Shelter Veterinarian

Humane Society of West Michigan

Job Description

The Humane Society of West Michigan is looking for enthusiastic new team members with a passion for our mission:

To promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement, and protection.

We're currently looking for a full or part-time Shelter Veterinarian that meets the following qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Current State of Michigan license in Veterinary Medicine
- Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
- Current DEA license preferred (or will be required to apply)
- Skill and ability to perform common surgical procedures, primarily high-quality, high volume spay-neuter, including pediatrics, as well as enucleation, amputation and mass removal
- Willingness and ability to make consistent and sound decisions regarding humane euthanasia in accordance with shelter policy
- Previous experience as a shelter veterinarian or special interest or training in shelter medicine practice or related field preferred
- Ability to act with professionalism, courtesy, tact, and sound judgment
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work and participate in both a team and self-directed environment
- Must be able to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to take charge and react calmly and quickly in a crisis situation
- Experience utilizing Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar management
- High attention to detail proven through accuracy
- Highly-organized and efficient work practices (e.g. Seeks to proactively anticipate job related needs and to address them immediately.)
- Friendly and outgoing personality that communicates a positive attitude within and outside the workplace
- Flexible work schedule that will adjust for working nights and weekends as needed
- Ability to be reliable, responsible, timely and accountable
- Ability to follow instructions and stay on task to ensure the safety of animals, others and self
- Willingness to create and maintain a clean, healthy and safe shelter environment
- Ability to work independently and with others to foster a positive and healthy work environment
- Willingness to work with animals of any species, breed and size without prejudice
- Works effectively and respectfully with internal and external customers, including staff, co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, clients and the general public
- Ability to act with integrity and demonstrate commitment to and passion for Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission and values

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Promote overall animal health and well-being including diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Ensure proper animal intake in accordance with shelter policy and industry best practices including the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
- Perform regular physical examinations and follow up on known medical issues.
- Maintain proper documentation of animal medical records.
- Perform common elective and non-elective surgical procedures and direct perioperative care.
- Perform necessary surgeries and medical treatments in accordance with accepted professional standards including the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Veterinary Medical Care Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs.
- Maintain license and insurance policy current and free of complaints.
- Prescribe and direct the administration of medications and vaccines as appropriate.
- Ability to make consistent and sound decisions regarding an animal’s health, well-being, and adoptability as it relates to humane euthanasia. Follow criteria for humane euthanasia based on medical assessment/justification.
- Maintain pharmacy (including controlled substances, regular orders and inventory) and reconcile controlled drug log in accordance with DEA guidelines.
- Provide insight regarding medical issues when veterinary staff communicates with customers regarding the health of their adopted animal(s).
- Establish policies and protocols to limit the transmission of disease in the shelter environment.
- Create medical protocols for Veterinary Staff to follow for common ailments.
- Ensure compliance with MDA guidelines, requirements and regulations as they pertain to animal health and welfare.
- Work within budgetary guidelines for department.
- Aid other departments with animal medical concerns or staff medical training as needed, including admitting, summer camps, etc.
- Provide positive leadership for the efficient and smooth functioning of the veterinary operations.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Assist with public relations and educational outreach on matters pertaining to animal health; lead or participate in HSWM activities as needed or required.
- Professionally represent and be a role model within and outside of HSWM.
- Maintain compliance with HSWM policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Animal Welfare to meet the needs of the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
HSWM Expectations of Employees
- Treat all animals and people humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others
- Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times
- Discretion with confidential and financial information
- Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals

Work Environment
- May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces
- May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases

Physical Demands
- Work requires lifting and carrying animals and items that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with animals and items weighing over 40 pounds.
- Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Will frequently work in a bent position.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Salary: Up to $100,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick time
- Vision insurance

Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- Day shift

Experience:
- Veterinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
- Veterinary Medicine license (Required)

This is a full time job