Graduation from an accredited school of veterinary medicine recognized by the Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine of the State of California, and experience in the delivery of high quality spay/neuter and animal medical services which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The required skills, knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by a degree in veterinary medicine and two years of full-time professional experience in the practice of veterinary medicine. One year of graduate study in veterinary medicine or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Reporting directly to the Animal Services Director, the Managing Veterinarian is fully accountable for overseeing veterinary facilities, personnel, and operations at Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS). This role is responsible for developing written protocols for the medical care of sheltered and public animals while directly supervising staff veterinarians and paraprofessional veterinary staff. It also provides indirect supervision to animal care technicians, animal control officers, and other assigned staff. Acting as a liaison between the public, outside agencies, and the local veterinary community, the Managing Veterinarian addresses matters related to public and animal health. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this position plays a vital role in agency decision-making and policy development, ensuring alignment with VCAS’s mission, vision, and values.
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Directly supervise veterinarians and paraprofessional staff, including recruitment, hiring, payroll, probation/annual performance review, and progressive discipline.
- Supervise the professional development of veterinarians and keep abreast of veterinary and shelter medicine trends.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards and ensure that veterinary care is provided in a safe, competent, professional, compassionate and humane manner with the goal of meeting the 5 freedoms and animal sheltering best practices.
- Provide professional oversight regarding the development and implementation of shelter programs to the executive leadership team.
- Analyze animal healthcare trends and make recommendations as appropriate for herd health management and individual animal care.
- Develop policies and procedures for the veterinary premises ensuring that all veterinary drugs, supplies and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act and all relevant local/state law/ordinances.
- Develop hospital protocols for medical and surgical care of public and sheltered animals, including but not limited to spay/neuter efforts, VCAS shelter hospital, and community-facing programs.
- Provide oversight and perform animal forensic examinations, including the development of legal templates for physical examinations/necropsies, and treatment protocols. Provide legal testimony and written legal reports when requested by humane law enforcement. Act as a liaison with humane law enforcement agencies as requested for animal cruelty cases.
- Oversee, review, and train staff on the Certified Euthanasia Technician training materials. Develop curriculum and train staff in medical care and protocols. Evaluate, create, and coordinate the training and development needs of staff and volunteers to assure professional standards of performance.
- Provide oversight for veterinary-related internship and outreach programs
- Promote a positive relationship with the public, volunteers, and staff. Address customer complaints related to the Veterinary department in a positive and professional manner.
- Act as professional liaison, speaker, and spokesperson and represent VCAS at outside meetings, including meetings for staff, volunteers, transfer partners/contracts and/or the veterinary community, as directed.
- Perform direct veterinary care including, but not limited to, spay/neuter, general surgery, wellness and emergency care for public and shelter animals, as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned.