Veterinary Specialist

Job Code: 32002334
Salary Grade: MH22
Revision Date: 12/2020

Class Concept

Lab Pathology Role

These positions are to serve the needs of the animal owning citizens of North Carolina by providing specialized pathologic examinations of tissue specimens from species of animals. Gross examinations, diagnostic necropsies and microscopic examinations are the primary methods used. Responsibilities also include providing consultation to veterinary practitioners, lay clients, and producers, as well as, state and federal partners; and may include involvement in developing and implementing policies and procedures; organizing laboratory manpower, equipment and space; coordinating personnel functions; evaluating and developing new services. Works with other departments and state agencies on a cooperative basis for mutual goals. Performs additional duties as assigned

Zoo Pathology Role

Position may be responsible for the development and maintenance of a preventative medicine program, medical management of the zoo's animal collection, clinical pathology, pathology, and neonatal nursery. Responsibilities also include providing consultation to veterinary practitioners lay clients and producers, as well as, state and federal partners; developing and implementing policies and procedures; organizing laboratory manpower, equipment and space; coordinating all personnel functions; evaluating and developing new services; and oversight of quality control and accreditation standards. Works with other departments and state agencies on a cooperative basis for mutual goals. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Bacteriology Role

These positions are to serve the needs of practicing veterinarians and the animal owning citizens of North Carolina by administering a comprehensive veterinary diagnostic microbiology service and supervising technical staff in the delivery of high-quality diagnostic microbiology expertise. Responsibilities also include providing consultation to veterinary practitioners and producers, as well as, state and federal partners; developing and implementing policies and procedures; organizing laboratory manpower, equipment and space; coordinating all personnel functions; evaluating and developing new services; and oversight of quality control and accreditation standards.

Virology Role

These positions will serve the needs of practicing veterinarians and the animal owning citizens of North Carolina by administering a comprehensive veterinary diagnostic microbiology service and supervising technical staff in the delivery of high-quality diagnostic microbiology expertise. Responsibilities include providing consultation to veterinary practitioners and producers, as well as, state and federal partners; developing and implementing policies and procedures; organizing laboratory manpower, equipment and space; coordinating all personnel functions; evaluating

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of veterinary medicine which includes pathology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, parasitology, toxicology, and therapy.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of livestock management and marketing practices.
• Considerable knowledge of zoonoses and reportable/notifiable diseases.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of veterinary medicine with a large, diverse animal collection.
• Working knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to livestock and poultry.
• Skill in teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
• Skill in clinical and post-mortem examination of specimens of animals commonly kept in AZA accredited zoos.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to supervise and manage personnel.
• Ability to conduct diagnostic tests, identify diseases, assess results, and interpret findings.

Minimum Education and Experience

Lab Pathology Role: Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of North Carolina and advanced training in veterinary pathology, and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or board eligible and two years of veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience.

Zoo Pathology Role: Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of North Carolina and must be certified by the American College Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or be able to obtain certification within 24 months of hire to be able to teach residents in the Zoo's residency program. Eligibility to obtain a Controlled Substance Registration Certification by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in order to purchase veterinarian drugs within 6 months of hire. Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal, and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) category II accreditation within 3 months of hire.

Bacteriology Role: Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of North Carolina and advanced training in veterinary bacteriology, and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Bacteriology or board eligible and 2 years of veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience.

Virology Role: Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of North Carolina and advanced training in veterinary virology, and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Bacteriology or board eligible and 2 years of veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience.