Job Information

• Requisition ID: HEA09G4
• Number of Openings: 1
• Advertised Salary: $93,000 - $95,000
• Shift: Day Job; Full-time, Permanent

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is dedicated to safeguarding and advancing Georgia's agriculture through exemplary service and leadership.

Mission: Protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist customers through education, technology, and a skilled workforce.

Vision: To maintain global recognition as a leader in agricultural excellence by prioritizing safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Position Overview: The Georgia Department of Agriculture seeks a highly qualified and self-motivated Veterinarian to join our team as a Veterinary Medical Officer. In this role, you will receive specialized training to perform crucial duties such as conducting foreign animal disease investigations, implementing disease surveillance and response activities, and providing regulatory veterinary services. Ideal candidates will demonstrate exceptional clinical abilities, adeptness in managing complex field situations, and a strong commitment to safeguarding animal health. You will work independently and collaboratively within our diverse team to support the Animal Health Division.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct investigations into animal diseases and manage the response to disease outbreaks.
• Obtain and submit diagnostic samples from livestock and other species such as cattle, swine, small ruminants, equine, poultry, rabbits, etc.
• Issue quarantines to prevent disease spread and assist in developing control and eradication plans as necessary.
• Provide expert guidance on veterinary public health issues, including zoonotic diseases, biosecurity measures, and prevention/control strategies.
• Collaborate with state and federal agencies, veterinary professionals, and stakeholders to enhance animal health and welfare.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to disease control and food animal production.
• Case management, including but not limited to initial investigation, documentation, coordinating samples and further investigation, as well as follow-up communication with producers and agency representatives.
• Participate in Georgia’s State Agriculture Response Team and emergency preparedness exercises.
• Conduct veterinary accreditation orientations for licensed GA veterinarians.
• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports, policy recommendations, and supporting documentation to agency officials and public stakeholders.
• Evaluate state and federal programs, making recommendations for improvements as needed.
• Supervise and support field personnel, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.
• Support the statewide Animal Disease Traceability program.
• Assist in developing and implementing statewide animal health policies and programs.
• Present on pertinent topics to Animal Health stakeholders.
• Maintain active involvement in veterinary medical associations and relevant animal health groups as interested or assigned.
• Other duties as assigned to support the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our mission to protect consumers, promote agriculture, and assist producers through animal health education, technology, and outreach.

General Qualifications and Physical Demands:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational abilities
• Proficiency in Windows operating systems and related applications (Word, Excel, etc.); ability to learn and use relevant software
• Capable of performing physical tasks such as sitting, walking, squatting, kneeling, restraining animals, and driving
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods
• Ability to handle and work with various livestock and animal species
• Must be capable of lifting 30 lbs.
• Licensed by or eligible for licensure by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine and USDA Category II accreditation

Training Provided:

• Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician Course
• Program Disease Field Skills Course
• NIMS/ICS Training and position-specific certifications
• GMIS/FSIS/Public Health Veterinarian Training
• Additional training as required

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and holidays)
• Potential provision of a state vehicle
• Support for work-life balance and flexible working conditions
• Home office-based
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; other loan repayment programs may apply

For more information about this position, please contact the Animal Health team at AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov or (404) 656-3667.

Location:

• Applicant must reside in Georgia or be willing to relocate.
• The position is home office-based with travel throughout central Georgia and statewide.
• Assigned counties may include, but are not limited to: Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Twiggs, Washington, Wilkinson.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Doctorate in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by or eligible for licensure by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine; AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Medical Association AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent; AND USDA Category II accreditation; AND a valid driver’s license.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume via Team Georgia Careers. Please create a profile to view and apply for this position at Team Georgia Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Georgia Department of Agriculture is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. While all qualified applicants will be considered, due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide status updates. Selected candidates will be contacted for further steps in the interview process.

Applicants requiring accommodation should contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *

About Georgia Department of Agriculture

The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers a variety of programs which all have a primary goal - to maintain the state's viable farm industry and protect the consuming public.

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