Job Details: Job Location: Foothills Animal Shelter - Golden, CO, Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time, Education Level: Graduate Degree, Salary Range: $106666.67 - $146666.67Salary, Job Category: Veterinary Services, Foothills Animal Shelter seeks a capable Shelter Veterinarian committed to promoting the physical and emotional wellness of both shelter animals and community owned pets through innovative programs and services and compassionate veterinary care.
ABOUT FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER
As an open admission shelter, our doors are always open to pets in Jefferson County, Colorado, and we are committed to serving our community as a socially conscious shelter. We care for more than 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals every year with a compassionate team of staff and volunteers. We are a community resource and offer a variety of services including pet adoption, Jefferson County pet licensing, vaccinations, microchipping, and lost and found pets. The Shelter is established under an intergovernmental agreement between Jefferson County, the City of Arvada, the City of Lakewood, the City of Wheat Ridge, the City of Golden, the City of Westminster and the City of Edgewater.
WHY JOIN US?
Our shelter is conveniently located between Denver, CO, and the magnificent Rocky Mountains, so you get the best of both worlds: access to all the cultural benefits of a major urban area while only a short drive to the mountain adventure of your choosing.
We strive for a healthy work-life balance, offering a compressed work week (four 10-hour shifts) and generous time off benefits to support your Colorado lifestyle.
Our veterinary and behavior support teams are 100% dedicated to the well-being of our shelter animals. They work hard, care deeply, and inspire us daily.
Our Shelter Veterinarians have minimal patron contact responsibilities, and our veterinary support team handles most administrative tasks. This means less time on the phone or answering email and more time practicing medicine!
All of our staff and volunteers are Fear Free Shelter Certified, and we strive to implement fear-free strategies to improve the emotional experience of the animals in our care.
BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
Medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance - base plan premiums are 100% paid by Foothills Animal Shelter for employee-only coverage
Short-term disability, life insurance, accident and critical illness plans, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings account options available
Retirement plan with 4% employer match and immediate vesting
Three weeks of vacation time earned on an accrual basis
Paid sick leave earned on an accrual basis
Six paid holidays
Four floating holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
ADDITIONAL DVM BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
Access to Shelter VIN membership
PLIT insurance reimbursement
DEA license reimbursement
CO vet license reimbursement
CE reimbursement of $1,500 annually (or $3,000 bi-annually if preferred)
Paid time to attend CE
Relocation allowance
Foothills Animal Shelter is a public service student loan forgiveness qualified employer.
COMPENSATION
$106,666.67 - $146,666.67 annually (based on 40-hour workweek)
SCHEDULE
Four 10-hour days with at least one weekend day
For a full list of duties and qualifications, please review the complete job description.
Qualifications: Education and Experience
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine
Veterinary license in good standing
Must hold or be eligible to obtain a current DEA license and have a current veterinary malpractice insurance policy
Shelter medicine experience preferred
Fear Free Shelter certified or become Fear Free Shelter certified within 60 days of employment
Skills and Abilities
High attention to detail and ability to complete work without supervision
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment
Ability to extend compassion and empathy to staff and volunteers under a variety of circumstances
Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations
Ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of people and personality types
Ability to maintain professional composure and emotional resilience when working with sick, injured, or at-risk animals
Ability to provide constructive feedback in a thoughtful and positive manner
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations, especially regarding euthanasia
Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations
Basic proficiency with computers; ability to learn and use cloud-based shelter management software for daily recordkeeping
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on hard surfaces with minimal sedentary work
Ability to bend, twist, kneel, and squat frequently throughout the shift
Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds regularly throughout the shift
Ability to handle dogs of all sizes on leash, including dogs weighing over 100 pounds
Ability to work in confined spaces including animal kennels and housing areas
Ability to work safely on wet and slippery floor surfaces throughout the shift
Working Conditions
Ten-hour shifts with at least one weekend day required; schedule may include holidays
Exposure to anesthesia gases, medications/drugs (controlled and non-controlled), and x-ray radiation
Noise, odors, chemical fumes, and animal hair/dander are encountered due to equipment and animals
Exposure to common allergens including animal dander, feathers, hay/straw, latex, peanut butter, dairy products, and other food items used for animal enrichment
Exposure to zoonotic diseases and infectious agents through contact with animals and their bodily fluids (urine, feces, vomit, blood, saliva)
Exposure to cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitizing agents used in animal care and facility maintenance
Exposure to emotionally challenging situations including sick or injured animals; euthanasia procedures; and end-of-life decision-making
Frequent hand washing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
Subject to animal bites and scratches
Work performed in areas with high levels of noise