Veterinarian (Veterinary Medical Director)

As a Veterinarian, have you wanted a greater leadership role while still providing patient care? Have you been looking for a opportunity to make a difference and have a significant impact in your community and animal welfare?

The Ulster County SPCA, the largest animal shelter in the County and the only brick and mortar low-cost HQHVSN/wellness clinic, is seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated Veterinary Medical Director who is passionate about animal welfare, strives for excellence and excels in working in a fast-paced, team environment. Competitive pay and benefits, commensurate with experience.

The Veterinary Medical Director (VMD) oversees the entire veterinary program for sheltered animals and the clinic, creating and implementing internal standard operating procedures and ensuring compliance of accepted hospital practices and standards of care for clinic and shelter medicine operations.

The VMD is the license holder for the high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) clinic, public wellness clinic and shelter medicine program and performs as a Shelter and Clinic Veterinarian. This role combines clinical expertise with leadership and administrative and strategic responsibilities to advance the UCSPCA’s mission.

Duties and Responsibility:

• Serve as Shelter Veterinarian providing expert veterinary medical care including emergency care during business hours and euthanasia as necessary
• Serve as HQHVSN/Wellness Clinic Veterinarian performing wellness services for owned animals and sterilization surgeries and other surgical procedures, i.e., dentals, amputations, mass removals and other procedures for shelter and owned animals, as well as TNVR for feral/community cats
• Create and manage medical and surgical protocols and practices for sheltered and owned animals in accordance with Shelter Standards of Care
• Provide field services support to the Humane Law department as needed
• Provide examinations, documentation and expert testimony in cases of animal abuse or neglect as required
• Oversee records management for compliance with SOPs, federal, state and local regulations, notably regarding privacy/confidentiality, security and OSHA
• Responsible for inventory management of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, notably accountability of controlled drug inventory
• Screen, interview, hire and actively participate in onboarding and initial training of new employees
• Provide personnel management including supervising, coaching, mentoring, and developing veterinary staff, as well as addressing personnel issues in a timely, professional and confidential manner
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and address any performance issues promptly and constructively
• Develop the annual operating budget for the clinic and shelter medical department
• Review monthly financial statements for the shelter clinic, assessing actual to budget outcomes
• Ensure customer service is a priority in the veterinary department at all times; all veterinary staff will provide clear, accurate information to customers/clients with a welcoming, friendly disposition
• Represent the organization in the community and build relationships with stakeholders, including clients, donors and volunteers
• Participate in outreach and educational initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership and preventive care as needed

Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited university
• Current and active license to practice in New York
• Current and active DEA license
• 3 or more years of veterinary experience preferred, preferably in a shelter or HQHVSN clinic setting
• 1 or more years of experience in employee supervision and management preferred
• Experience and confidence working with potentially fractious or dangerous domestic animals
• Commitment to animal welfare and the mission of a non-profit veterinary clinic with a demonstrated ability to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment
• Understanding of the organization’s no-kill philosophy and a willingness to welcome challenging medical cases
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, to include effectively handling and diffusing high-stress, emotionally-charged situations; must work well with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced often challenging environment while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor
• Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public, initiate and influence change and be a team player
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office, etc. and familiarity with shelter management software

Interested candidates should include a cover letter with resume.

The Ulster County SPCA provides safe haven and adoption opportunities to neglected, abused and homeless animals, as well as community support programs to keep pets in their homes. Simply put, we change lives.

As a no-kill facility with the only Humane Law Enforcement department in the county, we take in animals from a variety of circumstances, put them on the road to recovery and each year find forever homes for over 1,000 animals throughout Ulster County and beyond. Our low-cost clinic also provides spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations at affordable pricing. As a private nonprofit organization, we are not a part of the ASPCA or the county government; we rely on donations from the community to do this important work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• NYS Veterinary License (Required)
• DEA License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Kingston, NY 12401 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kingston, NY 12401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person