Listing Summary

Description

The veterinarian for Animal Care and Control will be responsible for managing a full-spectrum animal health and welfare program for optimum health of animals housed at the Animal Control Shelter to include: performing health assessments of incoming animals to limit the exposure of contagious diseases and parasites; performing preventive medical procedures; providing in-house medical care as needed; and overseeing the management and security of all controlled medical drugs used for animal care and euthanasia. The veterinarian will also oversee the health care of law enforcement service dogs owned by the Police Department.

 

Examples of Duties

• Manages a full-spectrum animal health and welfare program for optimum health of animals housed at the Animal Control Kennel to include: performing health assessments of incoming animals to limit the exposure of contagious diseases and parasites; performing preventive medical procedures; providing in-house medical care as needed; and overseeing the management and security of all controlled medical drugs used for animal care and euthanizations. 
• Perform spay/neuter surgeries, and additional surgery as required on shelter and publicly owned animals. Additional surgeries may include, but are not limited to dentistry, enucleations, exploratory laparotomies, orthopedics, tumor removal, amputations, etc.
• Provides and ensures humane care for impounded animals. 
• Ensures the proper administration of medications to sick or injured animals as necessary. 
• Provides humane euthanasia of dogs and cats in full compliance with OCGA § 4-11-5.1. 
• Maintains strict security of all drugs stored at the Animal Control Kennel and maintains records as required by law for the proper documentation of drugs stored or used at the facility. 
• Advises Animal Control leadership on animal health related matters and makes recommendations for a plan of action. 
• Provides health care for police service dogs owned by the County. 
• Completes, reviews, and stores records pertaining to the animals housed at the Animal Control Kennel and disposition of said animals. Maintains records in an orderly fashion to ensure files and information may be retrieved in an efficient manner and retained in accordance with the State Retention Schedule. 
• Assists in responding to applicable Open Records Requests.
• Interacts with staff from other departments, animal rescue groups, humane society, and the public; responds to inquiries, provides advice, exchanges information, receives complaints, resolves problems, and efficiently accomplishes goals and objectives. 
• Perform necropsy exams as well as provide comprehensive documentation, recommendations, or interpretations regarding findings when requested.
• Maintain comprehensive computerized medical records on Chameleon for medical management and surveillance of illness within the shelter.
• Educate staff and volunteers regarding animal disease, and other topics as needed.
• Create standard operating procedures and protocols for veterinary treatment and disease control.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. 
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, mapping, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. 
• Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Must possess a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA). 
• Must be licensed by the State of Georgia to practice veterinary medicine. 
• Minimum four (4) years of experience as a veterinarian is preferred. 
• Must have ability to handle sick or injured animals; must have the ability to provide humane euthanasia services for animals; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. 
• Must be able to obtain, possess, and maintain a valid Euthanasia Certification. 
• Must be able to attain the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) ACO Level 1 and/or Level 2 Certification (after employment).
• Must pass a background check.

Special Requirements: 

• None.

 

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities/ Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of local government operations, Animal Control related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of equipment related to the essential functions of the job. 
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.  
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes. 
• Assists when needed to provide the care of animals in shelter. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require standing for extended periods of time. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, heights, confined spaces, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, disease, or rude/irate customers. The noise level in the work environment may be at times moderate to loud.
 
Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description.  Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.