Veterinarian

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Animal Welfare Services Medical Director, this position performs a variety of professional veterinary duties including the diagnosis of medical conditions, medical treatment, and surgery when necessary for the animals in the care of the Spartanburg County PRC. Recommends and evaluates treatment plans including testing for diseases and appropriate vaccinations. Ensures the medical services section operates in conformity with the South Carolina Code of Laws governing Animal Welfare. Performs related administrative and professional work as required.

Essential Duties

• Shelter Medicine, Spay/Neuter Surgeries.
  • Performs medical examinations, care, monitoring, and health of domestic animals in the care of the Spartanburg County PRC, including foster animals.
  • Provides input on wildlife/exotic cases, if necessary.
  • Performs spay/neuter and other surgeries, dentals, etc. and manages assistants, techs, etc. in this effort.
  • Performs wellness services through organized wellness clinics.
  • Affirms preventative shelter medicine protocols.
  • Affords assistance with training, diagnostic, and treatment protocols pertaining to animal health as needed to support staff.
  • Records information pertaining to animal seen on the animal/patient record in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Maintains medical records (paper and electronic) for PRC animals.
  • Works collaboratively with PRC staff on animal medical needs.
  • Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Affirms adequate inventory of supplies, medications and all drugs, including DEA-regulated substances.
  • Participates in local, regional, and national associations such as the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.
  • Encourages teamwork and cooperative spirit between department employees, volunteers, and work crew.
• Performs other job tasks and duties as needed to ensure effective operations of the department.
  • Performs general administrative/office duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, ordering supplies, answering the telephone, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of shelter medicine and epidemiology.
• Knowledge of disease recognition in shelter setting required.
• Effective decision making and diagnostic skills and interest in pursuing treatment option.
• Desire to implement efficiencies on an on-going basis.
• Able to deal with staff, volunteers and clients in a professional manner.
• Able to direct work of others.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Able to prioritize and organize the daily workload to ensure efficient operations and humane animal care.
• High level recognition of animal disease and illness.
• Knowledge and ability to execute proper animal handling and cleaning techniques to avoid the spread of disease to other animals as well as employees and volunteers.
• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other small domestic animals.
• Strong understanding of the principles of animal behavior and care.
• Able to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during emergency situations and work under stressful and time-restrictive conditions.
• Able to communicate orally and in writing.
• Able to exercise judgment and discretion and work with persons in highly stressful situations.
• Able to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements

• This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions;
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word;
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels;
• Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities;
• The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Education and Experience

• Must be currently licensed in the State to practice veterinary medicine.
• Must be qualified and eligible to obtain DEA license.
• Experience in the field of veterinary medicine, with high volume surgical sterilization experience desirable.
• Demonstrates a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Human Animal Support Services initiative.
• Thorough knowledge of best practices for animal care programs and services.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements

• Certified in Euthanasia within one year of employment.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina.

Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Employees of Spartanburg County are Required by State Law to Participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.