Veterinarian / Animal Services Manager [Annenberg Foundation, Playa Vista, CA]

Description

The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace™ is an independent charitable initiative of the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation which strives to be a welcoming and nationally-recognized model education and animal care center. Working closely with the General Manager, the Veterinarian/Animal Services Manger will be responsible for the animal care and related programming.

The mission of the PetSpace is to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond—as well as to foster the understanding and enjoyment of companion animals—in a fun, engaging and interactive setting.  The PetSpace is a new state of the art center scheduled to open in January 2017. Located in Playa Vista, it will include state of the art animal care facilities with a vibrant, welcoming community center and will offer the following:

• Animal Adoptions – Pet adoptions in residence-like suites.
• Learning Programs and Events – Classes, lectures and activities for people and pets    
• Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership Institute – The leadership institute will bring together civic leaders and prominent experts to promote and foster anational dialogue on human-animal stewardship.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position.  Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. 

The Vet/Animal Services Manager must possess high standards of professional conduct and have experience in exercising leadership as part of a motivated and collegial team.  This position must have knowledge of best practices in caring for domestic animals and be able to guide the work of others with an integrated management approach.  This position will be responsible for overseeing and participating in animal care and in helping create and implement related programming for a unique center dedicated to animal welfare and strengthening the human/animal relationship.

Reporting to the General Manager of the center, the Veterinarian/Animal Serviced Manager will be responsible for the following:

• Develop, implement and maintain a program of excellent and innovative veterinary care consistent with regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Develop relationships with area veterinarians and other service providers to create a “vet network” to support the work of the Center.
• Develop relationships/partnerships with appropriate national animal welfare and education organizations to support the work of the Center.

Assure (and be directly involved in) appropriate animal behavior and husbandry practices including but not limited to appropriate prevention, diagnosis and management of disease; daily observation of animals for signs of morbidity, disease or adverse events; documentation of clinical observations pertaining to animal health;

• maintenance of appropriate animal medical records; prompt notification and resolution of conditions indicative of risk, pain or distress; and development and implementation of best practice adoption procedures.
• Act as a key contact for all oversight/regulatory bodies specifically concerned with animal care and licensure.
• Represent the center on regional, national or other meetings, advisory panels, committees, oversight bodies and professional organizations.
• Assist in recruiting and training additional animal care staff.
• Ensure that staff (including interns, visiting veterinarians, veterinary services, scientific lecturers and volunteers) is trained and managed efficiently and effectively. Provide direction, set goals, establish priorities and delegate work.  Oversee and monitor progress against goals and provide performance feedback, coaching, and training.
• With members of the Center and Foundation management, including Foundation Directors, assist in developing strategic plans for the center and helping to develop processes for program growth and development.
• Support the public program department in developing a leading education program for local, regional and national audiences

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   Supervisory responsibility for approximately 14 Full Time Employees (FTE’s) including:  Registered Vet Tech, Animal Adoption Manager, Animal Adoption Specialist, related Animal Care Specialists, In-take Animal Specialist, and a team of Volunteers. Responsibilities will include managing relationships with vets, partner organizations, regulatory agencies, etc. Will oversee and coordinate all aspects of animal care and the personnel associated with veterinary care, behavior, and adoption.

PRIMARY INTERACTIONS:

• Primary contact with General Manager and other direct reports;internal staff, vendors, consultants, contractors, colleagues, veterinarians and the public on a local and potentially national level.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Practical veterinary experience with domestic animals in adoption center or related center
• Surgical skills
• Demonstrated experience in managing people and leading teams
• Strong oral/written communication and presentation skills
• Skill in using office software packages (e.g.,Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Critical thinking ability and sound judgment
• Ability to work effectively and persuasively with the public
• Ability to teach classes for the public and to participate in classes for colleagues
• Veterinary degree from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine and an active license to practice Veterinary Medicine in the      State of California
• Deep understanding of shelter and behavioral medicine

Education and Experience:

• DVM/VMD degree or equivalent in Veterinary Medicine, licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine in the State of California
• 5-7 Years related clinical and management experience
• Adoption center and/or animal behavior/training and/or shelter experience a plus

• Local/national travel may be required
• Eligible for DEA permit

Working Conditions:

• Works primarily in the veterinary area of a center dedicated to public education and animal welfare.