| Purpose: |
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This position provides leadership to the Austin Animal Center’s Veterinary Program and ensures that it operates in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local laws while engaging in best practices to support the City’s live outcome goal. |
| Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: |
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Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Establishes and oversees the veterinary medical standards, procedures, and protocols for the Austin Animal Center.
- Manages and ensures the timely preventative care, diagnostic procedures, triage services and general medical treatment of all animals in the shelter and in foster care.
- Performs duties as required under the State of Texas Health and Safety Code for rabies regulation, including acting as the Rabies Authority for Travis County, Texas.
- Monitors surgical standards, including but not limited to, animal preparation, procedures, techniques, and aftercare as needed for sterilizations and all other surgical procedures.
- Diagnoses and treats shelter animals, performs spay/neuter surgeries and other needed procedures for the Center’s animals.
- Provides supervision of staff veterinarians, veterinary services supervisors, and animal health technicians.
- Contributes medical knowledge and expertise to the Animal Services leadership team.
- Assists in development of annual veterinary services budget, monitors expenditures, and adjusts as needed to meet the budget goals.
- Develops performance measures for Veterinary Services and monitors progress towards program goals.
- Manages ordering, dispensing, and recording of controlled substances to maintain compliance with DEA regulations.
- Performs cruelty examinations, necropsies, and evaluations as requested by Austin Police Department officers. Testifies in court regarding these cruelty cases.
- Oversees and supports the staff veterinarians’ decisions regarding euthanasia of the Center’s animals.
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| Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: |
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Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of the Austin Animal Center’s practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of the practice of shelter veterinary medicine and surgery.
- Knowledge of animal services and other related partner programs.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.
- Skill in communicating effectively with the staff, co-workers, public, media, animal welfare organizations.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to act as expert witness in Austin/Travis County cruelty cases.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
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Graduation with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medical Doctor degree from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, plus five (5) years of experience as a veterinarian, preferably in a shelter environment, including at least two (2) years of managerial and/or supervisory experience. |
| Licenses and Certifications Required: |
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- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Texas.
- DEA License for controlled substances.
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