STAFF VETERINARIAN, ERIE AVENUE

SUMMARY Staff veterinarians will be primarily responsible for performing all aspects of veterinary work including exams, tests, procedures and maintaining proper record keeping for owned and shelter animals. Staff Veterinarians will perform daily rounds, initiate and follow up on treatment plans, assist in ensuring the efficient, accurate and humane movement of animals through the shelter and assist shelter staff in implementing and following disease control protocols and procedures. Staff Veterinarians may have rotating shifts in surgery, the wellness clinic and the shelter hospital, as well as be responsible for documenting animal cruelty for the Humane Law Enforcement department as needed. Staff Veterinarians provide leadership by example for other staff veterinarians, veterinary nurses and other staff and work collaboratively with all staff as an integral team member.

Experienced HQHVSN surgeon preferred. Half of the veterinarian's time in this position will be spent in our surgery and spay/neuter clinic, where the ability to perform 30-50 spay/neuter procedures a day is required. The other half of the veterinarian's time will be spent in a fast paced wellness/walk-in veterinary clinic evaluating and treating client owned pets. Must be energetic and outgoing, and willing to work as a team player.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Provide both individual and herd population health management for the animals sheltered at Pennsylvania SPCA's facilities;
• Implement, maintain, refine and follow all medical policies and procedures, keeping abreast of contemporary shelter veterinary medical practices and adhering to all state veterinary laws;
• Provide accurate and efficient recordkeeping of veterinary care provided to animals; ensure staff training, competency and adherence to protocol; perform or supervise the performance, recording and reading of laboratory tests and procedures;
• Assist in the monitoring of the conditions of animals in the shelter and address any conditions which might warrant veterinary attention; assist in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for the animals under the care of the Pennsylvania SPCA at all times;
• Perform high volume, high quality spay and neuter surgeries;
• Provide follow up care for fostered or recently adopted animals;
• Admit and release animals in a responsive, courteous and tactful manner and through managed recordkeeping, inform volunteers, staff, and the public of any pertinent medical information on the animal's care; assist staff and volunteers whenever necessary to assure smooth, courteous handling of the public and their pets;
• Work courteously and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure that all established procedures and policies of the Pennsylvania SPCA are followed; follow established procedures governing safe work practices including, but not limited to, wearing protective clothing and/or equipment when necessary; perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of goals, contributions and business for the Pennsylvania SPCA and its programs;
• Work closely with volunteer veterinarians and veterinary students to expand the Pennsylvania SPCA's capacity for care and treatment;
• Assist when needed in other departments or locations;
• The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Veterinary licensure in the State of Pennsylvania or licensure in another state with the intent and ability to gain licensure in the State of Pennsylvania. Knowledge of, interest and passion in, or continuing education performed in the field of shelter medicine, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and high-volume, low-cost veterinary medicine.

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES REQUIRED

• Ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision. Affection for animals and concern for their welfare.
• Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained animals. Knowledge of contemporary shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices. Knowledge of various breeds and their characteristics and familiarity with symptoms of diseases common to dogs and cats. Knowledge of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic veterinary treatment of domestic animals.
• Ability to accommodate varied work assignments and schedules. Ability to provide leadership and direction to employees and volunteers. Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous and tactful manner at all times. Maturity, good judgment and professional personal appearance including the wearing of neat and clean uniforms.
• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain an animal when necessary.
• Comfort and ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.
• Valid driver's license with no record of convictions.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Veterinary Services

HOURS FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT POSITION Minimum of 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule. Includes weekends, night, holiday and on-call work.

INTRODUCTORY ASSESSMENT PERIOD The introductory assessment period runs from the date of hire for sixty days thereafter. For employment in any position with the Pennsylvania SPCA, this introductory assessment period is the period during which the specifics of the job are learned.

EMPLOYMENT There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Pennsylvania SPCA that even exempt positions are governed by the needs of the agency, which means that employment is for no specified term and either the Pennsylvania SPCA or the employee, may terminate that employment at any time. The Chief Executive Officer has final authority over these decisions and determinations.

Salary is competitive and negotiable.