Associate Veterinarian

 Position Description

The associate veterinarian plays a vital part in supporting the community, especially for those clients and animals who may not have another accessible option for care. As an organization, we offer financial assistance to clients in need as well as partner with outside funding groups to decrease as much as the financial burden as possible.

This associate veterinarian position is responsible for providing care, treatment and surgical services for client-owned and shelter animals at the East Bay SPCA. The associate veterinarian spends 70-100% of their time in the Oakland AAHA full-service veterinary clinic seeing appointments and performing surgeries. The associate veterinarian may spend up to 10% of their time based on organizational needs between shelter animal care in Dublin and Oakland and at the high quality/high volume spay/neuter clinics. As a part of a multi-doctor team, this position works closely with the VP of Medical Services, fellow associate veterinarians and the medical support team in an effort to support the mission of the East Bay SPCA.

Category: Full-time, Exempt/Part-time, Exempt

Location: Oakland, Dublin; must be willing to regularly travel between locations

Reports to: VP of Medical Services

Responsibilities

Clinical Care – 75% to 100% of duties

• Regularly performs surgical procedures including, but not limited to, ovario-hysterectomy, orchiectomy/castration, tumor/lump removal, hernia repair and tooth extractions, limited orthopedic and ocular procedures
• Regularly performs veterinary health care functions, including examination and treatment of sheltered animals and client animals, and aids in the evaluation of the disposition of sheltered animals as needed in collaboration with medical support staff, within established shelter animal and companion animal health protocols.
• Works cooperatively with the VP of Medical Services and associate veterinarians in the development and implementation of goals, policies and procedures related to the practices of the veterinary clinics and shelters.
• Establishes and maintains medical record and drug use logs to standards of veterinary practices; ensures that records are in order and complete.
• Ensures that quality care is provided to clients, staff and volunteers throughout the veterinary clinic(s).
• Consults with clients and veterinarians regularly. Works cooperatively with staff and management throughout the organization.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of animal health protocols, surgical procedures and companion animal health issues.
• Builds effective relationships through positive interaction and communication with the community, volunteers and staff.

Spay/Neuter Clinic(s) up to 25% of duties

• Performs surgical procedures daily including, but not limited to, ovariohysterectomy, and orchiectomy/castration.
• Ensures that appropriate medication is administered by veterinary staff within clinical and statutory requirements, and supervises the use and security of controlled drugs.
• Implements and maintains medical record and drug use logs to established standards of veterinary and sheltering practices, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and compliant at all times.

Shelter Care up to 10% of duties

•  Regularly performs veterinary health care functions, including examination and treatment of sheltered animals, and aids in the evaluation of the disposition of sheltered animals as needed, in collaboration with medical support staff within established shelter animal and companion animal health protocols
• Maintains medical records for sheltered animals during rounds and collaborates with the shelter medical support team
• Work collaboratively with the behavior and training team and other shelter leaders to ensure highest level of behavioral health of shelter animals
• Maintain medical records for sheltered animals during rounds and collaborate with the shelter medical support team

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a valid California Veterinary License
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain a DEA license within 60 days of hire

• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and insurable driving record for occasional patient transport in East Bay SPCA’s vehicles
• A minimum of two years-experience in a full-time clinical setting
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff both verbally and in writing
• Computer literate in a Windows environment; proficient in Microsoft Office Applications 
• Ability to work independently and to work collegially with other managers and technicians in order to accomplish daily tasks, as well as meet strategic goals
• Demonstrated track record of managing priorities with positive results
• Desire to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of standing, stretching and bending.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds independently due to lifting animals for examinations and surgeries
• Ability to perform repeated hand movements in surgery without accommodation

Work Conditions

• Work may be performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions. Noise exposure varies, and there may be contact with animal waste and smells
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur 

About East Bay SPCA

The East Bay SPCA has been committed to the welfare of cats and dogs in the communities we serve since 1874. We strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. The East Bay SPCA’s veterinary services clinics are a cut above the rest. In 2015, we achieved accreditation from the American Veterinary Hospital Association (AAHA), placing us in the top 12% of veterinary clinics nationwide. The East Bay SPCA has long realized that the solution to the plight of homeless pets is not only more adoption homes, but access to spay and neuter surgery. The East Bay SPCA was one of the first animal welfare organizations in our community to direct that no animal would leave our facility unaltered. Since 1998, we have performed more than 150,000 surgeries! Our veterinarians and veterinary staff have seen it all: working with shelter animals as well as a healthy practice of privately owned animals.

Connections working at East Bay SPCA