Veterinarian ($10,000 Hiring Incentive)

Perform the work of a professional veterinarian providing humane veterinary, husbandry, and spay/neuter care and services to a variety of animals in city-operated shelters. Supervise, assign, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for humanely operating and maintaining the City's kennels. Oversee operations of kennel and veterinary clinic, including health-related issues across the shelter. This is a safety-sensitive, unclassified at-will position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose animal sickness and injury; observe animals to determine progress and need for continued care; perform surgery, administer medicine, or conduct routine health care procedures.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing compassionate and user-friendly animal veterinary services; ensure care complies with regulations and department policies.
• Participate in training programs on humane animal care, disease prevention, breed identification, first aid, and safety; inspect kennel facilities and advise staff on zoonosis and disease detection.
• Monitor and participate in euthanasia decisions, including administration and use of controlled drugs.
• Evaluate animal health and nutritional status daily; consult on well-animal husbandry and recommend veterinary treatment as needed.
• Perform examinations, anesthesia, dosage calculations, and spay/neuter surgeries on dogs and cats of all ages and sizes; participate in training to improve surgical efficiency and quality.
• Evaluate, treat, and supervise care for neonatal animals requiring human intervention; collaborate with the Foster Coordinator for placement in foster homes.
• Provide health assessments for animals entering or leaving the care center; maintain individual and group medical records using electronic systems.
• Participate in the selection, training, and discipline of veterinary and kennel staff; address employee deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Respond to public inquiries courteously; resolve complaints regarding veterinary or kennel operations in a timely manner.
• Identify resource needs and report them to Senior Veterinarian or Clinic Manager; assist in developing and implementing operating policies and procedures.
• Recommend and monitor goals and objectives for veterinary and kennel operations; prepare analytical and statistical reports as needed.
• Attend professional meetings; stay updated on trends in veterinary science, humane animal handling, and kennel operations; maintain professional license(s) through continuing education.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of New Mexico.
• Experience in veterinary medicine, public health, or environmental health preferred.
• Valid New Mexico Driver’s License.
• City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six months of hire.
• Valid euthanasia technician license issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within six months of hire.

Working Conditions

• Animal shelter environment with exposure to domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes, and infectious materials.
• Outdoor and inclement weather conditions; potential exposure to hostile or abusive individuals.
• Sporadic high-stress emergency response situations; exposure to noise.
• Must be able to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

Physical Demands

• Moderate to heavy lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, or standing for prolonged periods.
• Operating motorized equipment.