Veterinarian

Position Summary:

The Veterinarian provides professional veterinary medical services focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injury in shelter animals. This position is responsible for conducting physical examinations, developing and implementing treatment plans, performing surgical procedures (including spay/neuter), and managing medical cases in accordance with accepted veterinary standards of care. The Veterinarian oversees population health through vaccination protocols, disease surveillance, infection control, and herd health management to mitigate the spread of communicable illnesses within the shelter environment. This role maintains accurate medical records, ensures proper medication administration and inventory control, and establishes clinical protocols to support consistent, high-quality care. The Veterinarian may also conduct forensic medical evaluations related to suspected abuse or neglect cases and document findings in a medically objective manner. Collaboration with shelter staff supports the implementation of appropriate medical and behavioral interventions, with an emphasis on animal health, welfare, and clinical outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited college or university Valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida (or ability to obtain prior to employment)

Valid Driver License Preferred Experience:

Experience - Two (2) years of clinical veterinary experience Experience in a high-volume spay/neuter setting or animal shelter environment. Experience with population medicine, infectious disease control, and herd health management. Experience performing routine and high-volume surgical procedures independently. Experience with forensic veterinary evaluations or working alongside law enforcement in cruelty or neglect investigations. Experience in public sector, municipal, or nonprofit animal services.

Essential Job Functions:

Minimum 30-hour work weeks This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary. Perform comprehensive physical examinations and diagnostic evaluations of shelter animals. Diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, illnesses, and injuries. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans. Perform routine and emergency surgical procedures, including spay/neuter and wound management. Administer and prescribe medications, vaccines, and other therapies in accordance with accepted veterinary standards. Establish and oversee shelter-wide preventive care protocols, including vaccination schedules, parasite control, and wellness programs. Monitor and manage population health, including disease surveillance, outbreak response, and infection control measures. Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely medical records in compliance with legal and professional standards. Ensure proper handling, storage, and inventory control of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Develop and implement clinical protocols and standard operating procedures for medical care. Provide humane euthanasia services in accordance with established guidelines and ethical standards. Conduct forensic veterinary evaluations in cases of suspected abuse or neglect and document findings objectively. Collaborate with animal control officers and shelter staff to support animal health and case management. Provide clinical guidance and training to shelter staff regarding animal health, disease recognition, and proper care techniques. Conduct and support community outreach initiatives, including organizing and performing up to four (4) low-cost spay/neuter clinics annually. Available to provide occasional off-site consultation and clinical guidance to shelter staff by phone as needed, including responding to occasional after-hours inquiries regarding animal intake and medical concerns. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing animal health and shelter operations. Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in performing physical examinations, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical assessments. Skill in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions in animals. Ability to perform surgical procedures, including spay/neuter and basic emergency surgeries. Skill in administering medications, vaccinations, and other therapeutic treatments. Ability to interpret diagnostic results, including laboratory tests and imaging. Proficiency in maintaining accurate, detailed, and timely medical records. Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and administration of pharmaceuticals. Ability to implement and follow established clinical protocols and treatment plans. Skill in humane animal handling and restraint techniques. Ability to perform humane euthanasia in accordance with accepted standards. Competence in identifying and managing infectious diseases within a shelter environment.

Key Competencies:

Clinical Judgment:

Ability to make sound, timely medical decisions based on clinical findings and available data. Attention to

Detail:

Ensures accuracy in diagnoses, treatments, and medical documentation.

Decision-Making:

Ability to prioritize cases and respond effectively to routine and emergency situations.

Problem-Solving:

Ability to assess complex or atypical medical conditions and develop appropriate solutions.

Communication:

Clearly conveys medical information to staff and non-medical stakeholders.

Collaboration:

Works effectively with shelter staff, animal control officers, and other professionals.

Adaptability:

Adjusts to changing conditions, including high-volume intake, disease outbreaks, and emergency scenarios.

Professional Integrity:

Maintains ethical standards, objectivity, and confidentiality, particularly in sensitive or legal cases.

Stress Tolerance:

Maintains composure and effectiveness in high-pressure or emotionally challenging situations.

Training and Mentorship:

Ability to guide and educate staff on animal health practices and protocols.

Physical Requirements:

Sit up to four (4) hours per day. Stand up to four (4) hours per day. Walk up to four (4) hours per day. Frequently lift and/or carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Occasionally lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds. Frequently bend, reach, twist, kneel, crouch, and/or squat. Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. Ability to perform precise motor tasks, including surgical procedures and administration of medications. Ability to work in an environment with exposure to animal dander, waste, noise, and potentially zoonotic diseases. Ability to respond to emergency situations that may require extended periods of standing, physical exertion, and rapid decision-making. The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.