Description
Summary/Objective
The Richmond Animal League Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic is seeking a dedicated and visionary Senior Veterinarian to lead our medical operations and guide our dynamic team. This is a rare opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role at an ambitious, mission-driven organization that is expanding its reach and impact, and is committed to addressing the challenge of homeless pets.
As Senior Veterinarian, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating our clinical practices. You'll provide medical oversight, mentor a talented team, and champion progressive, evidence-based spay/neuter and shelter medicine protocols. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of pets in the community, as well as RAL and RAL’s animal control partners’ ability to quickly adopt out pets and save lives.
If you're an experienced clinician with a passion for developing the technical skills and leadership of staff, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to animal well-being, we invite you to help us expand our lifesaving impact.
Essential Functions
Department Staff Management and Development
Build and develop the LSNC team
Develop and grow the clinic’s supervisory team to support the training, oversight, and growth of the staff
Lead professional development, continuing education, and advancement of team members
Conduct regular departmental meetings and trainings to ensure team engagement and protocol compliance
Lead by example, maintaining constant professionalism and a productive attitude
Create a culture of collaboration and growth
Operations
Collaborate with the team to maintain and advance LSNC SOP manuals
Ensure clinic staff are trained on and following the highest standards for patient care, disease control, and safety
Maintain and advance the efficiency of daily clinic procedures
Arrange necessary equipment maintenance, repair, and acquisition as needed
Act as the Veterinarian in Charge for the LSNC, ensuring compliance with Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine codes and regulations and preparedness for veterinary inspection
Comply with the DEA’s PMP reporting system and other requirements
Keep a safe work environment
Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
Uphold exceptional patient care and Fear Free standards
Conduct pre-surgical exams on each patient
Guide drug choice and dosages based on established protocols and on individual patient needs
Create a game plan with the surgical staff each day to optimize patient safety and process efficiency
Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other procedures as appropriate for LSNC patients and RAL shelter pets
Utilize clinic software to input accurate medical record information
Assess the recovery status of all patients after surgeries are complete
Be available throughout discharge for support
See post-operative recheck appointments as needed
Regularly seek to update your knowledge and the clinic protocols with the most up-to-date medical information to provide the very best care
Hold staff training and practice sessions
Organizational Leadership
Engage in RAL leadership and organization-wide decisions as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
Exhibit flexibility to ensure the safety and comfort of staff and pets
Model respectful interactions with staff, volunteers, clients, and patients
Welcome all visitors to RAL campus
Attend and actively participate in clinic and RAL staff meetings and events
Motivate the team with RAL’s mission, vision and strategic priorities as guidance
Consider all staff to be a valuable part of the RAL team
Requirements
Competencies
Strong Leadership Skills
Passionate and Inspiring
Constant Professionalism
Creative and Enterprising
Exceptional Surgical Technique
Highly Value Personal Growth
Emotional/Mental Requirements
Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions
Must respond quickly and appropriately to a variety of medical situations
Must be able to cope with loss, whether due to surgical complications or euthanasia
Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
Strong delegation skills, including recognizing when assistance is needed and asking for help
Ability to control instincts in critical situations (e.g., maintaining a secure hold on an animal during restraint, even if they begin to struggle)
Must remain calm and composed in challenging or emotionally complex situations.
Required Qualifications
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited Veterinary College
Minimum of 7 years practicing veterinary medicine
At least 1 year of experience in practice performing high-volume surgeries
Experience managing and growing successful teams
Preferred Education and Experience
Experience and/or certification in shelter veterinary medicine
Proficiency in Spanish
