inspections of kennel and related facilities; provide professional advice to staff regarding zoonosis and the prevention and detection of diseases.
- Monitor and participate in decision making regarding shelters euthanasia of animals, to include monitoring the administration and use of controlled drugs.
- Evaluate animal health and nutritional status of sheltered animals on a daily basis and provide consultation to management regarding well animal husbandry and care; receive reports from staff of concerns regarding animal's health; recommend veterinary treatment as indicated under standard guidelines of the veterinary professional.
- Perform examinations, induction and maintenance of anesthesia, dosage calculation of pain medications and antibiotics as needed for surgical patients. Perform spay and neuter surgery on dogs and cats of all ages and sizes. Participate in on-going training efforts to improve efficiency and quality of surgeries performed.
- Evaluate, provide treatment and supervise care for neonatal animals that require human rearing or intervention in maternal care. work with Foster Coordinator to place these animals in foster homes as needed.
- Provide health assessment of animals entering or leaving the animal care center; maintain individual animal and group medical records as required using appropriate electronic recordkeeping.
- Participate in the selection of veterinary staff and/or kennel staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; may initiate or implement disciplinary procedures.
- Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide prompt and accurate information regarding veterinary and/or kennel operations; resolve complaints from the public in an efficient and timely manner.
- Identify resource needs; report needs to Senior Veterinarian or Clinic Manager in a timely manner.
- Assist in the development and implementation of operating policies and procedures for the veterinary and/or kennel operations within department guidelines; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies and procedures.
- Recommend goals and objectives for the operations of the veterinary and/or kennel; monitor operations and revise goals as necessary; recommend annual priority objectives.
- Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities as needed.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of veterinary science, humane animal handling and kennel operations; maintain professional license(s) through continuing education seminars and training as required.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM) and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of New Mexico.
Experience in the practice of veterinary medicine, public health or environmental health preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License.
Possession of aCity Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid euthanasia technician license issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within six (6) months from date of hire.
Environmental:Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes and infectious materials; outdoor and inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; sporadic periods of high-stress emergency response situations exposure to noise. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.Physical:Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment.
