Veterinarian

Overview

THE COUNTY OF EL DORADO The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected and valued. The dedicated efforts by the Board of Supervisors promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Telework opportunities are provided for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency is committed to transforming lives and improving futures for the citizens of El Dorado County. Programs include Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Community and Social Services. The agency employs over 600 staff dedicated to enhancing the lives of those in their communities.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION The division administers older adult programs for residents 60 years or older, including Senior Nutrition, Senior Shuttle, Older Adult Day Services, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and more. The division also administers Veteran Affairs, Animal Services, Public Housing Authority, HEAP & Weatherization programs.

THE OPPORTUNITY Manage, organize, direct, and review all aspects of veterinary services for the Animal Services Division of the Health and Human Services Agency. Incumbents perform veterinary work involved in inspection, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, control, treatment, and eradication of contagious and infectious diseases of animals; oversee staff who assist with animal health or euthanasia procedures; and represent the County on the care and treatment of animals and pets.

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Operate the Department’s shelter medicine program; develop and implement policies and guidelines for the animal health program.
• Examine, diagnose, and perform routine and emergency medical treatment of all impounded animals, including disease prevention and outbreak control.
• Oversee and direct the shelter’s animal vaccination program to ensure compliance with veterinary standards, legal requirements, and best practices.
• Perform spay/neutering surgery on animals before adoption; examine animals before adoption and before release to ensure health condition.
• Oversee and authorize the humane euthanasia of animals in compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards. Collaborate with Public Health officials to manage zoonotic disease risks and develop disease prevention strategies.
• Develop and implement protocols for handling ill and injured animals in the shelter.
• Perform supervisory duties to direct reports and others through subordinate supervisors such as evaluating performance; reviewing and proposing disciplinary actions; interviewing and selecting staff; establishing and implementing procedures and determining priorities; supporting and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal animal welfare laws, County, and Agency policies.
• Provide training and technical guidance to shelter staff on identifying animals requiring isolation or veterinary care and advises staff on proper medical care and treatment of animals.
• Oversee daily visual monitoring of impounded animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined for signs of illness or unusual behavior; ensure problems are promptly reported; determine and direct appropriate action as required.
• Oversee the use of immobilization capture drugs and drugs used for euthanasia.
• Oversee the ordering and maintenance of supplies and equipment used in the medical program.
• May assist field officers with cruelty investigations or rescues where medical intervention is necessary.
• Respond to inquiries from the public and the press; maintain effective community relations and participate in special community events.
• Prepare studies, reports, and maintain records.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications Where college degrees and/or college course credits are required, degrees and college units must be obtained from a regionally accredited…