Shelter Veterinarian

Salary : $130,000.00 Annually

Location : C292-Animal Control

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 03438

Department : Animal Control

Opening Date : 01 / 18 / 2024

Closing Date : 10 / 24 / 2024 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Position Purpose / Summary

Primary function is to provide high-quality veterinary care to animals in the care and custody of the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO).

Assists in developing, advancing, and implementing shelter medicine protocols and delivers and ensures humane medical treatment of all animals.

This position also works with the District Attorney and law enforcement on cases of animal cruelty. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Supervision is exercised over a team that includes veterinary technicians and clinic volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Examines, diagnoses, and performs routine and emergency medical treatment on all adoption center animals.
• Vaccinate animals against diseases common to species of animals found in shelters, and according to applicable law.
• Prepares quarantine reports for City and State which require veterinary title; report reportable diseases to City and State as required.
• Performs surgical sterilizations; emergency or reparative surgeries, including dentals on all species.
• Maintain patient medical / surgical records.
• Provides consultation to staff regarding euthanasia based on animal's physical and behavioral condition. Performs humane euthanasia.
• Oversees drug and medical supplies inventory ensuring DEA requirements are met.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community and relief veterinarians.
• Oversees that appropriate personnel have been trained to administer vaccines, perform tests, euthanasia, and other medical procedures.
• Work alongside animal care team to prevent and control disease in the shelter animal population.
• Reports suspected cruelty as required by law. Prepares reports for suspected cruelty and builds relationships with MSPCA, police, DAs.

Testifies in court when needed.

• Provides after-hours communication with TJO staff or emergency veterinary staff for guidance or recommendations on injured animals.
• When designated, acts as a media spokesperson for TJO on topics relevant to veterinary medicine and animal care.
• Attends community vaccination clinics and other programs offered by TJO.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The ability to make decisions and communicate clearly and effectively with fellow team members.
• Respect for and willingness to work with animals and owners from a variety of backgrounds.
• Background in small animal medicine and surgery; experience with small animal dental procedures and radiographs.
• Vast knowledge of shelter veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge of health law and regulations.
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine, upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• A high level of professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to deal effectively and politely with people from various backgrounds and experience and in all types of difficult situations.

This person must have definite abilities to evaluate problems accurately and display sound judgment when working under stressful conditions.

Education and Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a shelter environment.
• Current Massachusetts Veterinary License in good standing.
• Must maintain mal-practice insurance.

NOTICE : The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements.

Medical / Dental / Vision 75% City Subsidized

All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision

Retirement Available to employees working 20+ hours per week

Paid Vacation Bargaining unit positions are subject to contractual obligations.

Paid Holidays All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year.

Paid Sick Time Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1 / 4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service.

Unused sick days can be rolled over to subsequent calendar years. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost.

Paid Personal Days Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons.

Training On the job and instructor led courses available

Employee Assistance Program Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance.

Direct Deposit Easy, convenient, and free!

Are you a doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree?

Do you have two (2) years of experience working in a shelter environment?

Do you have a current Massachusetts Veterinary License in good standing?

Are you willing to maintain mal-practice insurance?

Are you a current City of Springfield resident?

The City of Springfield requires all employees to be residents. If you are not a current Springfield resident, are you willing to relocate?

Required Question