Veterinarian (Flexible Schedule)

About the role

Are you passionate about treating and helping animals? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of animals in need? As the Veterinarian for Clackamas County Dog Services, you will provide professional medical services in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of ill or injured animals. You will oversee and guide the work of an Animal Health Technician, evaluate animals' health status, identify diseases, assess injuries, determine treatment and surgical needs, ensure safe handling and care of animals, administer medications, educate the public and adoptive owners, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary. You will also collaborate with County departments such as Disaster Management or Health, Housing & Human Services to address animal health concerns.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate animals' health status, identify diseases, assess injuries, and determine treatment, care and surgical needs
• Ensure safe and effective handling, care and treatment of fractious, stray or ill animals
• Administer injections and medications to dogs
• Explain proper care of animals to the public and adoptive owners
• Perform humane euthanasia by injection, as necessary
• Oversee and guide the work of an Animal Health Technician
• Collaborate with County departments to respond to questions and address concerns related to animal health

Requirements

• Possession of a valid Veterinarian license, issued by the State of Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board in good standing
• Proof of licensure will be required prior to the final offer of employment
• Licensure in another state, acquired by examination will temporarily fulfill this requirement, provided Oregon license is obtained or reciprocated within 30 days of hire
• Thorough knowledge of legal requirements that govern delivery of veterinary services
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience independently caring for and treating dogs for injuries, illnesses and diseases
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience independently performing routine surgical procedures, including spaying and neutering all sizes of dogs
• Experience performing dental cleanings, extractions, and utilizing dental x-ray machines
• Lead work experience, including leading projects, programs or initiatives, or leading the work of others
• Experience preparing clear and accurate reports

Preferred Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter
• Training or education in dog behavior and dog body language
• Knowledge of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for standards of care or Fear-Free Certification
• Experience performing necropsies and collecting evidence
• Experience performing emergency surgical procedures
• Thorough knowledge of quality assurance procedures and techniques

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test
• Must pass a post-offer physical assessment; accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work
• Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment
• Within thirty (30) days of hire, must possess a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license for controlled substances

Work Schedule

This position offers flexibility in both workdays and hours, with the opportunity to set a workweek schedule between 30 and 40 hours while still receiving full-time benefits. The shelter operates 7 days a week, so the incumbent may occasionally need to respond to emergency situations or attend special events outside of their typical schedule, which may include some holidays. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

Working Conditions

• Duties require walking, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, twisting, squatting, reaching forward/overhead, fine motor control
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds having awkward size and shape, and the ability to push/pull 75 pounds
• Frequent exposure to loud noises, wet and slippery surfaces, and sick, injured, agitated, frightened or aggressive animals
• Considered essential staff to provide vital animal care during incidents as a back-up for primary essential staff

Benefits

• Competitive wages and cost-of-living adjustments
• Merit increases for eligible employees
• Robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees
• Health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits
• Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire
• Generous Paid Time Off Package, including 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
• Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
• Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage