Animal Rescue Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $95,177.68 - $152,283.82 Annually
Location : 4225 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02305
Department: Emergency Services
Division: Animal Services
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
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*THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE*
The Animal Services Veterinarian plans, organizes and oversees the activities of the veterinarian services within the Animal Services Division. This is responsible professional work supervising and providing medical care and treatment to sheltered animals in the Veterinary Services unit of the Animal Services Division. This position is responsible for providing veterinary services including administering injections and medication, post-operative observations, administrating medical treatments and monitoring the health and care of impounded animals in a shelter facility, medical testing and test results interpretation, inventory control and security of drugs, laboratory work, to include a broad variety of clinical and laboratory activities and related clerical duties. Supervision is exercised over clinic staff assisting in routine details. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observations of results obtained.
Essential Job Duties

• Supervises and coordinates the activities of veterinarian technicians including determining work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties, reviewing work, recommending personnel actions, conducting performance reviews, and conducting departmental training and orientation.
• Directs sanitation and feeding protocols determine whether animals are treated or euthanized as a last resort.
• Provides medical and surgical care, treatment and sterilizations to sheltered animals.
• Exercises medical judgment and skills in the independent performance of duties for the care and treatment of animals within the shelter.
• Applies knowledge of veterinary medical practices, administering medication, vaccines, anesthesia, and oral, intra-muscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections; safe and humane handling and restraining of all types of animals under varying and stressful conditions.
• Safely and humanely assists with, or euthanizes, sick and injured or unwanted animals of a variety of sizes and breeds, in accordance with regulations and standard veterinary procedures.
• Records, controls and maintains security of federally restricted drugs and barbiturates in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations including biohazardous waste disposal related to the treatment of animals.
• Works with veterinary technicians to establish routine health protocols, daily observations of shelter populations for injuries and illness and reporting of incidents to the Animal Services Manager.
• Available after hours to treat and/or direct the veterinarian technicians with injured animals brought in by Animal Control.
• Establishes and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.
• Provides qualified testimony and documentation in court concerning cases of neglect and cruelty, as enforced by Animal Services Officers in accordance with County ordinance and State Statutes.
• Performs medical evaluations, emergency treatment and surgery of animals.
• Establishes medical standards for the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary living conditions for all animals.
• Monitors shelter population for disease by receiving staff input and walking through the shelter.
• Provides medical insight and staff training concerning drugs and procedures used for euthanasia and tranquilizing animals in a humane manner.
• Provides veterinary medical assistance to investigations of mistreatment and neglect of animals.
• Provides direction in ordering various vaccines, drugs and medical supplies.
• Maintains and inventories all vaccines, drugs, and medical supplies.
• Cooperates with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) during audits.
• Utilizes and oversees the use, care and maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment
• Evaluates animal medical cases for euthanasia.
• Maintains accountability for controlled substances and logs for all Class III and above drugs.
• Determines appropriate action to prevent disease transmission among animals.
• Make presentations to organizations concerning veterinary care.
• Communicates and builds continuing relationships with private practice veterinarians, rescue groups, and civic organizations.
• Spays, neuters, and inoculates animals in accordance with Indian River County Ordinance and state law.
• Develops training and accompanying manuals in appropriate animal medical care.
• Maintain knowledge of current animal laws and will be required to appear in court to testify in animal cruelty cases.
• Administers routine vaccinations and oral medications.
• Prepares and maintains clear, concise medical records.
• Ensures all medical data is accurately entered into the Chameleon database.
• Communicates with various drug company representatives to ensure the most current and effective drugs are being utilized in treating the animal population.
• Provides care and treatment for all impounded animals.
• Organizes, oversees and prepares animals for transport to private veterinary clinics for surgery, as needed.
• Implants microchips in animals.
• Attend seminars to maintain a comprehensive current knowledge of veterinary medicine and to complete required continuing education hours.

Typical Requirements
Education/Experience:

• Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school of veterinarian medicine, supplemented by one year of experience in private practice or practicing shelter veterinary medicine, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience performing necropsies and related analysis preferred

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Possession of a Florida State Veterinary License
• Valid Florida driver's license
• Florida State Certification in Euthanasia

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn County ordinances, law enforcement, and health regulations pertaining to animals and related legal procedures.
Knowledge of practices, policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter/kennel environment.
Skill to effectively use all animal capture equipment issued, including but not limited to: Ketch-All pole, Snappy Snare, and live animal traps.
Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Expertise in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to capture and control vicious and dangerous animals.
Ability to handle and restrain large and small animals.
Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of subordinate employees.
Ability to prepare related budget and statistical reports.
Ability to deal effectively with the public especially during emotional and stressful situations.
Ability to handle diseased animals in a safe manner.
Ability to identify common animal diseases or disorders.
Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to safely and humanely pick up and handle animals, alive and deceased, up to and over 100 lbs, with assistance when needed.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Supplemental Information
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are essential in providing services to our community and continuing services following a disaster or emergency. To maintain services during and/or following a disaster or emergency, and as a requirement of County employment, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. ________initial.
JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ATTESTATION
I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.
If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.
I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this
form.
Employees Signature Date
Employees Name (Please Print) Employee Number
This is a salaried position exempt from overtime pay. Exempt employees are provided four administrative leave days per calendar year in addition to vacation leave, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and a personal day. Please review our benefits handbook at