Chief Veterinarian

SPCA of Texas

Job Description

The Chief Veterinarian supports new and experienced veterinarians in reaching their potential at a job they are proud of, where animal well-being, teamwork and serving the community are important to our work at the SPCA of Texas. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will deliver key objectives: lead a happy, high-functioning team, ensure animals receive quality care with minimal fear and stress, and delver outstanding client experiences to maximize the SPCA of Texas’ impact in the community. As both a
contributor and a leader, you will work as a veterinarian as needed – seeing wellness appointments, treating shelter pets or performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) for shelter/rescue animals and beloved pets.

Summary of Essential Responsibilities:

People Leadership (35%)

Support a culture of respect, belonging and teamwork through regular 1:1s, recognition, supervision, developmental
coaching, performance evaluation and feedback
Oversee and monitor medicine and surgery provided by the SPCA of Texas, according to SPCA of Texas’ standard
operating procedures (SOP) and guidelines
Coach veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) techniques and other medical protocols.
Ensure that all team members have received training and mastered the skills to handle patients in a low stress
manner, and that they implement these handling techniques consistently in all their interactions with animals
Instill the guiding principle that everyone can – and should – actively support the animals’ behavioral and mental
health in everything they do
Teach and train veterinarians about their role in the SPCA of Texas’ commitment to improving access to care for all
animals
Coach veterinarians and others to communicate effectively with clients, including difficult end-of-life conversations
Be a consistent and visible presence to answer questions, make timely adjustments, offer support, receive/give
feedback, lend a hand, and foster understanding and commitment to SPCA of Texas’ mission
In coordination with the operations leadership team (Medical, Shelter and Lifesaving Operations Directors) and under
the guidance of the COO, deliver cohesive messaging and address root causes of problems and deliver corrective
action plans as needed
Partner with the SPCA of Texas’ People & Culture Team to recruit and hire staff and per diem veterinarians; onboard
and train new staff on SPCA of Texas’ medical processes and procedures
Mentor and train Residents, Fellows, Interns and Externs. Coach your staff to do the same
Provide medical related training to staff, volunteers, and other organizations, as needed
Medical (50%)

Provide compassionate, quality preventive and basic care to shelter and clinic patients, overseeing all aspects of
veterinary care during a clinic day including physical examination, diagnostics, treatment recommendations and
delivery, prescribing of medications and patient next steps or discharge information
Work side by side with staff veterinarians as a clinic doctor or HQHVSN surgeon treating animals; primarily dogs and
cats
Diagnose and treat post-surgical complications of outpatient animals
Triage and refer cases that do not fall within the SPCA of Texas’ parameters of care as appropriate
Fill in as needed to cover surgery or shelter veterinary shifts
Support internal SPCA of Texas’ programs, such as the Adoptions, Wellness Clinic, Cat Transport, with medical
consultations and support
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using lowstress
handling techniques
Evaluate veterinary standard operating procedures and guidelines; improving, revising, and deleting as needed,
keeping medical staff and other stakeholders advised of changes
Research new ideas for improving clinic operations and present to COO as needed
Respond to emergency calls from staff requiring authorization for treatment or transfer of animals to emergency
hospitals
Respond to inquiries or complaints within appropriate SPCA of Texas protocol from clients or outside veterinarians
Ability to do forensic exams for animal cruelty investigations and provide expert testimony
Participate in on call scheduling and available to respond to emergency situations
Administrative (15%)

As a member of the executive leadership team (ELT), attend and participate in ELT meetings and SPCA functions when
appropriate
Assist in preparation of annual budget, attend financial meetings, and be a good steward of the SPCA of Texas’
resources
Meet regularly with the Operations directors; provide and receive open and honest and communication and feedback
when things aren’t working as they should
Develop and cultivate working relationships with key individuals at veterinary hospitals, universities, and other animal
welfare organizations
Hold the DEA license for SPCA of Texas; responsible for controlled substance inventory and record keeping according
to DEA standards
Schedule staff veterinarians and per diems for optimal coverage to keep the program running smoothly
Lead Veterinary Medicine Rounds and Morbidity and Mortality Meetings with the COO; present on interesting cases or
current topics in veterinary medicine as needed
Qualifications and Experience to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medical Doctor Degree
Veterinary license in good standing to practice in Texas; satisfy continuing education requirements according to TVMA and
AVMA
3-5 years supervising veterinarians in a multi doctor practice preferred
Emergency Medicine experience beneficial
Must possess above average spay/neuter skills and a humane attitude towards pets and people.
Excellent communication and leadership skills a must
Comfortable with technology to include various software programs
Must be able to organize and execute policies while maintaining the ability to be flexible
Demonstrate true leadership abilities in challenging situations
Maintain open mind and be willing to learn, implement and teach new protocols
May be required to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, in a fast-paced environment