Chief Veterinarian - City

City of Oklahoma City • Oklahoma City, OK

9d • $46 - $70

About The Position

This position is located in the Animal Welfare Division of the Development Services Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of the Animal Welfare Superintendent. The Chief Veterinarian is responsible for supervising, coordinating, and monitoring the veterinary medicine program and for ensuring the program’s compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing veterinary medicine.

The Chief Veterinarian will serve as a key member of the Division’s leadership team and will play an integral role in shaping the future of veterinary services with the development and transition into a new, state-of-the-art animal welfare facility funded through MAPS 4. Scheduled to open in 2027, this expanded facility will significantly enhance surgical capacity, medical capabilities, and overall service delivery.

Requirements

• Possession of doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience practicing Veterinarian medicine.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma State Veterinarian License.
• Possession of and eligible to hold a Controlled Drug License.
• Possession of a valid Driver License (Operator).
• Knowledge of and ability to perform routine veterinary medical procedures.
• Knowledge of and prior experience caring for domestic, exotic, or wild animals, and livestock.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply management techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of animal shelter medicine and facility management.
• Skill in supervising and coordinating activities of assigned staff.
• Skill in applying accounting and finance practices.
• Skill in analyzing data.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability and willingness to make work related decisions and assume responsibility for decisions made.
• Ability to conduct animal research related to public health.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in shelter medicine, herd health, and/or high volume spay and neuter programs.
• Strong working knowledge in capacity for care, disease prevention, and outbreak management.
• Experience developing and implementing data-driven medical protocols that improve outcomes.
• Experience conducting forensic veterinary exams (e.g., cruelty/neglect investigations), including documentation, evidence handling, and willingness to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing multidisciplinary teams including veterinarians, supervisors and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and medically manages all animals housed at the animal shelter.
• Provides preventative, diagnostic, and medical treatment for impounded, quarantined, foster, sick and/or injured domestic, exotic, or wild animals and livestock.
• Manages and coordinates work activities, trainings, and assignments of professional and veterinary staff.
• Oversees the budget for the Veterinary Services Program.
• Ensures purchases for the Veterinary Services Program are completed in a timely manner.
• Supervises all veterinarian and clinic support staff positions.
• Performs emergency care and surgeries as needed.
• Assists with animal cruelty situations by performing cruelty examinations and providing professional testimony in court.
• Manages the animal spay/neuter programs.
• Reviews recommendations and ensures continuous improvement and development of protocols and procedures.
• Oversees euthanasia practices and ensures adherence to protocols.
• Serves as a consultant for animal welfare staff.
• Provides direct supervision to Veterinarians, Veterinary Assistants, clinic administrative staff and volunteers engaged in animal treatment work/activities.
• Communicates with citizens, City employees, volunteers, and outside agency representatives, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies, and other municipalities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
• A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree