TAHC - Field Veterinarian, Tuberculosis

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General Description:
Under the direction and supervision of the Region Director, the Tuberculosis (TB) Field Veterinarian is responsible for highly advanced veterinary work administering all animal health programs in the counties assigned, specific to TB related work. Oversees veterinary activities and disease control functions. Coordinates and works with Livestock Inspectors in disease program activities to include performing TB diagnostic testing for the region. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties:
• Coordinates, administers, and provides input regarding Livestock Inspectors engaged in conducting TB testing and supplemental testing, performs necropsies, and performs other animal health program activities as assigned by the Region Director.
• Designs herd plans that are specific and in accordance with policy.
• Contacts herd owners within prescribed timeframes and serves as liaison with owner/manager to ensure timely and appropriate communication.
• Determines the extent of index herd and/or adjacent herd testing that is indicated. 
• Assigns appropriate herd follow-up tasks to supporting Inspectors.
• Completes herd management documents and works with owners to gain agreement on plans.
• Continuously re-evaluates affected herds to assure that proper disease management practices are employed.
• Provides procedural assistance and training to Livestock Inspectors for collecting and submitting test samples for all program diseases and pests.
• Performs emergency management response and other emergency management-related activities on behalf of the agency.
• Completes epidemiological investigations within prescribed timeframes working closely with assigned Regional Epidemiologist.
• Checks information for accuracy and completeness, including epi reports, test charts, lab reports, etc. Interprets test results.
• Performs Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) response activities. 
• Delivers group presentations on the agency’s animal health programs and maintains a positive presence in the local animal agriculture community.
• Acts as the public liaison with industry groups.
• Submits routine reports in compliance with policy; completes special reports as directed.
• Performs special project assignments.
• May supervise field personnel and their work as mission dictates.
• Performs related work as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications:
• License to practice veterinary medicine in Texas (or ability to qualify for license within 1-3 months)
• USDA Veterinary Accreditation, Level II in Texas (or ability to qualify for accreditation within 1-3 months.)
• Must become certified as a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) within the first year of employment (provided the required class is available within that year.)
• Preferred: Large animal and wildlife experience.

Other: Ability to be “on call;” travel extensively within Texas and occasionally outside Texas; and, to work occasional overtime and non-standard work hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of veterinary medicine principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures related to the agency’s regulatory activities. Knowledge of livestock industries in Texas. Skill in the use of a computer. Skill in effective oral and written communication skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills helpful. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other veterinarians, livestock owners, and others in promoting disease control programs. Ability to plan, implement and direct all aspects of animal health programs. Ability to work in all types of environmental conditions. Ability to travel and adjust work hours and schedule to meet workload priorities. Ability to promote animal disease control programs, to advise on disease control methods and procedures, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others. Ability to plan program activities and to coordinate and oversee the work of Inspectors and provided leadership.

Physical Requirements: Must have arm, hand, shoulder and back strength and dexterity to be able to handle and inspect livestock and exotic livestock, harvested deer including all species of deer, elk, and exotic antelope. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Other Requirements: Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Note: Must have reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.

At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position plays a key role in the agency’s emergency management activities. As a first responder, this position is subject to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments away from the regular designated headquarters for up to two weeks at a time. This duty may involve working in adverse conditions; may require irregular working hours and overtime; and, may include duties other than those specified in the standard position description.

How to Apply: To submit your application for employment, select Apply Online. Create and/or Login to your on- line applicant profile and electronically submit your State of Texas Application for Employment. All applications must contain complete job history (job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed). If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields related to the minimum requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions 

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Texas Animal Health Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in employment or in the provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to our Human Resources Department (512) 719-0700. For a telecommunications relay service for the hearing impaired, please dial 711.