Summary/Objective

The State Wildlife Veterinarian plans, directs, coordinates, and implements statewide programs for the prevention, detection, control, and management of emerging and known diseases occurring in wildlife and aquatic populations.

Essential Job Duties

• Directs the Department’s development of strategies for prevention, detection, control, and eradication of wildlife diseases.
• Serve as the lead practical veterinarian and One Health Lab Manager.
• Consults and coordinates with the Department’s Aquatic Animal Health Specialist to assess and address disease issues in fish and wildlife populations. 
• Monitor wildlife disease patterns and prioritize areas requiring epidemiological investigation.
• Analyzes data using principles of epidemiology and biostatistics to assess effectiveness of wildlife disease surveillance and management measure.
• Propose changes to the Wildlife Code, as needed.
• Act as a liaison with partner agencies and institutions to address concerns about the impact of wildlife diseases on public and domestic animal health.
• Perform necropsies and standard laboratory examinations of wildlife.
• Procures regulated pharmaceuticals for wildlife anesthesia, immobilization and euthanasia
• Distribute and monitor the use of all drugs used in the tranquillization of wild animals.
• Develops and implements agency policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the safe, humane, and legal capture of wildlife. 
• Develops and conducts training required to ensure agency staff can safely and effectively capture dangerous wildlife. 

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology, Fish and Wildlife management, or related.
• Completed residency in wildlife, conservation, or zoological veterinary medicine or 1 year of experience for a state or federal natural resource management agency.
• USDA accreditation.
• Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs certification or eligibility.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with Department personnel, staff of related state and federal agencies and the public.
• Ability to use diagnostic equipment and tools associated with fish pathology and epidemiology.
• Knowledge and ability to conduct surgeries and necropsies.
• Knowledge and ability to collect, process, and submit appropriate specimens.
• Knowledge to interpret findings from wildlife morbidity and mortality investigations.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight on occasion.
• Ability to work varying hours and shifts.

Work Environment

• Regularly work in a standard office environment.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
• Occasionally perform in outdoor weather where hot, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions are possible.

Physical Abilities

• Maintain a stationary position for approximately 70% of the duration of work tasks.
• Ability to move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Ability to frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly life up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.