Career Center

• Directs, coordinates and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of animals in the shelter. 

• Performs or supervises the visual monitoring of impounded animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined for signs of illness or unusual behavior. 

• Performs surgical procedures, including spay/neuters and vaccinates animals to prevent diseases. 

• Maintains accurate medical records of animals. 

• Effectively communicates the condition and status of animals with shelter staff to allow shelter staff to communicate with public. 

• Advises staff on matters within the veterinary field. 

• Orders, maintains and controls the drugs used at the shelter and in the field. 

• Trains appropriate staff in administering first aide and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties. 

• Performs and directs staff to perform euthanasia of animals that are irremediably suffering from serious illness or severe injury, as necessary. 

• Ensures that shelter staff participates in a comprehensive disease prevention program for the animal shelter. 

• Participates in special spay/neuter or vaccination clinics. 

• Supervises staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; providing technical guidance to staff; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations. 

• Ensures compliance of activities to codes and all legal regulations. 

Certifications or Licenses: 

• Valid California license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California is required. 

• Ability to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration for controlled substances  

• Valid California Driver's License and a good driving record. 

Physical Requirements 

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds while handling animals and equipment. Employees may be exposed to cold and hot temperatures, loud noises, odors, dust, air contaminants, blood borne pathogens while using hypodermic needles on animals and may be exposed to animal scratches and bites. 

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. 

• Experience in following medical standards and procedures for the maintenance of healthy, safe, and sanitary facilities. 

• Experience performing spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations in a high-quality, high-volume environment. 

• Experience working in a high-volume shelter. 

• Experience handling and treating aggressive and/or feral animals in a safe manner. 

• Ability to operate assigned medical equipment. 

• Knowledge of applicable professional/technical principles and practices. 

• Applies technical and procedural know-how to get the job done. 

• Demonstrates some knowledge and use of applicable federal and state rules and regulations. 

• Serves as a “resource person’” on whom others rely for advice. 

• Keeps informed of the latest developments in area of specialty. 

• Ability to examine, evaluate and treat animals in a professional, safe and efficient manner. 

• Ability to develop and implement methods to control and prevent the spread of diseases in a shelter. 

• Ability to plan, assign, supervise and train staff and volunteers in the paraprofessional treatment and humane care of animals. 

• Knowledge of safety regulations and safe work practices. 

Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor. 
  
Decision Making: Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions. 
  
Initiative: Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance. 

Leadership: Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.