Veterinarian 2/Veterinary Medical Officer at Technical College System of Georgia in Atlanta

Job description

• Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!
• We are the force that drives Georgia!
• Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
• Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!
• Veterinarian 2/Veterinary Medical Officer
• Department of Agriculture
• Shift:
• Not Applicable (United States of America)
• $95,000.00
• The Georgia Department of Agriculture is seeking highly motivated and service-oriented veterinarians to join the Animal Health Division as Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO). The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of veterinary medicine, emergency response, public health, and livestock production.
• Veterinary Medical Officers play a critical role in protecting Georgia’s animal agriculture industries through disease surveillance, regulatory medicine, emergency preparedness, and producer outreach.
• The selected candidates will receive specialized training in foreign animal disease investigations, emergency response operations, regulatory veterinary medicine, and animal disease traceability programs.
• This position is ideal for veterinarians who enjoy independent field work, problem solving, collaboration with producers and practitioners, and protecting animal health on a statewide level.
• Veterinary Medical Officers routinely work with livestock producers, accredited veterinarians, state and federal agencies, diagnostic laboratories, and industry stakeholders to support Georgia’s agricultural economy and animal health infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• · Conduct investigations involving potential reportable and foreign animal diseases.
• · Perform field-based disease surveillance and emergency response activities.
• · Obtain, process, and submit diagnostic samples from livestock and other species such as cattle, swine, small ruminants, equine, poultry, etc.
• · Implement regulatory actions including quarantines and movement controls when necessary.
• · Assist in developing disease control, containment, and eradication plans.
• · Case management, including but not limited to initial investigation, documentation, coordinating samples and further investigation, as well as follow-up communication with producers and agency representatives.
• · Participate in real-world Agriculture Emergency Responses, as well as emergency preparedness exercises.
• · Provide expert guidance on veterinary public and animal health issues, including zoonotic diseases, biosecurity measures, and prevention/control strategies.
• · Collaborate with state and federal agencies, veterinary professionals, and stakeholders to enhance animal health and welfare.
• · Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to disease control and food animal production.
• · Conduct veterinary accreditation orientations for licensed Georgia veterinarians.
• · Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports, policy recommendations, and supporting documentation to agency officials and public stakeholders.
• · Supervise and support field personnel, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.
• · Support the statewide Animal Disease Traceability program +/- serve as Georgia’s Designated Scrapie Epidemiologist.
• · Evaluate state and federal programs, making recommendations for improvements as needed. Assist in developing and implementing statewide animal health policies and programs.
• · Deliver educational presentations and outreach programs to veterinarians, producers, and agriculture stakeholders.
• · Maintain active involvement in veterinary medical associations and relevant animal health groups as interested or assigned.
• · Other duties as assigned to support the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our mission.

Requirements

• · Strong verbal and written communication skills
• · Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• · Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems and databases
• · Ability to perform physical field activities including prolonged driving, walking over uneven terrain, restraining animals, and working in agricultural environments
• · Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• · Ability to handle and work with livestock and animal species
• · Must be capable of lifting and transporting equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• · Willingness to travel throughout assigned territories and statewide as needed
• Doctorate in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by or eligible for licensure by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine; AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Medical Association AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent; AND USDA Category II accreditation; AND a valid driver’s license.
• Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent or certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) from the American Veterinary Medical Association and licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent.
• Preferred candidates may possess experience in regulatory medicine, food animal or mixed animal practice, public health, epidemiology, and/or emergency response operations.

Skills

Required

• Problem solving
• Collaboration
• Microsoft Office applications
• Agency software systems and databases

Benefits

• · Competitive salary
• · Retirement plan with employer contributions
• · Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and holidays)
• · Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
• · Support for work-life balance and flexible working conditions
• · Home office-based
• · Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• · Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; other loan repayment programs may apply