TAHC - Region Director, Veterinarian - Amarillo

About the role

Serves as leadership to administer the animal health programs for the region within the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). Work involves overseeing the region office, veterinary activities, disease control functions, and consultative services; works closely with TAHC personnel; investigates incidents of animal disease and disseminating information on disease control and eradication.

Responsibilities

• Serves as region leadership supervising the work of others and agency functions.
• Led and administers all animal health programs for the region and assures the programs and materials are updated and consistently and correctly applied.
• Ensures that herd/flock owners are contacted within prescribed times and determines the extent of index herd/flock and/or adjacent herd or flock testing that is indicated.
• Completes herd/flock test and management plans in accordance with policy and works with owners to gain agreement on plans.
• Works with Region Managers to assign appropriate herd/flock work and follow-up tasks to supporting inspectors.
• Works with the assigned Regional epidemiologist to ensure that epidemiological investigations are completed within prescribed timeframes and checks the information for accuracy and completeness of reports, test charts, lab reports and others.
• Continuously re-evaluates affected herds/flocks to assure that proper disease management practices are employed.
• Oversees and provides procedural assistance and training to inspectors for collecting and submitting test samples for all program diseases.
• Participates and fulfills leadership role(s) in the agency’s emergency preparedness and response activities; maintains current knowledge of the agency’s roles and responsibilities in emergency preparedness and response.
• Plays an active role in emergency management activities in the surrounding areas.
• Oversees and ensures compliance with regulations in all aspects of livestock market, slaughter plant, livestock inspections, and others.
• Ensures all phases of testing, market cattle identifications, epidemiological investigations, and traces are complete and timely.
• Routinely performs field activities.
• Prepares and delivers educational presentations to the industry, veterinary and community groups, as well as to agency staff and associates when requested.
• Mets with producers, market owners, and other stakeholders to address concerns and problems not resolved by the Regional Manager.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert for other TAHC Departments to develop and update rules, communication materials, and other agency documents.
• Performs Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) response activities.
• Works as a team with other Region Directors/Veterinarians, the Deputy Executive Director, and the Director of Field Operations to distribute caseloads.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licence 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of veterinary medicine principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures related to the agencys regulatory activities.
• Knowledge of livestock industries in Texas.
• Skills in the use of a computer.
• Skills in effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, implement and direct all aspects of animal health programs.
• Ability to supervise, train and coach others.
• Ability to work in all types of environmental conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and professional working relationships with staff, associates, and the public.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and planning skills.
• Ability to travel and adjust work hours and schedule to meet workload priorities.
• Ability to promote animal disease control programs, to advise on disease control methods and procedures, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.

Physical Requirements

• Must have arm, hand, shoulder and back strength and dexterity to be able to handle and inspect livestock and exotic livestock, harvested deer including all species of deer, elk, and exotic antelope.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Other Requirements

• Must have a valid Texas driver's license and safe driving record.
• Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Note: Must have reliable transportation.
• Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.
• 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.