Position Overview
A municipal government animal services facility is seeking a compassionate and experienced Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care while supporting animal welfare, public health, and community safety.
This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to move beyond traditional private practice and build a stable, purpose-driven career in public service. The position offers a competitive government benefits package, an adjusted workweek, generous paid leave, and participation in the CalPERS retirement system.
Key Responsibilities
- Examine animals, diagnose illnesses and injuries, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Provide routine, preventive, emergency, and critical veterinary care.
- Perform spay and neuter procedures and other general surgeries.
- Administer vaccinations, medications, anesthesia, and humane euthanasia when medically or behaviorally necessary.
- Monitor and manage infectious diseases within the facility.
- Develop and maintain protocols related to animal health, disease prevention, sanitation, and population management.
- Evaluate animals involved in cruelty, neglect, bite, quarantine, or legal cases.
- Prepare accurate medical documentation and reports in accordance with government and regulatory requirements.
- Provide professional recommendations regarding animal welfare, shelter operations, and public health.
- Collaborate with animal control officers, veterinary technicians, support staff, rescue organizations, and other government personnel.
- Train and guide staff on animal health, safe handling, disease prevention, and medical procedures.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with members of the public regarding animal health and welfare.
- Participate in emergency response or on-call coverage when required.
Required Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
- Must obtain a valid Drug Enforcement Administration license within 90 days of hire and maintain the license throughout employment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
- Knowledge of veterinary medicine, surgery, anesthesia, disease prevention, infection control, and animal welfare standards.
- Ability to safely and effectively work with animals of varying sizes, temperaments, medical conditions, and behavioral needs.
- Strong clinical judgment, communication, organization, and documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in shelter medicine, municipal animal services, high-volume veterinary care, or another public-sector environment.
- Experience performing high-volume spay and neuter procedures.
- Knowledge of population medicine, zoonotic diseases, rabies control, and California animal welfare regulations.
- Experience evaluating animals involved in cruelty, neglect, quarantine, or legal investigations.
- Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills are a plus.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time government position that requires participation in an adjusted workweek schedule. Depending on the department’s operational needs, the schedule may include a 9/80 arrangement with every other Friday off or four 10-hour workdays with Fridays off.
Some evening, weekend, holiday, emergency, or on-call coverage may be required.
Pay: $137,000.00 - $167,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently possess a valid DEA registration, or can you obtain one within 90 days of employment?
License/Certification:
- license to practice veterinary medicine (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Victorville, CA 92394 (Required)
Work Location: In person
