GovHRUSA
Alachua County, FL (pop. 282,000) is seeking a licensed veterinarian to provide medical care and supervise the Veterinary Care division in the Department of Animal Resources. Division services are performed under the direction of the Department Director and reviewed through reports, conferences and observation of results achieved.
Veterinary Care services include a variety of clinical and laboratory activities and high volume spay/neuter services. Gross intakes to Animal Resources in 2024 was 2868; intakes for three quarters in 2025 is 2681. The Veterinarian exercises medical judgment and provides skilled care. Subordinate staff provide assistance in medical evaluations, treatments and care as determined by the Veterinarian. The new Veterinarian will have the opportunity to participate in the development of a new state-of-the-art animal shelter.
The Veterinarian position is full-time salaried. A network of Relief Vets provides supplemental services to accommodate the Veterinarian’s schedule and meet exceptional demands. The County is open to a shared position structure with a schedule split between two qualified candidates.
Alachua County is located in north-central Florida. The county population is 263,450 and covers over 960 square miles. The region serves as a hub for employment and commercial activities. The County seat of Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, with one of the most highly regarded veterinary programs in the country. Beyond Gainesville, there are historic villages, agricultural areas and abundant natural areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy rivers, lakes, and natural springs, trails for hiking and biking, and recreation facilities for all ages.
Essential Functions
- Provide professional services for animal care as a direct provider and as supervisor of the Medical Care division
- Participate as a member of the department management team and attend team meetings
- Provide medical and surgical care, treatment and sterilizations to sheltered animals; provide medical examinations and sterilizations to animals being transferred to other animal welfare organizations or rescue groups
- Provide sterilizations for pets of citizens participating in the low income and low cost spay/neuter programs
- Perform forensic exams and necropsies as warranted
- Provide qualified testimony and documentation in court cases of neglect and cruelty
- Plan, organize and direct with work of Division staff; determine work procedures and schedules, assign duties, review and evaluate work products and outcomes.
- Aid in the development and implementation of cleaning, vaccination, intake and quarantine protocols
- Supervise and develop staff, set expectations, evaluate performance, take appropriate action as warranted; provide for training and employee development.
- Determine need for employee corrective action or disciplinary action and initiate as appropriate.
- Train staff in prevention of canine, feline and zoonotic diseases
- Participate in interviews and hiring decisions for shelter medical staff
- Communicate directly with applicable staff with regard to care of all shelter animals
- Develop and maintain partnerships with the Humane Society, Veterinary Community Outreach Program, Operation Catnip and other local humane agencies
- Participate in the continuing education of senior students at the College of Veterinary Medicine in the cooperative externship program with the University of Florida
- Remain current on latest procedures and developments in shelter medical care
- Maintain medical inventory, compliance with DEA requirements related to controlled substances; provide medical expertise regarding selection of medical supplies
- Evaluate medical services provided and make recommendations to the department director concerning animal care, regulations, policies and procedures, and activities; prepare periodic evaluative reports on medical services
- Demonstrate and establish division standards to provide professional care with kindness and sensitivity for animals and respect for owners
- Promote intra and inter departmental cooperation, and cooperative relations with external partners; foster positive public relations
- Develop protocols for animal services under emergency conditions. Serve as an essential emergency worker during County emergencies.
- Participate in preparation of division budget and manage resources to meet goals
- May deliver presentations regarding division services
- Ensure division and staff certifications are achieved and maintained
- Performs related duties as required
Education and Experience
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida, or
- Currently licensed in good standing in another U.S. state with the ability to obtain Florida licensure within 30 days of a conditional offer of employment. Non-Florida license holders will be contingent upon successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) developed by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
Preferred Qualifications
Shelter medical experience, one or more years of experience as a licensed veterinarian, two years supervisory experience
Compensation
Salary $160,000 annually. Comprehensive benefit package including Florida Retirement System or the optional FRS Investment Plan; elective deferred compensation and ROTH IRA plans are available; health insurance, life insurance, wellness center and services; generous leave allowances. Relocation expenses up to $2000
Compensation for a split position would be negotiable.
Apply online with resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references and veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (*) by January 30, 2026. Address to Jim Dinneen, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter. Questions may be directed to Jim Dinneen at (386) 846-2612
*Veterans Preference awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07.
The State of Florida has strong public records laws. Candidates should be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Posted: 2025-12-31
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.