Veterinarian

The Shelter Veterinarian provides medical and surgical care of animals that are housed at the Animal Care Center and Paws and Stripes College; monitors day-to-day health of animals in these facilities; and works to ensure the health of the population through quality shelter medicine practices and progressive herd health protocols. This includes triage and stabilizing ill and injured animals, diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions, anesthetizing animals, and performing surgery in accordance to a weekly schedule. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to animal welfare; an excellent working knowledge of shelter medicine and companion animal care; previous clinical experience in a fast-paced, high-demand veterinary setting. Strong surgical and diagnostic skills, understanding of shelter medicine, epidemiology, infectious disease, veterinary forensics, and herd health; good written and verbal skills; excellent team approach to work and communication; ability to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; critical thinking and problem-solving.

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Examines and treats animals housed at the Animal Care Center and paws and strips college; directs population management decisions and advises on operational decisions to decrease disease and increase good health: provides complete medical records, medical release statements, and certified health certificates as appropriate.
• Immunizes, spays or neuters adult and juvenile animals in accordance with established Association of Shelter Veterinarians best practice guidelines, laws, and policies.
• Performs emergency treatment and surgery upon injured and diseased animals.
• Performs, interprets, and records laboratory testing and radiology findings for disease and injuries.
• Directs, and at times performs, euthanasia of shelter animals

  according to established laws and policies.

• Performs routine examinations and required State testing of large animals/livestock; advises on best care practices of large animals/livestock.
• Develops training and accompanying communication on appropriate shelter animal care and procedures for Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Technicians, and other personnel.
• Monitors and responds to shelter animals with potentially dangerous diseases that may affect animal or human population.
• Evaluates, examines and reviews animal cases that are subject to animal cruelty investigations; prepares examination findings in report fashion to be used by courts; serves as an expert court witness as necessary.
• Acts as liaison with veterinarians in private practice; seeks their support and cooperation for various projects and activities.
• Confers and cooperates with animal humane and civic organizations in the community; makes educational presentations to civic organizations on the topic of shelter animals, shelter medicine, or other related topics.
• Required to perform routine health screening and immunizations of agency owned canines and barn cats.
• Regular, dependable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this job.

Graduation from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medical Doctor degree and two (2) years of experience in the practice of veterinary medicine. Qualified experience can include both internships and externships under the guidance of a Veterinarian.

Concentration/specialty in Shelter Medicine is preferred.

Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida. Must be able to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration License within 60 days of hire.

National Veterinary Accreditation with the United States Department of Agriculture to perform exams and issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (health certificates).

Work is performed in an Animal Shelter. Employees may travel to different locations for meetings or other events as required.

Typically work is completed during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 8am-5pm); flexibility is required to meet operational needs.

A take-home vehicle is provided.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This position is open until filled.