About The Position

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is seeking an Animal Shelter Veterinarian for its San Jose Animal Care Services division. This part-time, unbenefited position involves a one-day per week commitment. The role encompasses all aspects of shelter medicine, including direct care and treatment of homeless animals, performing routine spay/neuter surgeries, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and recommending euthanasia when necessary. Registered Veterinary Technicians will assist with surgical procedures. This position reports to the Medical Director of Animal Care and Services.

Requirements

  • A degree from an accredited college or university in Veterinary Medicine.
  • Valid California license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California is required.
  • Ability to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration for controlled substances.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds while handling animals and equipment.
  • Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of California state, federal and municipal animal health laws and regulations governing the impounding, releasing and euthanasia of animals.
  • Experience in supervision and program management.
  • Experience performing spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations in a high-volume environment.
  • Experience handling and treating aggressive and/or feral animals.
  • Experience in training staff to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care.
  • Experience using computers for tracking animals in the shelter.
  • Experience in the development of a comprehensive program of health care services for the animal shelter, establishing medical standards and procedures for the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary facilities.
  • Experience in estimating veterinary requirements for the budget and monitoring expenditures.
  • Ability to negotiate and monitor contracted medical services with local animal clinics and veterinarians.

Responsibilities

  • Directs, coordinates and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of animals in the shelter.
  • Performs or supervises the visual monitoring of impounded animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined for signs of illness or unusual behavior.
  • Performs surgical procedures, including spay/neuters and vaccinates animals to prevent diseases.
  • Maintains accurate medical records of animals.
  • Effectively communicates the condition and status of animals with staff, public and animal groups.
  • Advises staff on matters within the veterinary field.
  • Orders, maintains and controls the drugs used at the shelter and in the field.
  • Trains appropriate staff in administering first aide and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties.
  • Performs and directs staff to perform euthanasia of animals that are irremediably suffering from serious illness or severe injury, as necessary.
  • Ensures that shelter staff participates in a comprehensive disease prevention program for the animal shelter.
  • Participates in special spay/neuter or vaccination clinics.
  • Supervises staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; providing technical guidance to staff; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
  • Ensures compliance of activities to codes and all legal regulations.
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