Veterinarian

Chesterfield County•Chesterfield, VA

17d

About The Position

The Veterinarian provides veterinary services for shelter animals and supports animal wellness in collaboration with shelter leadership and staff. The role includes examinations, diagnostics, radiographs, surgery, euthanasia, laboratory testing, training, medical recordkeeping, court testimony, and rabies-clinic services. The position also provides annual physical examinations and vaccinations for the department’s 14 working dogs; patrol dogs are to be muzzled and restrained by their handlers. This is a Critical Safety Sensitive position requiring pre-employment drug testing, an FBI criminal background check, education and degree verification, and a more stringent background check under the U.S. Department of Justice CJIS Security Policy. Random drug and alcohol testing applies. Use of illegal drugs or medical marijuana is prohibited for this position, and employees may not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional hold-over may be required for large-scale seizure cases. The position is open until filled, with the first review beginning October 26, 2026.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited veterinary school.
At least one year of professional clinical veterinary experience.
Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization.
Must pass pre-employment drug testing, an FBI criminal background check, education and degree verification, and the more stringent background check required for work in areas governed by the CJIS Security Policy.
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing; illegal drugs and medical marijuana use are prohibited for this position.
Must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an animal shelter, animal welfare organization, or municipal animal services unit.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Provide veterinary services for shelter animals.
Conduct full physical examinations, diagnostics, and radiographs.
Perform surgical procedures, including spay/neuter.
Perform euthanasia for medical, behavioral, or public safety reasons, including for wildlife.
Conduct annual physical examinations and vaccinations for the department’s 14 working dogs; patrol dogs must be muzzled and restrained by their handlers.
Prepare and submit laboratory specimens for rabies testing.
Provide animal health and handling training for employees.
Perform necropsies.
Testify in court as an expert witness in cruelty and neglect cases.
Administer rabies vaccinations at county rabies clinics.
Maintain detailed and accurate medical records and documentation.
Collaborate with shelter leadership and staff to promote overall animal wellness.
Perform other work as required.