Chief Veterinarian

City of Oklahoma City

Job Description

PAY:
Pay Range: 521
Hourly Rate: $45.71 - $69.89
FLSA Status: Exempt
The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.
APPLICATION PERIOD
• Applications/resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to applications/resumes received by April 17, 2026.
TOTAL REWARDS
At the City of Oklahoma City, our Total Rewards package is designed to honor your service, fuel your growth, and support every part of your life. We offer:
• Competitive pay
• An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
• A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development
DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION
The Chief Veterinarian will serve as a key member of the Division’s leadership team and will play an integral role in shaping the future of veterinary services with the development and transition into a new, state-of-the-art animal welfare facility funded through MAPS 4. Scheduled to open in 2027, this expanded facility will significantly enhance surgical capacity, medical capabilities, and overall service delivery.
GENERAL SUMMARY
This position is located in the Animal Welfare Division of the Development Services Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of the Animal Welfare Superintendent. The Chief Veterinarian is responsible for supervising, coordinating, and monitoring the veterinary medicine program and for ensuring the program’s compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing veterinary medicine.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Possession of doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience practicing Veterinarian medicine.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma State Veterinarian License.
• Possession of and eligible to hold a Controlled Drug License.
• Possession of a valid Driver License (Operator).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of and ability to perform routine veterinary medical procedures.
• Knowledge of and prior experience caring for domestic, exotic, or wild animals, and livestock.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply management techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of animal shelter medicine and facility management.
• Skill in supervising and coordinating activities of assigned staff.
• Skill in applying accounting and finance practices.
• Skill in analyzing data.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability and willingness to make work related decisions and assume responsibility for decisions made.
• Ability to conduct animal research related to public health.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in shelter medicine, herd health, and/or high volume spay and neuter programs.
• Strong working knowledge in capacity for care, disease prevention, and outbreak management.
• Experience developing and implementing data-driven medical protocols that improve outcomes.
• Experience conducting forensic veterinary exams (e.g., cruelty/neglect investigations), including documentation, evidence handling, and willingness to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing multidisciplinary teams including veterinarians, supervisors and support staff.