VETERINARY SPECIALIST
About The Position
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division. The Veterinary Specialist supports the State Veterinarian in overseeing animal health programs, disease control initiatives, and regulatory enforcement. This role plays a critical part in ensuring animal health, food safety, and agricultural biosecurity through disease surveillance, emergency response coordination, and industry engagement. The Veterinary Specialist performs necropsies and histopathological analyses and integrates results from diagnostic laboratory tests. This role is essential to animal health, public health, and food safety.
Requirements
- Must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited school of veterinary medicine; plus three years of experience in the diagnosis and management of animal diseases.
- Must be a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the State of Arkansas by the Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
- Must possess USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) Category II accreditation.
- Comprehensive understanding of physiology, anatomy, and pathology across various animal species.
- Familiarity with state and federal regulations for reporting animal diseases.
- Expertise in veterinary pathology test modalities, including sample requirements and result interpretation.
- Proficiency in operating necropsy equipment (mechanical hoist, bandsaw, surgical instruments) and standard laboratory equipment.
- Physical capability to lift over 20 pounds and remain standing for extended periods.
- Ability to work safely with exposure to chemicals, chemical odors, and animal tissues/fluids
- Ability to assess animal health challenges and develop evidence-based solutions.
- Leadership and team coordination abilities to support field inspectors, veterinarians, and emergency response teams.
- Strong communication and public speaking skills to educate industry professionals, government officials, and the public.
- Crisis management and adaptability to respond swiftly to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum of three years of professional veterinary experience, including experience in food animal medicine, public veterinary practice, regulatory veterinary medicine, or animal disease control programs
- Experience with state or federal animal health regulatory programs
- Training or experience in veterinary epidemiology or public health
- Experience managing veterinary or animal health programs
- Familiarity with livestock and poultry industries in Arkansas
- Incident command system or emergency response training
Responsibilities
- Assist in the development and implementation of animal health policies to prevent and mitigate livestock and zoonotic diseases.
- Coordinate with State Animal Health Official, USDA personnel, and the state Department of Health to report foreign animal diseases, monitored diseases, and zoonotic diseases of interest. Assist these agencies with animal disease surveillance and response to animal disease outbreaks.
- Provide consultation for veterinarians and food animal producers to select appropriate samples and diagnostic tests.
- Discuss diagnostic test results with veterinary professionals, food animal producers, and animal owners.
- Adherence to quality management system guidelines for documentation, reporting, and safety.
- Provide mentorship and training to veterinary students. Develop concrete learning objectives for students in collaboration with sponsoring veterinary medical schools.
- Conduct necropsies and histopathological examinations on a wide variety of animal species.
- Complete written reports in a timely manner. Work with clients throughout the duration of a case to obtain relevant case history and develop appropriate testing plans.
- Coordinate with state Department of Health for rabies testing of wild and domestic animals.
- Oversee animal movement regulations, animal testing programs, and facility inspections to ensure compliance with state policies.
- Review and update quarantine measures, vaccination programs, and import/export requirements.
- Support enforcement of animal welfare and disease control measures, coordinating with state and federal authorities.
- Prepare technical reports, policy recommendations, and regulatory updates for state leadership and industry stakeholders.
- Provide technical guidance and consultation to livestock producers, veterinary professionals, and agricultural organizations.
- Conduct public outreach initiatives on disease prevention, responsible animal management, and regulatory compliance.
- Represent the state at veterinary conferences, policy meetings, and agricultural industry events.
- Evaluate emerging threats, including foreign animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and foodborne pathogens.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
