What Success Looks Like In This JobRiverdale Animal Shelter (RAS) is seeking a skilled and compassionate Managing Veterinarian to 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 SuccessClinical 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 SuccessEducation & 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.Click to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!Benefits You Expect:
