Veterinarian

Aviagen•Pikeville, TN

14h

About The Position

We are currently seeking for an experienced Veterinarian to join our team. This position reports directly to the Regional Vice President, advises production managers and staff, and collaborates closely with the head Veterinary team for overall flock health and status.

Requirements

Accredited DVM, preferably with focus on poultry in veterinary school and/or 3-5 years of field experience with poultry
Relevant experiences in live animal production (Layers, Broilers, or Turkeys); prefer egg industry background, but not required
Experience in investigating disease or health care issues and recommending solutions
Familiar with and experienced in living and managing farm culture
Collaborative, with strong consulting and advisory skills
Ability to get results in a team-oriented, participative environment
Ability to work effectively in a multiple-location operations function
Effective in results-oriented problem solving
Excellent communicator; persuasive; able to positively interact with management, employees, colleagues and customers
Ability to translate technical concepts and terminology into lay language
Flexible; able to manage changing priorities and diverse expectations
Willing to take accountability for actions and plans
Excellent intuition and deductive reasoning
Strong value standard, ethics and professionalism
Innovative, creative, high level of enthusiasm
Industry awareness/familiarity
Bi-lingual (English and Spanish)

Nice To Haves

Poultry residency program is preferred but not required; successful candidate must be able to obtain accreditation with 6 months of hire
prefer egg industry background, but not required

Responsibilities

Develop and administer ongoing testing protocol for disease monitoring, disease susceptibility and prevention, and vaccination programs
Monitor performance and recommend adjustments in programs, policies and procedures to improve performance in a safe and cost-effective manner
Provide in-house veterinary services.
Observe a weekly schedule of location visits to advise and consult with pullet and production managers on bird health and disease prevention
Respond with urgency in trouble shooting bird health and disease issues that may arise
Identify risks to bird health and care by location and advice pullet and production managers on necessary improvements
Train Bird Crew, Pullet and Production employees on animal health policies and procedures, including but not limited to vaccination, humane euthanasia, bird handling, beak treatment, and disease monitoring and prevention
Working closely with the Staff Nutritionist, monitor and improve exterior and interior egg quality
Advice the Operations Leadership Team on technical questions related to food safety and animal care programs, program compliance and bio-security
Remain informed of animal healthcare advances and best practices; communicate opportunities for improvement to appropriate managers and leaders, as appropriate, while respecting the integrity of Aviagen programs and procedures