State Veterinarian

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry

Job Description

STATE VETERINARIAN
(PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGER II)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:
December 13, 2024
Closing Date:
January 10, 2025
Location:
Augusta
Position #:
00500-0658
Position Type:
Permanent Full Time
Class Code:
MA32
Grade/Salary:
Grade 32 (Confidential) - $77,896.00 - $110,073.60 Per Year

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) currently has a full-time vacancy in Augusta, Maine.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position serves as the chief veterinarian in the state with the role of protecting animal health and human public health, primarily through the prevention of the spread of animal diseases and those contagious to humans (zoonotic diseases). They oversee and direct several dynamic poultry, livestock, and animal disease management programs, emphasizing agricultural sector impact. This is accomplished through the supervision of dedicated program field staff, developing disease management programs, providing technical advice to other programs, effective public outreach, conducting investigations of incidents of reportable diseases, and working with other states and federal stakeholders to plan for and respond to issues impacting animal health, and developing and updating laws and regulations. The position can involve a hybrid work schedule (office/remote).

For questions specific to the position, please contact Megan L. Patterson at: megan.l.patterson@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in Veterinary Medicine, a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the US, and at least (3) years of professional veterinary experience focusing on large, mixed or food animal practice.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must be a licensed Maine veterinarian within 6 months of employment.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine and surgery
Knowledge of current diagnostics and treatment techniques and practices
Knowledge of proper animal husbandry procedures for all domestic and aquatic species
Knowledge of avian and livestock diseases and their current treatment and control method
Experience in interpreting and/or knowledge of animal and public health laws and regulations
Knowledge of state and federal agencies involved in animal health emergencies
Supervisory and project management experience, including field-based response activities to disease outbreaks or other emergent issues of concern
Knowledge of budgeting, contract administration, and personnel regulations
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the development of accurate records and reports and effective planning documents
Experience with public speaking, including legislative and/or legal testimony
Ability to develop partnerships and work effectively with a diverse community of stakeholders

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 18.09% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.