Veterinary Prog Specialist I (WELFARE)

State of North Carolina

9h

About The Position

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered. All veterinary services fall under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Division. The Veterinary Program Specialist I (VPS I) Animal Welfare is a position within the Animal Welfare Section (AWS) of the Veterinary Division. AWS enforces the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act and its associated rules. Veterinary Program Specialists I – Animal Welfare are the State’s first lines of defense in protecting the welfare of cats and dogs housed in shelters, boarding kennels, pet shops, and auction markets. This position investigates complaints and emergencies, determines compliance with the NC Animal Welfare statutes and regulations and identifies deficiencies. Positions assist facilities in preparation of corrective action plans, including the provision of technical assistance; recommend issuance, denial, or revocation of licenses and/or registrations; and perform other activities designed to ensure programs operate properly. They are the primary educational resources for animal shelter operators, animal control officers, pet shop operators, boarding kennel managers and small animal auction market operators. Positions in this class perform animal emergency preparedness, response, and management duties and are considered essential emergency workers. Given the NC Animal Welfare Act in combination with the federal Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006 (H.R. 3858 — 109th Congress) and the final authority of the state veterinarian for proper disposal of animal mortality within North Carolina (02 NCAC 52C .0102), this class series maintains the technical field expertise drawn upon during all natural disasters or disease events impacting animals in North Carolina Entry level positions are mentored and trained by fully qualified positions in this class. This allows decision making to progress from a clearly defined and established approach to a step-by-step approach, which may include innovation to achieve results. Scope of the position rarely passes beyond the individual participant/administrator/citizen level. Authority level is routinely limited to that of the individual contributor. VPS-I are responsible for gathering accurate facility information so that accurate records can be maintained. They must be able to adjust to changes in methodologies, investigative techniques, changes in programs, program emphasis, program monitoring and other changes dictated by technological advances. The Animal Welfare Act allows the state to license or register the following facilities: pet shops, boarding kennels, private and public animal shelters, pet auctions, and pet dealers. This demands that the AHT-W be knowledgeable and consistent in the applications of the law and able to tactfully gain compliance or resolution of problems. The Animal Welfare Act has been amended effective October 1, 2005 and the associated rules were revised in 2022. The primary job functions of this position are:
• Monitor Animal Shelters, Boarding Kennels and Pet Shops for Adequacy by visual inspection of these facilities on an annual or as needed basis
• Perform investigations and assist facilities in preparation of corrective action plans, including the provision of technical assistance; recommend issuance, denial, or revocation of licenses and/or registrations
• Ensure compliance with the NC Animal Welfare Act which guarantees that dogs and cats, as items of commerce, are provided with human care and treatment by regulating the transportation, sale, purchase, housing, care, handling and treatment of dogs and cats by persons or organizations
• Act as a primary educational resource for animal shelter operators, animal control officers, pet shop operators, boarding kennel managers and small animal auction market operators.
• Assist Spay/Neuter Program coordinator with efforts to promote Spay/Neuter in North Carolina
Must live in or be willing to relocate to Wake, Johnston or adjacent counties, NC. This position requires travel. A state vehicle and gas card are provided.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the NC Animal Welfare Act and its associated rules, principles of animal sheltering and animal control, euthanasia procedures and equipment and animal handling
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and report writing so that the candidate has the ability to write facility inspection narratives and court-worthy complaint investigation reports
• Ability to work independently or with a group, manage time and tasks efficiently and take direction from supervisory personnel
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers experience working in animal shelter, animal control, regulatory or enforcement fields
• If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Animal Shelters, Boarding Kennels and Pet Shops for Adequacy by visual inspection of these facilities on an annual or as needed basis
• Perform investigations and assist facilities in preparation of corrective action plans, including the provision of technical assistance; recommend issuance, denial, or revocation of licenses and/or registrations
• Ensure compliance with the NC Animal Welfare Act which guarantees that dogs and cats, as items of commerce, are provided with human care and treatment by regulating the transportation, sale, purchase, housing, care, handling and treatment of dogs and cats by persons or organizations
• Act as a primary educational resource for animal shelter operators, animal control officers, pet shop operators, boarding kennel managers and small animal auction market operators.
• Assist Spay/Neuter Program coordinator with efforts to promote Spay/Neuter in North Carolina

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level