Animal Shelter Veterinarian Public Works Department

About the Department

The Department of Public Works is responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for City facilities and infrastructure, maintaining City facilities and fleet assets, facilitating and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to delivering high-quality service, partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.

The total salary range for Full-Time Animal Shelter Veterinarian is $ - $. The total hourly range for Part-Time Animal Shelter Veterinarian is $61.83 - $85.63. These amounts include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. Additionally, Animal Shelter Veterinarians (Full Time) are eligible for a hiring incentive that shall provide a one-time, non-pensionable payment of $20,000 upon hire.

The City of San Jose requires all new hires to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption. Applications are not accepted through Cal Opps or other third-party boards; to apply, complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website /city careers.

The City of San Jose, Animal Care and Services Division is seeking two (2) full-time Animal Shelter Veterinarians and multiple part-time Animal Shelter Veterinarians to work at the Animal Care Center. The Animal Shelter Veterinarian may perform all aspects of shelter medicine in a large animal shelter. Duties may include routine spay/neuter surgeries on cats, dogs, and other animals as indicated.

This position provides direct care and treatment of homeless animals entering the City of San Jose’s Animal Care Center. In addition, this position is required to diagnose, treat, and/or recommend euthanasia. Registered Veterinary Technicians will be assigned to assist this position with the preparation and post-surgery processes of spay/neuter and other surgical procedures.

The full-time benefited position and part-time unbenefited positions will report to the Medical Services Director (Division Manager) of Animal Care and Services. This classification is represented by City Association of Management Personnel (CAMP).

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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 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 the 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 aid 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.

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.