A Veterinarian provides medical care to animals. Diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries. Specializes in treating either pets and small domesticated animals, or large animals and livestock, or wild animals. May work on farms, in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, in animal shelters, or in hospitals or clinics that specialize in caring for animals. May inspect livestock used for food and check compliance with food safety regulations, or work in laboratories doing clinical research on animal and human diseases.
Founding Director of Veterinary Services Reports To:
Executive Director Status:
Exempt, Full-Time Location:
Chestertown, Maryland Position Summary The Founding Director of Veterinary Services serves as ACSKC's veterinarian and medical authority, overseeing care for shelter animals while guiding the growth of the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic. This position combines clinical practice, shelter medicine, program development, and leadership. The Director will work with ACSKC staff and community partners to improve animal welfare and expand access to veterinary care. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Medical Leadership Serve as ACSKC's veterinarian and medical authority. Develop and maintain medical protocols and standards of care. Lead and support medical staff. Ensure compliance with veterinary regulations and best practices. Shelter Medicine Provide examinations, diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing care for shelter animals. Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other procedures consistent with training and experience. Manage disease prevention, population health, and outbreak response. Make humane euthanasia decisions when necessary and in accordance with organizational policies. Support the medical needs of animals in foster care. Community Veterinary Services Participate in vaccine clinics and other accessible care initiatives. Expand access to veterinary care for underserved pet owners. Promote preventive medicine and responsible pet ownership. Program Development and Leadership Guide the growth of ACSKC's veterinary programs and services. Advise on equipment, workflows, staffing, protocols, and service delivery. Participate in organizational planning and leadership initiatives. Help shape the priorities and long-term direction of the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic. Animal Welfare and Community Collaboration Assist Animal Control Officers with medical evaluations and animal welfare investigations. Provide expert veterinary guidance and testimony when required. Represent ACSKC and maintain positive relationships within the veterinary and animal welfare communities. QualificationsRequired Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Eligibility for veterinary licensure in Maryland. DEA registration or the ability to obtain it. Strong surgical, diagnostic, and clinical skills. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Preferred Experience in shelter medicine, community medicine, or access to care programs. Experience supervising veterinary or medical personnel. Interest in program development and organizational leadership. Compensation and Benefits Salary up to $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee. Ten days of paid time off during the first year, increasing to 15 days beginning in the second year. ACSKC recognized paid holidays. Annual continuing education allowance of $2,000. Paid AVMA and MDVMA membership dues. Paid Maryland veterinary license renewal, DEA registration, and professional liability insurance. Three months of furnished housing to support relocation. Schedule Predictable 40-hour workweek. No emergency or on-call hours. Limited weekend scheduling for occasional appointments, vaccine clinics, or community programs. Working Conditions Work is performed in clinical, surgical, shelter, community, and office environments and involves interaction with animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. The position requires the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Occasional local travel may be required. Why ACSKC This is an opportunity to practice meaningful medicine, shape a growing veterinary program, and improve outcomes for animals and the people who love them. As the founding veterinarian for the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic, the Director will have a meaningful voice in the program's clinical protocols, services, and long term direction. How to Apply Please submit a résumé or curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and professional references to: Michael Wessel, Executive Director mwessel@acskc.org Animal Care Shelter for Kent County is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to any status protected by applicable law.
Pay:
Up to $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance
