Veterinarian

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida, or 
• Currently licensed in good standing in another U.S. state with the ability to obtain Florida licensure within 30 days of a conditional offer of employment.  Non-Florida license holders will be contingent upon successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) developed by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination

Position Summary

• Provide professional services for animal care as a direct provider and as supervisor of the Medical Care division
• Participate as a member of the department management team and attend team meetings
• Provide medical and surgical care, treatment and sterilizations to sheltered animals; provide medical examinations and sterilizations to animals being transferred to other animal welfare organizations or rescue groups 
• Provide sterilizations for pets of citizens participating in the low income and low cost spay/neuter programs
• Perform forensic exams and necropsies as warranted
• Provide qualified testimony and documentation in court cases of neglect and cruelty
• Plan, organize and direct with work of Division staff; determine work procedures and schedules, assign duties, review and evaluate work products and outcomes.
• Aid in the development and implementation of cleaning, vaccination, intake and quarantine protocols
• Supervise and develop staff, set expectations, evaluate performance, take appropriate action as warranted; provide for training and employee development.  
• Determine need for employee corrective action or disciplinary action and initiate as appropriate. 
• Train staff in prevention of canine, feline and zoonotic diseases
• Participate in interviews and hiring decisions for shelter medical staff
• Communicate directly with applicable staff with regard to care of all shelter animals
• Develop and maintain partnerships with the Humane Society, Veterinary Community Outreach Program, Operation Catnip and other local humane agencies
• Participate in the continuing education of senior students at the College of Veterinary Medicine in the cooperative externship program with the University of Florida
• Remain current on latest procedures and developments in shelter medical care
• Maintain medical inventory, compliance with DEA requirements related to controlled substances; provide medical expertise regarding selection of medical supplies
• Evaluate medical services provided and make recommendations to the department director concerning animal care, regulations, policies and procedures, and activities; prepare periodic evaluative reports on medical services
• Demonstrate and establish division standards to provide professional care with kindness and sensitivity for animals and respect for owners
• Promote intra and inter departmental cooperation, and cooperative relations with external partners; foster positive public relations 
• Develop protocols for animal services under emergency conditions.  Serve as an essential emergency worker during County emergencies.  
• Participate in preparation of division budget and manage resources to meet goals 
• May deliver presentations regarding division services
• Ensure division and staff certifications are achieved and maintained
• Performs related duties as required 

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program  

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.