Shelter Veterinarian
Manatee County, FL - Bradenton, FL
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Salary: $112,595.59 - $185,782.73 Annually Location : Bradenton, FL Job Type: Exempt - Doctor Job Number: 26-00133 Department: Community & Veterans Services Division: Animal Control Shelter Ops Opening Date: 02/25/2026 Closing Date: 3/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern General Information Work Location: Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34209 Work Hours: 40 hours per week. Shifting schedule depending on the shelter season Expected Starting Salary Range: $112,595.59 - $149,189.16 Responsible for the Animal Welfare Division's veterinary medical work and work at the Manatee County Community Resource Center. Performs clinical, laboratory and surgical veterinary services for sheltered animals. Performs basic medical care for clients at the Community Resource Center. Exercises independent medical judgment when examining, caring for and treating impounded animals in accordance with County policies and procedures and in compliance with applicable State laws. Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law. Working Conditions Indoor/outdoor environment. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting objects and animals up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Note: Manatee County Animal Welfare is part of the "No-Kill" resolution which means MCAW has a 90% or higher save rate monthly. Job Description Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from position. Conducts daily rounds on sheltered animals to monitor for infectious disease and abnormalities. Examines, inoculates and spays or neuters adoptable animals, including juvenile animals as young as eight (8) weeks of age. Completes and certifies documents regarding the health status for impounded and adopted animals. Performs routine and emergency medical treatment and/or surgeries for sick and injured domestic animals detained within the custodial and legal possession of Animal Services. Participates in basic wellness exams, routine vaccines, and other services as developed at the Community Resource Center. Participates in high volume TNR events at Bishop. Participates with the euthanasia of impounded animals. Assists the Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Operations with veterinary related community services and outreach. Performs and interprets laboratory tests for parasitic conditions, diseases and injuries. Monitors health and behavior of animals impounded for rabies quarantines. Create, implement and measure compliance with procedures and protocols to ensure continued health. Participates with the euthanasia of impounded animals. Perform High Volume/High Quality Spay/Neuter surgeries Perform other types of surgery including but not limited to soft tissue surgery, enucleation, amputations, possible exploratory surgery. Assists with oversight of medical staff when the Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Operations is off site. General directing and task management of technician and assistant staffing. May assist with training and education of medical staff. Competency and ability to read finding with diagnostic equipment including but not limited to x-ray, ultrasound, and bloodwork. Establishes and maintains inventory records for medicine and surgical supplies in accordance with State and Federal laws. Maintains controlled substance logs in accordance with State and Federal guidelines to include purchases, inventory, daily use and disposal. Advises Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Operations of unusual or difficult problems/complaints regarding animal health issues. Assist with County emergencies and disaster response. Assists Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Operators as liaison with area private practicing veterinarians and various animal humane and rescue organizations concerning Divisional services. Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited college or university and a Florida state license to practice veterinary medicine. Experience in spay/neuter surgery required. APHIS certification in Category 1 animals or willingness to become certified to facilitate writing of health certificates. More Experience in shelter veterinary medicine desired. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of veterinary medicine and the treatment and care of animals. Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations. Knowledge of practices, policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter environment. Ability to direct and supervise the work of others. Ability to identify common animal diseases, disorders or injuries, assess the temperament of animals, and handle diseased animals in a safe manner. Ability to think and react calmly and responsibly to emergency situations. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to work with members of the public including but not limited to clients of the Resource Center, fosters, adopters, and other shelter stakeholders. Veterans Preference In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. EEO/ADA Statement Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865. Drug-Free Workplace Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. Emergency Response/Recovery Activities All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Full Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members. Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year) On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access Personal Training (5 Free per year) Pharmacy Technician Group Fitness Classes Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management Diabetes Care Program Registered Dietician (5 Free per year) Massages with licensed therapist (small copay) Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation Training/Seminars Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays Personal Sick Leave Family Sick Leave Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours) Professional Medical Appointment Leave Bereavement Leave Military Leave Military Training Leave FMLA Vacation Award: Applies to employees regulary sceduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave. Insurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Prescription Insurance Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost) Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance Retirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner Career Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs Instructor-Led and eLearning Training Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Career Counseling Toastmasters Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance) Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards Education Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement. Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings. Permanent Part Time - BenefitsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP): • ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. • LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Miscellaneous Benefits: • Workers' Compensation • Training/Seminars • Fitness Center Access for employee only • FRS options • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders • Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions • Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: • 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. • Three (3) Personal Holidays • Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs. per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis 01 VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application. Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience. Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable. Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons. I acknowledge the above statement 02 If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible) An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility) Not claiming Veteran's Preference 03 Do you possess a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited college or university or will have a DVM within the next four (4) months, and carry a Florida state license to practice veterinary medicine? Yes, I have a DVM and a Florida license to practice No, I do not have a DVM, but WILL have one prior to date of employment No, I do not have a DVM, NOR will I have one prior to date of employment 04 How many years of experience with high volume-high quality spay/neuter surgery in cats and dogs do you have? None 1-2 years 3-4 years 5+ years 05 Do you have APHIS certification in Category 1 animals, or have a willingness to become certified? I HAVE an APHIS Certification in Category 1 animals. I DO NOT have an APHIS Certification in Category 1 animals, but I am WILLING to obtain one. I DO NOT have an APHIS Certification in Category 1 animals, NOR can I obtain one. 06 Do you have experience managing emergency medical cases in dogs and cats? Yes No 07 What is your comfort level with emergency medical situations in animals? No experience Low comfort level Average comfort level High comfort level 08 What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position? Required Question
Created: 2026-03-10