Veterinarian

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of State and County animal ordinances, regulations, animal care policies, and procedures of the Division and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
• Knowledge of Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Knowledge of animal behavior sufficient to recognize normal and abnormal behavior and diseases in domestic and wild animals.
• Knowledge of laws relating to animal control.
• Knowledge of current office methods, equipment, and procedures, including word processing and use of animal software management systems.
• Ability to perform surgeries and medical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and carry out veterinary assignments.
• Ability to manage veterinary personnel.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare written technical reports.
• Ability to maintain sanitary conditions of kennels, vehicles, and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and liaisons with outside veterinarians, professional veterinary organizations, animal and civic organizations, and other county officials.
• Ability to offer accurate testimony in court proceedings, civil actions, and before hearing officers.
• Ability to effectively deal with people and animals under stress.
• Ability to respond on scene to after-hours and weekend calls within sixty (60) minutes.

• Valid Florida Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to the insurance provider.
• Must possess or obtain the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment.
• Requires a Florida Veterinary License in good standing with the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine
• Must have the ability to maintain a State of Florida Pharmaceutical License.

Highly technical position reporting to the Animal Control Manager who is responsible for diagnosing and treating sick or injured animals. Responsibilities include practicing veterinary medicine, surgery, promoting animal-related public safety to the County’s Citizens, and the humane treatment of animals housed at the County’s Animal Services Shelter. Provides medical support for the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (TNVR) program for the Board of Sumter County Commissioners (BOCC).

Essential Job Functions:

1. Examines, evaluates, and treats sick and injured animals by prescribing medication, dressing wounds, and performing surgeries.
2. Responsible for ensuring the humane treatment of impounded animals by monitoring the kennels for safe and sanitary conditions.
3. Establishes or carries out quarantine or testing procedures to combat the spread of diseases to humans or other animals.
4. Maintains accurate medical records on each animal.
5. Directs euthanasia following County policy and recognized humane practices.
6. Assesses animals for adoptability.
7. Oversee the County’s compliance with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) laws and regulations and work closely with the Manager to ensure a proper inventory of supplies, including vaccinations, medications, microchips, and controlled substances.
8. Enforces, controls, and maintains the security of medications according to federal laws, rules, and regulations. Registers Pharmaceutical and Drug Enforcement Administration licenses to ensure expiration dates are not exceeded, and the license remains valid.
9. Works closely with Animal Control Officers to oversee their use of controlled substances per County policy.
10. Participates in animal cruelty and neglect investigations, including testifying in court as requested by Sumter County law enforcement agencies or State Attorney’s Office.
11. In case of an emergency or crisis situation (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position must respond/perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
12. Maintains regular physical attendance during normal work hours as assigned at one of the County’s offices or work facilities with the ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)