PAWS Atlanta – Chief Veterinarian and Medical Director

Overview

Job Type: Veterinarian

Work Type: Small Animal Only

Business Name: PAWS Atlanta

City: Decatur

State: Georgia

Start Date: 2023-07-01

Contact Name: Erica Noltemeyer, DVM

Contact Email: [email protected]

Contact Phone: (770) 593-1155


PAWS Atlanta is a no-kill, non-profit, rescue organization. We have been in operation for 58 years in Dekalb County, GA. At PAWS Atlanta we believe that people and pets bring out the best in each other. Therefore, our mission is to build a community of caring, by people helping pets and pets helping people.

Job Description:
Function: Under the direction of the Executive Director and in coordination with the shelter manager, the medical director and chief veterinarian is responsible for the management and oversight of the veterinary department including performing a variety of animal health care duties in addition to administrative oversight of standard operating procedures and veterinary staff management.

Duties:
· Support the shelter manager and staff to ensure that the shelter animals’ medical needs are addressed.
· Oversight of development and implementation of proper protocols to assure timely intake vaccine administration, vaccine booster administration, proper deworming administration, and monthly parasite prevention administration for each shelter animal.
· Perform routine surgeries and procedures common in general practice with the commitment to practice the highest standards of medicine and uphold the veterinary code of ethics.
· Oversee the medical care and management of shelter animals and medical fosters with chronic diseases.
· Advocate for the shelter animal’s medical needs during emergent medical situations and humane euthanasia decisions.
· Oversee the maintenance of safety, cleanliness, and sanitation protocols necessary during the daily functions of the clinic.
· Ensure accurate medical record-keeping for the shelter animals.
· Communicate with specialists and emergency veterinarians when patients need a referral for additional medical care.
· Organizational contact for contracted relief veterinarians.
· Responsible for the financial performance of the veterinary clinic, preparing operating and capital budgets, and meeting budget expectations.
· Determine medical equipment and supply needs.
· Plan development and regular updating of a standard operating procedure for the PAWS Atlanta veterinary clinic.
· Implement strategic plans for future medical outbreaks in the shelter.
· Work with the grant writer to apply for medical supply and service grants.
· Collaborate with the social media team and director of development for shelter animal medical campaigns.
· Work with the shelter manager and staff to develop and revise organizational policies and procedures regarding improved animal welfare, zoonosis, and population disease control.
· Supervises all veterinary staff hiring, firing, disciplinary actions, orientation, training, and performance appraisals.
· Develop and maintain a positive work environment and teamwork among staff members and volunteers.
· Promote the development of staff skills.
· Oversight of veterinary staff scheduling.
· Ensure observance and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and ordinances, including OSHA requirements.
· Enforce and clarify organizational policies and procedures.
· Obtain information and training necessary to maintain knowledge of current and relative developments in the field of veterinary medicine with focus on disease prevention, overpopulation control measures, as well as shelter and practice management.
· Regulate inventory control and purchase orders for all veterinary medical supplies.
· Manage the use and control of drugs and supplies.
· Maintain medical equipment to ensure that medical assets are properly preserved and utilized.
· Assist as needed with new construction projects and shelter expansions.

Work Environment:
· Work is performed in an animal shelter and veterinary clinic environment.
· High degree of mobility required.
· Ability to lift 50 lbs. frequently.
· Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Education and Work Experience:
· Graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine or equivalent.
· Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Georgia in good standing and must complete all professional requirements to maintain licensure.
· Acquire and possess a thorough understanding of and dedication to the philosophies of animal welfare.
· Ability to conduct high-volume, high-quality surgical sterilizations in a fast-paced environment. ASPCA Humane Alliance Surgery training is provided as needed.
· Possess or has the ability to obtain a DEA license.
· Basic computer literacy is required.
· Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
· Possess a positive attitude, empathy, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
· Demonstrate initiative and the capacity to think outside the box.
· Employees are expected to act in the practice’s best interest, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not specifically listed in the job description.

Desired but not Required:
· Minimum of two years working experience as a veterinarian.
· Shelter experience is preferred. Enthusiasm for shelter medicine is strongly desired.
· Familiarity with Shelterluv is desired.

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