The Animal Services Veterinarian is responsible for creating and developing a medical program within a municipal animal welfare agency that will improve the lives of shelter pets. This includes duties which include, but are not limited to, examining, diagnosing and creating treatment plans for sick or injured animals; performing surgeries and medical procedures as needed; providing guidance and leadership to staff and volunteers; and representing the department as an ambassador to the veterinarians in the community.
The incumbent is expected to meet technical performance standards and the City's standards for interpersonal and team behaviors and customer contacts. This position requires exceptional interpersonal and networking skills and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the community. Presents a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal Services (JAS) internally and externally. Models and promotes a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgment.
We are Thurston County’s primary regional animal shelter and animal control agency. Established in 1977, the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and unincorporated Thurston County fund Animal Services, which currently operates in an 8,000 sq. ft. facility on 5 acres of wooded land in a centrally-located site for the pets and people we serve.
Animal Services serves 303,976 residents in 774 square miles of urban and rural terrain. We are an open-admission shelter and work with many rescues and several other shelters to find new families for our community’s homeless pets. Staff and volunteers provide quality daily care and enrichment, and we work with our local veterinarians to help those pets needing more extensive treatment. We also serve as a resource center for animal behavior and health issues, humane education, and administering grants that help with pets’ medical expenses.