Veterinarian

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, the Veterinarian ensures the delivery of humane, effective, and essential health care for the animal population at the municipal shelter and the City of London Companion Animal Hospital, and contributes to the development of policies, procedures and protocols in support of strategic plans. Responsible for the operation of the Animal Hospital; provides direction to Registered Veterinary Technicians, and supervises the Animal Welfare Coordinator.    

Work Performed:

• Examines animals in the City's custody, including wildlife, provides appropriate diagnoses of diseases and injuries, and provides appropriate medical treatment; monitors treatments and makes recommendations regarding animal's final disposition. Where appropriate, directs or supervises staff to provide medical treatment, vaccinations, perform euthanasia or other actions.

Municipal Shelter Location

• Supervises the day to day operation of all assigned Technicians and staff including assigning and reviewing of work.
• Undertakes daily care rounds with the Shelter Manager, Animal Care Technicians, and Veterinary Technician, providing advice, guidance, and instructions related to animal care.
• Ensures ongoing medical care and assessments of animals, including collecting blood and urine samples for analysis, diagnosis and treatment; provides medical services to all shelter animals, including physical examinations,  vaccinations, and parasite control.  Addresses disease spread, preventative measures and dietary requirements.

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• Coordinates movement of animals through the shelter, transfers to other organizations, confirms adoption ready animals; coordinates surgery for shelter animals.
• Makes recommendations and assists the Shelter Manager in effective planning, implementation and delivery of related animal services in accordance with provincial legislation and City and divisional policy directions.

Companion Animal Hospital Location

• Holds the Directorship status with the College of Veterinarians Association of Ontario (CVO) to ensure that the City’s Companion Animal Hospital retains the accreditation required by the CVO to operate as a Companion Animal Hospital. 

• Supervises the day to day work of all assigned Technicians and staff including assigning and reviewing work.  Monitors, evaluates and addresses performance of staff and Veterinarian Technicians.

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• Supervises, coaches, and trains assigned City of London staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, and continuous learning; addresses performance and conduct issues as required. 

• Promotes a collaborative, learning and team-based culture through role modelling and encouraging others; supports continuous learning and encourages innovation; promotes the ability and willingness to be flexible and adaptable to respond to diverse challenges and demands.
• Ensures cleanliness of the facility and adherence to all regulations and requirements of the CVO, including the Veterinarian’s Act, Regulations and By-laws, the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario, and all policy documents, Professional Practice Standards and College Council Publications.

• Performs preoperative examinations and assesses the suitability and medical needs of animals presenting at the hospital.

• Provides pre- and post-operative examination and care to including providing anesthesia, pain control, monitoring vital signs, and administering any special needs care.

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• Performs surgical procedures on animals with focus on high volume spay and neuter surgeries, and addresses any surgical complications that may arise. Performs number of sterilization surgeries in accordance with the established protocol and strategic plan.
• Administers humane euthanasia when necessary.
• Oversees proper discharge of animals including the provision of discharge instructions.
• Conducts routine procedures, such as administering rabies vaccination, and micro-chipping; performs diagnostic tests.
• Develops and implements animal services programs and strategies to address Divisional and Council priorities, including risk-based approaches; establishes mechanisms to ensure the high quality delivery of Shelter Medicine, disease management, quarantined animals, Sterilization Clinic Operations.
• Collaborates horizontally with Animal Services Managers to ensure the appropriate medical treatment of animals and that Shelter management supports a healthy environment for animals.

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• Manages the maintenance and repair of the equipment, housekeeping requirements and projected costs in accordance with provincial regulations, program policy and established best practices.  Ensures that equipment is maintained to a high standard of operational readiness.

• Oversees the maintenance and preparation of surgical packs, the preparation of biomedical waste for disposal, monitors inventory and places orders for surgical/medical provisions, and veterinary diet supplies.
• Oversees the maintenance of controlled drug and supply inventory while meeting and maintaining all CVO regulations.
• Ensures all documents, records, medical logs, and other required documentations are kept in accordance with existing legislation, policies, procedures and City requirements.
• Compiles, collates, and evaluates statistical data relating to the health of animals, clinic performance, and other areas identified for program tracking and quality assurance.
• Develops, reviews, amends, and in concurrence with the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer implements policies and procedures as required.

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• Participates in the development and implementation of operational plans.
• In concurrence with the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer liaises with community members, groups, and agencies to address animal welfare needs, and the delivery of City approved programs.
• Assists in the review of, and develops related reports on issues as directed.
• Ensures that all operations within the hospital, are carried out in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation, policies and procedures, and all other legislations, policies and procedures relevant to the animal care work.
• Arranges coverage of a Locum Veterinarian when planned absences of more than two (2) consecutive work days are made. 
• Performs other related duties consistent with the duties outlined above.

Qualifications:

• Currently licensed and a member in good standing with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario, License type General (without conditions or limitations) and professional activity of small animals.  Ability to maintain without interruption member in good standing status with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
• Completion of a Degree or Diploma in Shelter Medicine.
• Five years of extensive experience as an Ontario Licensed Veterinarian working within a veterinary practice, animal control or humane society with focus primarily on cats and dogs, and with high surgical volume.
• Valid G class Ontario driver’s license.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to create and promote a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for co-workers, staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, decision making and problem solving.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, and to maintain composure in emergency situations, in accordance with the parameters specified by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.

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• Demonstrated successful experience supervising staff; knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze data, and prepare concise reports.
• Proficiency using relevant software such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, and animal related software platforms with appropriate training.
• Knowledge of public health issues surrounding animals, the Dog Owner's Liability Act and the Animals for Research Act.

Compensation & Other Information:

$99,156 - $129,818

This posting is for one (1) permanent, full-time position.

Standard Hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30a to 4:30p.

Work Arrangement: In office

These hours of work are subject to change in accordance to business requirements.    

Police Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.