Veterinarian

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

1d

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 clinical examinations and diagnostics, radiography, surgery, euthanasia, laboratory specimen preparation, necropsies, training, medical recordkeeping, court testimony, and rabies vaccination services. The veterinarian also provides annual physical examinations and vaccinations for the department’s 14 working dogs. The position works Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional holdover required for large-scale seizure cases.

This is a Critical Safety Sensitive position subject to pre-employment drug testing, an FBI criminal background check, education and degree verification, and random drug and alcohol testing. The position involves work in high-security areas governed by the U.S. Department of Justice CJIS Security Policy and requires passing a more stringent criminal background check. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization. Use of illegal drugs or medical marijuana is prohibited, and employees must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment. The position is open until filled, with the first review beginning November 16, 2026.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited veterinary school.
• 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 a lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization.
• Successfully pass required pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, education and degree verification, and the more stringent background check for work in CJIS-governed high-security areas.
• Comply with random drug and alcohol testing; use of illegal drugs and medical marijuana is prohibited, and employees 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.
• Perform annual physical examinations and vaccinations for the department’s 14 working dogs; patrol dogs are to be muzzled and restrained by their handler.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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