Overview
At the forefront of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, the Forensic Sciences department advances the ASPCA’s mission by transforming veterinary expertise and forensic science into meaningful justice for animals. Through direct casework, research, training, and outreach, the team not only supports the investigation and prosecution of cruelty cases, but also helps shape the future of veterinary forensic medicine and animal welfare.
The Forensic Sciences department is comprised of two teams based in New York City (NYC), which primarily supports New York City Police Department (NYPD) and District Attorney’s Offices with criminal cases, and Gainesville Florida, which primarily supports the ASPCA’s national criminal case response. Together, these teams advance the field of veterinary forensic science and the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to a broader audience of practicing veterinarians.
Who We Are
The NYC ASPCA Forensic Sciences team applies veterinary and forensic expertise to animal cruelty cases, supporting law enforcement, prosecutors, the veterinary community, and animal victims. Since 2014, in partnership with the NYPD, the NYC ASPCA Forensic Sciences team has provided forensic evaluations and expert consultation for suspected animal cruelty cases that are investigated by the NYPD. The team also contributes to research, training, the continued advancement of veterinary forensic science, and the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to veterinary students and a broader audience of practicing veterinarians.
What You’ll Do
Under the guidance of the Vice President of Forensic Sciences and the Senior Director of Forensic Sciences and alongside three additional forensic veterinarians, the Temporary Forensic Veterinarian provides forensic support on animal cruelty cases to the NYPD, the NYC District Attorney’s Offices, other law enforcement agencies, and the veterinary community (internal and external). While there are no direct animal care responsibilities, the Forensic Veterinarian will work closely with animal care teams to monitor the medical progress of case animals and the collection of necessary case evidence.
This position has no direct reports.
Where and When You’ll Work
- This position is an on-site role and reports to the ASPCA location at 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY
- This Temporary, Relief DVM will provide regular coverage of approximately 3 days weekly, likely including 1 weekend day, from September through February
- Desired days are Sunday-Tuesday (may be flexible)
- Hours are 10am-6pm ET
Temporary Role Details:
- This is a temporary, contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.
- The target rate for this temporary role is $135 per hour on weekdays and $150 per hour on weekends/holidays. This may be modified in the future.
Responsibilities
- Provide forensic veterinary case support for New York City animal cruelty and fighting investigations and prosecutions, including clinical forensic exams, necropsies, veterinary statements, medical record and/or video reviews, , and expert witness testimony grand jury proceedings, hearings, and trials.
- Collaborate with ASPCA departments and external partners to support case management and case flow.
- Assist internal and local veterinarians in the recognition and reporting of suspect animal cruelty cases.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear and concise documentation.
- Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Interest in or experience with animal cruelty cases, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and hoarding.
- Experience working with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or legal teams is a plus.
Language
Education and Work Experience
- DVM or VMD (required)
- 3 +years practice in veterinary medicine required
- Experience in animal cruelty investigations is a plus, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting and animal hoarding
Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community:
If you are interested in joining our team but don't feel this position fits your experience or interests, please check out our other open opportunities or consider joining our Talent Community.
About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.
The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.
The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.
At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Applicant Notices: Applicants have rights under federal employment laws: Equal Employment Opportunity; Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA); Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Uniformed Services Employment Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Candidates residing in CA, CO, Flagstaff (AZ), IL, IN, Los Angeles (CA), Los Angeles County (CA), MA, ME, NJ, NM, NYC, OR, Philadelphia (PA), RI, San Francisco (CA), and WI should click here for additional information about general applicant notices.
