TAHC - Field Veterinarian - Tuberculosis

About the role

TAHC welcomes recent Veterinary graduates to kickstart their careers with the Texas Animal Health Commission. You'll work alongside experts dedicated to protecting Texas livestock and agriculture, receiving on-the-job mentoring and hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates, administers, and provides input regarding Livestock Inspectors engaged in conducting TB testing and supplemental testing.
• Performs necropsies and other animal health program activities as assigned.
• Designs herd plans and contacts herd owners within prescribed timeframes.
• Determines the extent of index herd and/or adjacent herd testing that is indicated.
• Serves as liaison with herd owners to ensure timely and appropriate communication.
• Assigns appropriate herd follow-up tasks to supporting Inspectors.
• Completes herd management documents and works with owners to gain agreement on plans.
• Continuously re-evaluates affected herds to assure proper disease management practices are employed.
• Provides procedural assistance and training to Livestock Inspectors for collecting and submitting test samples for all program diseases and pests.
• Performs emergency management response and other emergency management-related activities.
• Completes epidemiological investigations and interprets test results.
• Checks information for accuracy and completeness, including epi reports, test charts, lab reports, etc.
• Interprets test results and performs Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) response activities.
• Delivers group presentations on the agency’s animal health programs and maintains a positive presence in the local animal agriculture community.
• Acts as the public liaison with industry groups.
• Submits routine reports in compliance with policy; completes special reports as directed.
• Performs special project assignments.
• May supervise field personnel and their work as mission dictates.

Requirements

• Licenses to practice veterinary medicine in Texas (or ability to qualify for license within 1-3 months).
• USDA Veterinary Accreditation, Level II in Texas (or ability to qualify for accreditation within 1-3 months).
• Must become certified as a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) within the first year of employment (provided the required class is available within that year).
• Preferred: Large animal and wildlife experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of veterinary medicine principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures related to the agency’s regulatory activities.
• Knowledge of livestock industries in Texas.
• Computer skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills helpful.

Physical Requirements

• Arm, hand, shoulder, and back strength and dexterity to handle and inspect livestock and exotic livestock, harvested deer including all species of deer, elk, and exotic antelope.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Other Requirements

• Valid Texas driver's license and safe driving record.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify.
• All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.