Veterinarian - Local Animal Welfare Officer

Your Role

Local Animal Welfare Officer

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in the Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality departments, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
• Serve as the designated Local Animal Welfare Officer (LAWO), ensuring site compliance with all regulatory guidelines, leading USDA inspections, and supporting AAALAC accreditation visits.
• Drive the development and implementation of the site's animal welfare program, including creating and reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and providing guidance on best practices.
• Support the global Animal Welfare organization by leading and participating in projects related to policy development, programmatic improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts.
• Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity, biocontainment, and overall animal welfare program success, including participation in facility design and renovation projects.

Requirements

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in an animal welfare-regulated environment within the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party animal welfare accreditation processes (e.g., AAALAC) and a strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
• Licensure: A current license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa.
• Technical Skills: Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
• Experience: Prior experience conducting facility audits and deep familiarity with USDA regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, work independently, and navigate complex situations within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Communication Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with a particular strength in conflict management.

Additional Information

Travel: 10-20%

Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site

Work Environment: On-Site