Associate Veterinarian

Description

An associate veterinarian at the Humane Society of Ventura County works closely with the Director of Veterinary Services to ensure the health and well-being of the shelter population. This position engages in the surgical and medical program, implements disease control protocols and provides routine preventative care. 

General Responsibilities and Duties:

Adhere to and enhance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Oversee staffing in the absence of the director.
• Provide feedback and insights during the performance review process for veterinary assistants.

Responsibilities and Duties – Surgery/Vaccination Clinic:

Perform High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter Surgery (HQHVSN):

• Conduct spay/neuter surgeries for publicly owned animals, shelter animals, rescue groups, and TNR programs.
• Ensure operations comply with the 2016 Medical Care Guidelines for Spay/Neuter Programs established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.
• Maintain surgical and anesthesia records in accordance with California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) standards.
• Supervise clinic staff to guarantee adherence to safety protocols and optimal patient care, including preparation, monitoring, and handling.
• Ensure all medications, including controlled substances, are recorded before the end of the day

Perform Dental and Other Surgical Procedures:

• Execute dental procedures, including extractions, and other necessary surgeries, such as enucleations, amputations, mass removals, etc., to ensure the health and well-being of shelter animals.

Supervise the Vaccination Clinic:

• Oversee the vaccination clinic operations.
• Ensure vaccination recommendations align with standards set by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

Educate Staff Members:

• Train technicians and shelter staff to identify signs of disease, pregnancy, and illness in animals visiting the vaccination clinic.

Public Education:

• Provide the public with information on basic care, socialization, and spay/neuter recommendations.

Supervise/Participate in Off-Site Clinics:

• Oversee and participate in off-site vaccination and other clinics as required.

Responsibilities and Duties – Shelter:

Maintain the Physical Health of Animals:

• Conduct intake examinations on surrendered, impounded, stray, or transferred animals.
• Ensure appropriate vaccination, spay/neuter, and parasite control.
• Interpret diagnostic findings.
• Treat acute and chronic diseases in shelter animals, including referrals when necessary.
• Collaborate with behavior staff to assess signs of Fear, Anxiety and Stress in shelter animals and provide medication and ongoing oversite as needed.
• Perform additional surgical procedures as needed (e.g., mass removal, enucleation, dentals, amputation).
• Participate in weekly shelter rounds.
• Develop and manage preventative medical protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Communicate health and behavior-related issues during weekly management meetings and make recommendations regarding care and animal welfare.
• Monitor the health and body condition of all HSVC-owned animals and ensure they receive an appropriate diet.
• Perform humane euthanasia on public and HSVC-owned animals when deemed necessary.

Standards of Care:

• Collaborate with shelter staff and supervisors to achieve and maintain standards of care in line with the 2022 Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.

Supervise Clinic Staff:

• Oversee all clinic staff, including clinic managers, RVTs (Registered Veterinary Technicians), veterinary assistants, receptionists, and other staff veterinarians.

Educational Collaborations:

• Manage and participate in student and professional educational collaborations with partner organizations.

Management Team Participation:

• Actively participate as a member of the management team and attend relevant meetings.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary school
• Current veterinary license valid in the state of California
• Participate in continuing education necessary for licensure 

Desired Skills:

• Experienced in High Quality/High Volume Spay/Neuter surgery. 
• Shelter medicine experience
• Ability to manage employees and clinic operations. 

In addition to the duties listed above, the Humane Society of Ventura County expects the following of each employee:

• Adhere to HSVC policies and procedures. 
• Work in a safe manner 
• Act as a role model within and outside of HSVC
• Perform duties as workload necessitates.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues
• Demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload 
• Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of the position
• Meets department productivity standards
• Participates in HSVC events as needed or required
• Assist in other departments as needed, within the scope of training and the position.

Working Conditions:

• Fast paced work environment with possible exposure to infectious organisms, animal waste, chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data sheets and potential hostile persons and/or vicious animals.  
• This position requires occasional weekend availability and occasional travel to off-site events
• Work is performed within an animal shelter where loud noises, disease, and exposure to hazards are possible.
• Physical requirements may include bending, standing for long periods, stooping, reaching and other physical demands.
• Must be able to safely restrain large and/or agitated animals.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for 100 feet.
• Assistance will be required when working with large animals.

Job Type: Full-time, 32-40 hours/week; Exempt (salaried), at-will employment 

Reports to: Director of Veterinary Services

Introductory Period: 90 days, after which time benefits may start accruing.