Director of Animal Health

Location: Pierre, SD | Salary: $115,000 annually (Pay Grade M) | Job ID: 37568

About the Role

The South Dakota Animal Industry Board is seeking a Director of Animal Health – Veterinarian. This full‑time position provides direction for a statewide program by interpreting state and federal regulations and overseeing cooperative animal health programs, disease control, and eradication efforts.

Functions

• Administers and implements multiple animal industry program services and administrative functions to ensure program goals are met, including Animal Traceability, TB Surveillance, National Poultry Improvement Plan, US Swine Health Improvement Plan, Emergency Response & Planning for animal disease events, and South Dakota Voluntary Johne’s Disease Program.
• Maintains accountability for multiple program cooperative agreements and their activity management.
• Supervises subordinate staff to ensure goals and objectives are met.
• Prepares for and responds to foreign animal disease threats.
• Provides veterinarian and producer outreach and education.
• Administers interstate and intrastate animal movement requirements and compliance.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license for statewide travel.
• License to practice veterinary medicine in South Dakota.
• Category II accreditation with USDA APHIS, or ability to obtain it within 30 days.

Ideal Candidate

• Identifies and defines problems or potential problems and determines resolutions.
• Develops new programs or modifies existing ones to meet changing trends and needs.
• Analyzes information and draws sound, reasonable conclusions.
• Interprets federal and state laws.
• Participates in additional training or experience with state or federal animal health response or communication programs.
• Communicates priorities and oversees responses to disease outbreaks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge, skills, and conduct expected of a veterinarian licensed and accredited in South Dakota.
• Understanding of federal and state laws governing animal health, public health, food safety, and veterinary practice.
• Knowledge of animal diseases, their causes, and control methods.
• Knowledge of animal disease vectors and their control.
• Skills in epidemiology and population medicine.
• Principles of effective human relations and public interaction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Attach a resume to be considered.
• Position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
• If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), submit it with your application (not required).
• The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas.
• All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States (Form I‑9) and will be processed through E‑Verify.
• Applications must be submitted online; emailed resumes will not be accepted.

Benefits

• $0‑premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick‑leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits as a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Pay

Annual salary of $115,000 (Pay Grade M).