VETERINARIAN8334F3 Pay Grade: 38 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is professional work as a veterinarian. Performs inspection of sick and diseased livestock to diagnose diseases, determine cause of death, and prescribe treatment. Directs disposal of animals in order to control and eradicate contagious and infectious diseases and protect the health of livestock. Work also involves making field veterinary investigations of animal disease problems which may involve counseling and overseeing the work of practicing veterinarians, livestock inspectors, and clerical staff. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction..." At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable - Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple, unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level experience a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL E: Involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating work as a "manager" of first line supervisors or as a "first line supervisor" of workers who perform distinct and separate blocks of work generally related as to purpose but requiring different processes and methods. Responsible for hiring and disciplinary actions which may or may not require the approval of a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Veterinary Technician class series in which the incumbents work at a paraprofessional level in veterinary medicine under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Inspects or oversees inspection of livestock and surrounding area of sick or infected animals for infectious and contagious diseases; performs post-mortem examinations and collects specimens for laboratory analysis; investigates outbreaks of diseases. Establishes and enforces quarantine of livestock and/or processed meat product; tests for and diagnoses brucellosis, tuberculosis, and other animal diseases. Advises market-inspecting veterinarians, market operators, producers and livestock inspectors concerning disease problems, rules and regulations and operating problems. Selects and contracts with local veterinarians to determine the fitness of animals or carcasses for human food or disposal; advises them on problems and reviews their work. Notifies field persons concerning procedures and methods of reporting; reviews reports such as Specific Pathogen Free swine laboratory and field reports; recommends accreditation of herds. Investigates suspected pseudo-rabies outbreaks and advises concerning disposal of infected herds; inspects animals and checks health certificates at state fairs. Makes final determinations on problems referred by subordinate veterinarians and owners of animals such as those relating to the condition of animals. May propose new statutes for legislative action or propose revisions to administrative regulations to improve animal health and control animal disease in the state. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of principles and practices of veterinary medicine with particular reference to communicable diseases of livestock. Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. *Knowledge of laws and regulations for control and eradication of livestock diseases. Abilities *Ability to interpret symptoms and diagnose diseases in animals. *Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with employees, veterinarians, persons in the livestock industry and the public. *Ability to supervise the work of others. *Ability to examine livestock. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Professional veterinary medicine license. NC: 06/93 |