VETERINARY SPECIALIST

Location: Little Rock, AR (Pulaski County) • Open until filled • Anticipated starting salary: $118,399

About the Department

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is the state’s largest industry agency, dedicated to developing and implementing policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry. The Department ensures farmers and ranchers remain competitive in national and international markets while providing safe food, fiber, and forest products for citizens. It is organized into five Divisions: Forestry, Livestock and Poultry, Natural Resources, Plant Industries, and Shared Services.

Job Summary

The Veterinary Specialist supports the State Veterinarian in overseeing animal health programs, disease control initiatives, and regulatory enforcement. This role is critical to animal health, public health, and food safety through disease surveillance, emergency response coordination, and industry engagement. The Veterinary Specialist performs necropsies and histopathological analyses, integrates diagnostic laboratory results, and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing animal health policies to prevent and mitigate livestock and zoonotic diseases.
• Coordinate with the State Animal Health Official, USDA personnel, and the state Department of Health to report foreign animal diseases, monitored diseases, and zoonotic diseases of interest. Support animal disease surveillance and response to outbreaks.
• Provide consultation for veterinarians and food animal producers on appropriate samples and diagnostic tests. Discuss test results with veterinary professionals, producers, and animal owners.
• Adhere to quality management system guidelines for documentation, reporting, and safety.
• Mentor and train veterinary students, developing concrete learning objectives in collaboration with sponsoring veterinary medical schools.
• Conduct necropsies and histopathological examinations on a wide variety of animal species. Complete written reports in a timely manner and work with clients to obtain case history and develop testing plans.
• Coordinate with the state Department of Health for rabies testing of wild and domestic animals.
• Oversee animal movement regulations, testing programs, and facility inspections to ensure compliance with state policies. Review and update quarantine measures, vaccination programs, and import/export requirements.
• Support enforcement of animal welfare and disease control measures, coordinating with state and federal authorities.
• Prepare technical reports, policy recommendations, and regulatory updates for state leadership and industry stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and consultation to livestock producers, veterinary professionals, and agricultural organizations.
• Conduct public outreach initiatives on disease prevention, responsible animal management, and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the state at veterinary conferences, policy meetings, and agricultural industry events.
• Evaluate emerging threats, including foreign animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and foodborne pathogens.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine.
• Three years of experience in the diagnosis and management of animal diseases.
• Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the State of Arkansas by the Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
• USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) Category II accreditation.
• Comprehensive understanding of physiology, anatomy, and pathology across various animal species.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations for reporting animal diseases.
• Expertise in veterinary pathology test modalities, including sample requirements and result interpretation.
• Proficiency in operating necropsy equipment (mechanical hoist, bandsaw, surgical instruments) and standard laboratory equipment.
• Physical capability to lift over 20 pounds and remain standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely with exposure to chemicals, chemical odors, and animal tissues/fluids.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of professional veterinary experience, including experience in food animal medicine, public veterinary practice, regulatory veterinary medicine, or animal disease control programs.
• Experience with state or federal animal health regulatory programs.
• Training or experience in veterinary epidemiology or public health.
• Experience managing veterinary or animal health programs.
• Familiarity with livestock and poultry industries in Arkansas.
• Incident command system or emergency response training.

Skills

• Ability to assess animal health challenges and develop evidence-based solutions.
• Leadership and team coordination to support field inspectors, veterinarians, and emergency response teams.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills to educate industry professionals, government officials, and the public.
• Crisis management and adaptability to respond swiftly to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.

Pay

Salary range: $118,399 - $175,231 (Pay Grade: MED09)