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Managing Veterinarian - Riverdale Animal Shelter

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Managing Veterinarian - Riverdale Animal Shelter

Salary

$121,926.06 - $176,792.79 Annually

Location

Brighton, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

07162

Department

Animal Shelter & Adoption Ctr

Division

Animal Shelter

Opening Date

09/03/2025

Closing Date

10/1/2025 4:30 PM Mountain

Our Mission

To responsibly serve the Adams County community with integrity and innovation.

EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Position classification

Onsite -- Job duties and expectations require employee to be regularly scheduled onsite.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Riverdale Animal Shelter (RAS)is seeking a skilled and compassionate Managing Veterinarianto join our growing team. This role combines clinical, supervisory, and administrative responsibilities, overseeing all aspects of the shelter’s medical operations to ensure the highest standard of care for our animals. The Managing Veterinarian also leads and mentors the Health Care team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Reporting to the Animal Shelter Executive Director, the Managing Veterinarian is a key member of the shelter’s leadership team, providing veterinary expertise for operational decisions, contributing to strategic planning, and aligning work plans with Shelter’s annual goals and tracking performance to ensure operational success.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in shelter medicine, including performing high-quality, high-volume (HQHV) spay/neuter surgeries, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for leading, developing, and mentoring others.

Examples of Duties for Success

Clinical Responsibilities

+ Provide comprehensive veterinary care, including exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, treatment of illnesses and injuries, and emergency care.

+ Perform surgeries, including high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter, soft tissue repair, dental extractions, amputations, mass removals, enucleations, and minor orthopedic procedures.

+ Develop, implement, and update medical protocols for herd health, infectious disease prevention, and outbreak response.

+ Conduct daily medical rounds, create and adjust treatment plans, and ensure continuity of care for animals in custody.

+ Perform humane euthanasia when medically necessary; train and certify staff in euthanasia procedures.

+ Provide medical guidance for cruelty, neglect, or abuse cases; prepare reports, maintain legal documentation, and testify as an expert witness when needed.

+ Oversee veterinary aspects of the foster care program, including medical evaluation and treatment plans for foster animals.

+ Advise and participate in public health initiatives, including rabies control, zoonotic disease monitoring, and vaccination programs.

+ Support and participate in community outreach events such as low-cost vaccination clinics

+ Ensure accurate and timely medical recordkeeping in compliance with state, federal, and DEA requirements

Management & Leadership Responsibilities

+ Lead, mentor, and supervise veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and medical support staff; participate in recruitment, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

+ Align veterinary operations with the shelter’s strategic plan and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for program effectiveness.

+ Foster a positive, collaborative work environment with staff, volunteers, animal protection officers , community partners, and local veterinary professionals.

+ Oversee controlled substance management in compliance with DEA, state, and federal regulations.

+ Maintain professional licensure and ensure staff meet continuing education requirements.

+ Serve as the shelter’s veterinary representative in leadership meetings, operational planning, and interdepartmental projects.

+ Coordinate with the Health Department and emergency response teams during public health or animal care crises.

+ Develop and oversee formal staff development programs, including internships, fellowships, and succession planning for veterinary roles.

+ Identify and implement service improvements, enhance medical care standards, and strengthen community engagement in animal welfare.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

+ Exercise direct supervision over staff

Qualifications for Success

+ Strong commitment to animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals.

+ In-depth knowledge of shelter medicine, best practices, and related social issues.

+ Proven leadership and management skills with experience supervising paid staff.

+ Excellent clinical skills, including medical diagnostics, surgery, and dentistry.

+ Proficient in HQHV spay/neuter procedures while ensuring high standards of patient care.

+ Skilled in safe and humane animal handling, including fear-free techniques.

+ Highly organized with the ability to prioritize, manage emergencies, and work in a fast-paced environment.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment in sensitive situations.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of learning shelter software for accurate medical recordkeeping.

+ Able to foster positive, professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.

More Qualifications for Success

Education & Experience

+ Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

+ Minimum 4 years experience as a practicing Veterinarian required, including 3 years in shelter medicine with HQHV spay/neuter.

+ Minimum 2 years of experience providing direct supervision of paid staff.

+ Interest and experience with dentistry preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

+ Current Colorado veterinary license (or ability to obtain promptly) with a clean practice record.

+ DEA license preferred.

+ Veterinary association membership preferred.

+ Fear-free certification required within 60 days of hire.

Work Environment

+ Surgical suite, shelter, and office settings.

+ Exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, fearful or fractious animals, and cleaning agents.

+ Work may be emotionally challenging.

Physical Requirements

+ Frequent lifting/restraining of animals of varying sizes.

+ Standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and cleaning.

+ Handling surgical instruments, syringes, and needles.

+ Repetitive motions associated with surgery and medical care.

Work Schedule

+ Four 10-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts per week.

+ Rotating on-call phone support for holidays, evenings, and closures.

Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Clickhere (https://youtu.be/ILAvllPaGb4) to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

+ AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance

+ Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance

+ Deferred Compensation Plan

+ Dental/Vision/Medical Plans

+ Generous Vacation/Sick leave

+ Long-Term Disability

+ Retirement Plan

+ Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Employee Fitness Center

+ Employee Health Clinics

+ Flexible Work Schedules

+ Recreation Center Discounts

+ Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs

+ Wellness programs

+ Lactation friendly certified workplace

01

Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.

+ Yes, I understand and agree

+ Yes, I understand but disagree.

02

This role requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

03

This position requires a minimum of 4 years experience as a practicing Veterinarian, including 3 years in shelter medicine with HQHV spay/neuter. Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

04

This position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience providing direct supervision of paid staff. Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

05

This role requires a current Colorado veterinary license, or the ability to obtain promptly, with a clean practice record. Do you or can you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Please give an overview of your veterinary work to include any specific experience practicing shelter medicine.

07

What is your view or philosophy on humane euthanasia for animals in a shelter setting?

08

Describe how you personally show up as a leader and how you have led and inspired others to do their best work.

Required Question

Employer

Adams County

Address

4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C4000BBrighton, Colorado, 80601-8213

Website

http://www.adcogov.org/current-career-opportunities

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