The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is looking for a Staff Veterinarian for the Marion County, Tennessee, area. This position will be posted from 10/15/24 - 11/05/24. Under general supervision, Staff Veterinarians are responsible for professional veterinary work of considerable difficulty and administrative work of average difficulty and perform related work as required.
The employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the operations of the Animal Industries Division. This class differs from that of Veterinarian Diagnostician 2 in that an incumbent of the latter is responsible for laboratory work to isolate and identify the causative agents of diseases and performs epidemic investigations and necropsy examinations. This class differs from that of Veterinarian State in that the incumbent of the latter directs the veterinarian program for the state.
For any additional questions regarding this role please reach out to: Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov
Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience: Possession of a doctorate in veterinary medicine from an approved school of veterinary medicine and experience equivalent to one year of full-time increasingly responsible professional experience as a Veterinarian.
Other Requirements: Necessary Special Qualifications: None. Examination Method: Education and Experience,100%, for Preferred Service positions.
Work Activities: Performing General Physical Activities: Performs bio-security functions, such as cleaning and disinfection of person, clothing, vehicle and equipment (using equipment such as pressure washers, wearing protective clothing, etc.) Efficiently and humanely restrains animals by using physical or mechanical means in order to collect diagnostic samples, inspect for diseases and proper identification. Works under adverse conditions, such as close quarters, time of day, inclement weather, use of respirator and protective/restrictive clothing and gear weighing approximately 40 lbs. Performs various physical activities in the course of handling animals, such as running, bending, reaching, squatting, climbing, lifting, crawling, pulling, pushing, etc. Stands for long periods of time while inspecting, sorting, sampling and investigating. Walks over rough terrain to inspect facilities, animals - distances ranging from close proximity to several miles. Handling and Moving Objects: Works with hazardous objects and materials such as, scalpels, needles, knives, captive bolt guns, chemicals, disease organisms. Performs sample collections (such as surgical extraction of soft tissue, blood collection, etc.) using fine motor skills. Collecting, preserving, shipping and submitting of evidence or samples in order to facilitate the development of cases to conclusion. Sets up restraint systems (such as portable corrals, chutes and traps) for confinement. Physically moves and/or positions animals (weighing up to 2000 lbs.) for diagnostic sampling.Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Incorporating last minute and unscheduled tasks into current workload to ensure timely and accurate completion of work. Maintains assigned area with inspectional frequency as mandated by regulation or as required by office policy. Organizes weekly workload by determining most efficient work plan based on number of inspections, locations, length of inspection time, establishment’s history, facility types. Prioritizes activities based on risk factors (such as complaints, type and hazard). Completes appropriate time summary and projected itinerary as required by supervisor.Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Instructs and consults with those under their supervision to ensure compliance with department, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, processes and procedures. Investigates potential risks associated with violations or diseases to determine necessary action. Determines the severity of violation by reviewing current and past inspection information and comparing to regulations and laws. Recommends the appropriate regulatory action to take based on inspection findings as determined by regulations and laws. Makes recommendations to establishments to help resolve violations and become compliant.Documenting/Recording Information: Obtains affidavits or signed statements from complainants, respondents, witnesses or others for documentation of administrative and criminal investigations. Fills out forms (such as inspection, quarantine, stop movement, etc.) to document inspection/investigation findings or activities. Forwards completed forms to appropriate offices for proper retention and/or action. Completes laboratory submission forms to accompany sample to the lab for testing. Enters time and labor or expense information electronically to document weekly schedule and work related travel.Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Completes technical training (such as diagnostic sample collection and submission), on disease investigation and recognition and epidemiology. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of pertinent State and Federal laws and regulations. Continuously maintains inspection manual by adding updated information (such as memos, trade publications, and technical journals) provided by supervisor and/or administration. Attends area and statewide meetings with supervisors/administration to discuss current trends, new administrative policies, legislation and other relevant topics.Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Collaborates with other regulatory agencies or authorities during investigations. Communicates with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. Provides public outreach related to animal health and welfare, State and Federal programs, laws and regulations. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. Exchanges animal health and welfare information with government agencies, local veterinarians and/or animal health and welfare groups. Communicates with individuals to ensure questions and complaints are directed to the appropriate entity.Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Submits work documents to verify work completed. Conducts the performance evaluation discussions with those under their supervision to ensure performance expectations are achieved. Communicates with those under their supervision to inform, schedule and/or conduct joint activities. Communicates with manager to inform of work activities, scheduling plans, etc.Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Inspects animals or poultry on farms or in commercial environments for health and compliance. Monitor and review information from disease surveillance on farms or in commercial operations, events, or the environment, to detect animal health problems. Monitor animal and agricultural facilities and regulated entities (markets, dealers, fairs, premises/facilities) for animal health, and compliance with laws, regulations and program policy.Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information, specimens or samples for testing from all relevant sources including inspections or investigations. Investigate animal health events such as reported disease outbreaks. Make regular contacts with the general public, animal industry stakeholders, persons in other departments or divisions, or outside organizations and representatives for the purpose of furnishing or obtaining animal health information.Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Visually inspects animals for signs of transmissible diseases, proper identification, proof of ownership, required documentation. Visually inspects records of animal breeders, dealers and markets. Inspects physical aspects of premises and facilities for compliance purposes.Scheduling Work and Activities: Participates in state animal emergency response team as required. Schedules activities in accordance with agency recommendations. Duties may be required at night and on weekends as needed to meet the needs of the business. Respond to emergencies and incidents as they occur. Schedules the work of those under their supervision to ensure program needs are met.Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assesses risk associated with work activities (such as safety of persons or animals, faulty equipment or structures, etc.). Determines relevance and credibility of information/allegations obtained during an investigation or inspection. Conducts the job performance of those under their supervision to ensure compliance with SMART goals.Training and Teaching Others: Develops and conducts educational training programs or classes such as DART (Disaster Animal Response Team) orientations/meetings as required to educate new DART members on departmental, State, and federal laws and regulations. Assigns, trains, supervises and evaluates assigned staff and their work. Works with management to identify the educational needs of others. Selling or Influencing Others: Recommends appropriate actions for animal owners or facilities (such as maintenance and repair, testing, isolation, or eradication) to advance animal health and welfare. Applies principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program or designated area of responsibility. Encourages participation of animal owners or facilities in relevant animal programs.Interacting With Computers: Creates documents electronically by utilizing Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. Enters and processes data electronically. Conducts internet and other data base searches for information pertaining to investigations and inspections (such as licensure information, addresses and locations, regulations of other states, etc.).Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. Receives complaints from individuals and works to determine solution.Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Operates specialized mechanized devices (such as tractors, skid steers/loaders, backhoe, etc.) Operates a pick-up truck and/or passenger vehicle to transport animals and/or equipment. Tows enclosed and open trailers, chutes, panel trailer.Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Compare inspection data to State laws and regulations to determine compliance and recommend appropriate action (such as administrative penalty, quarantine, suspension, revocation, issuance or continuation of license, etc.) Ensures regulated entities (such as livestock markets, livestock dealers, animal breeders and dealers, processing facilities) comply with State and Federal laws and regulations.Controlling Machines and Processes: Operates specialized equipment (such as foaming unit, mobilization devices, etc.) Operates a variety of electronic equipment (such as scanners, copiers, digital cameras, GPS units, etc.)Performing Administrative Activities: Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of standard records and reports related to assigned program (such as developing and administering animal health programs and policies, including participation in the law and rule making process, as needed). Performs day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files and processing paperwork, responding to phone calls and emails.Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Provide public outreach in areas such as animal care and disease, departmental programs to school groups, humane groups, local authorities and others. Explains laws, regulations and programs during consultation/inspection/investigation to increase compliance and/or understanding.Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Develops and maintains positive relationships with the agricultural and animal sector, and others, by interacting in a professional, courteous manner. Fostering cooperation, sharing of ideas and open/honest communications.Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Coordinates with upper management, peers, those under their supervision to facilitate timely and accurate task completion to ensure program objectives are met. Coordinate work and activities with internal and external business partners as required facilitating timely and accurate task completion.Coaching and Developing Others: Identifies the professional development needs of others and coaches, mentors or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills. Such as epidemiologic investigations and sample collections and submissions.Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimates resources and amount of time required for testing and handling of animals, emergency response operations, etc.
Our Vision
For Tennessee to become a national leader in agriculture and forestry through economic advancement, innovation, and natural resource stewardship by commitment to service, family, farms, and healthy living.
Our Mission
To serve all the citizens of Tennessee by providing options for responsible use of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, safeguarding food and fiber, and ensuring equity in the marketplace.