Veterinarian

Class Characteristics

Under general direction, to provide professional medical services in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of diseased or injured animals; to lead the work of assigned staff; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Dog Services Division administers the County's dog control program to enforce State and County laws and regulations governing the care, control, impounding, protection, licensing and disposal of animals. The division also operates and maintains the County's animal shelter which houses stray, dangerous, and abandoned dogs.

The Veterinarian is a single-incumbent classification responsible for providing professional medical veterinarian services and leading the work of Animal Health Technician staff.

Veterinarian differs from Animal Health Technician which provides paraprofessional veterinary care and euthanasia of dogs. It also differs from Animal Care Specialist which performs general maintenance and cleaning of the shelter and assists in the care and feeding of the shelter's animals.

Tyical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs cost effective and humane routine and emergency medical treatment of impounded animals; vaccinates animals against rabies, distemper, parvo virus, upper respiratory infection, and other diseases common to canines commonly found in shelters.
• Administers anesthesia and performs spay and neuter procedures on canines and other necessary surgeries; makes referrals to specialists when needed to improve quality of life for animals.
• Administers drugs, including some controlled substances, during surgery; prescribes and administers post-surgical and other medications to treat conditions of animals; maintains control of restricted drugs; records treatments and prescriptions in patient charts.
• Establishes protocols for the care, prognosis and health of all animals brought into the Clackamas County shelter to check for disease, injuries, or related conditions which may prove unsafe for the animal, County personnel, or the public; assists in development of shelter medicine plans for disease outbreaks.
• Leads the work of Animal Health Technicians; provides daily work direction; assigns work and checks the completed work; provides input to supervisor regarding work performance; may participate in the hiring process.
• Provides guidance and leadership to Animal Health Technician and Animal Care Specialist staff on proper treatment and care for animals in the shelter; provides training and instruction in proper procedures and techniques; advises on the more complex and sensitive concerns and issues; provides training for Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) Certifications.
• Performs dental procedures to clean or extract teeth.
• Performs health examinations including prior to adoption or placement in another organization.
• Performs euthanasia on dogs; disposes of animals in a safe, clean and efficient manner; maintains clean euthanasia area and room; maintains drug logs.
• Prepares written and oral testimony for court cases involving animals; appears in court to testify; based on incumbent's specialized background and experience, provides expert witness consultation and testimony in legal proceedings for Clackamas County District Attorney's Office.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of: Legal requirements governing delivery of veterinary services; State and County laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the control, impoundment, retention and release of dogs; laws, codes, regulations and policies affecting the division's operations and programs; surgical procedures for spaying and neutering canines; drugs and medicine needed for medical procedures in an animal shelter; animal behavior, breed identification and basic animal health; dog anatomy and physiology; principles and procedures of technical veterinary medicine, including treatment and control of common diseases and first aid for dogs; safe and efficient animal handling techniques; safe and humane euthanasia techniques and procedures, including proper use and storage of controlled substances; record keeping techniques; public service techniques.

Working knowledge of: Quality assurance procedures and techniques; modern techniques and established procedures for treating various animals for common diseases and injuries; standard guidelines of the veterinary profession that are used in the State of Oregon; techniques and principles of basic supervision and training.

Skill to: Determine surgical needs based on the animals' health status; understand, interpret and apply pertinent provisions of county, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and standards that affect the operation and administration of the shelter medical program; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; analyze situations and take appropriate action; reach sound conclusions; restrain animals to treat and administer medicine; prepare clear, complete and technically accurate reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships, and deal effectively and tactfully with the public, veterinarians, animal interest groups and County employees; safe and effective handle, care for and treat vicious, stray or diseased animals; handle and control animals while cleaning cages, pens and runs; administers injections and medications to dogs; explain proper care of animals to the public and adoptive owners; identify diseases and assess injuries in dogs and take appropriate safety precautions when handling such animals; perform humane euthanasia by injection method; prepare and maintain accurate records; use of computers and computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Working Conditions

Duties require walking, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, twisting, squatting, reaching forward/overhead, fine motor control and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds having awkward size and shape, and the ability to push/pull 75 pounds. Duties also involve frequent exposure to loud noises, wet and slippery surfaces, and sick, injured, agitated, frightened or aggressive animals.

As needed, incumbent is considered essential staff to provide vital animal care during incidents as a back-up for primary essential staff.

Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and/or additional hours as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: None required.

Licenses/Certifications:
The following licenses/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• Valid license issued by the State of Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board (OAR 875-010-0000).

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Post-Employment Requirements

Within thirty (30) days of hire, must possess a DEA license for controlled substances.

Classification No. 178
Established: 2/18
Revised: 5/25 
FLSA: Exempt 
EEO: 4