Description

WCHS has a position available for Chief Veterinarian. This is a full-time, exempt position. The Chief Veterinarian provides high-quality medical care to shelter animals and community animals, including spay/neuter, wellness services, and treatment of various medical conditions.  She/he oversees the development and implementation of medical and surgical protocols in partnership with the Director of Operations and Executive Director.  She/he works with leadership to develop and train staff to ensure they can execute their duties.

Primary Responsibilities
o    Serves as the medical authority and supports staff who manage the medical population and make decisions about treatment plans by evaluating vet recommendations, staffing, and shelter resources.
o    Coordinates and directs shelter and clinical medical operations and ensures sound veterinary medical practices. 
o    With the Director of Operations, leads the evaluation and establishment of Shelter Medical Protocols.
o    Ensures the highest quality care, consistency, and husbandry of animals by following policies and procedures, current and best animal welfare practices, and providing exceptional services to the public and communities served.
o    Continually improves the medical management program and ensures high-quality medical care and services for shelter guests, including those temporarily in foster care, focusing on identification, treatment, and prevention of health problems, thereby increasing adoptions and decreasing adoption returns.
o    Makes recommendations and collaborates with the Executive Director and Director of Operations in formulating shelter & clinic medical objectives, practices, plans, and decisions that influence operations to ensure optimal health of animals while respecting and conserving resources.
o    Oversees the maintenance of drug and supply inventory while meeting and maintaining DEA requirements

Provides leadership to WCHS staff 
o    Maintains effective communication with staff through daily contact, in scheduled meetings, informally or in writing, as needed to coordinate and direct medical functions. 
o    Supervises shelter veterinary students and externs, ensuring proper training and timely review.
o    Provides guidance to staff for situations requiring immediate medical problem-solving
o    Participates in interviewing and hiring decisions for medical staff
o    In coordination with the Director of Operations, oversees the training and proficiency of staff certified in euthanasia.
o    Communicates directly with the Feline/Foster Care Coordinator, Canine Coordinator, Director of Operations, and Lead Clinic Vet Tech, about the care of all animals
o    Treats people and animals with respect; contributes to effective teamwork; promotes intra- and interdepartmental cooperation; and fosters public relations that benefit WCHS.

Performs the duties of a veterinarian, including but not limited to
o    Evaluates and determines the disposition of incoming animals.
o    Provides medical services to shelter and community animals, including physical examinations, diagnostics, medical rounds, and treatments.
o    Performs sterilization surgeries and other surgical procedures for shelter and community animals.
o    Ensures appropriate medication is administered by staff as directed.
o    Advises, performs, or oversees euthanasia within the shelter and/or clinic.
o    Provides on-call services for shelter-animal emergencies.
o    Maintains appropriate licensing and completes required continuing education courses. 
o    Adheres to state regulations and organizational protocol regarding animal care, treatment, advocacy, and the mission of WCHS.
o    Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance with safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Requirements

Qualifications:

    Current license in the State of Vermont to practice veterinary medicine
o    Current or willing to secure DEA license 
o    Maintenance of malpractice insurance
o    Minimum of two years of experience in shelter medicine with high-volume spay-neuter experience preferred
o    Ability to work well within the frenetic nature of the shelter environment 
o    Effective written and verbal communication skills
o    Proven organizational, time management, and planning skills required
o    Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community professionally and respectfully.
o    Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and assess departmental issues and opportunities. Enjoys problem solving within existing resources; does not rely on additional dollars to resolve problems
o    Must be 21 or older (required for insurance purposes)
o    Willing to be rabies vaccinated and have intermittent titer testing

Physical Requirements
o    Standing for extended periods (8-10 hours), kneeling, and walking
o    Exposure to high noise levels and temperatures
o    Ability to lift 50 pounds
o    Subject to sharp objects, animal bites, and scratches
o    Exposure to hazardous chemicals and anesthetic gases
o    Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases
o    Driving a motor vehicle