"Are you a passionate veterinarian seeking a new opportunity with a perfect blend of work-life balance, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact? We have the ideal position waiting for you!"
Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that primarily serves communities throughout the state of Minnesota, as well as states in the south with severe pet overpopulation. We rescue stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats, as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of our work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all coming together to save thousands of animals annually.
Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home, and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. We believe in connecting people with pets and helping provide resources in need.
Availability: 40+ hours a week, Monday - Friday, at the Ruff Start Rescue office
Essential Job Functions:
The Lead Veterinarian will be vital to Ruff Start’s mission, vision, and implementation strategies. A successful candidate will be talented at delivering the high quality of veterinary care while focusing on leadership, communication, and professionalism.
Examine, diagnose and treat animals within the rescue to maintain or establish their health and prepare for adoption. The Lead Veterinarian will ultimately be responsible for managing the quality of care for all animals at Ruff Start Rescue.
Responsible for performing routine surgical procedures with a proven track record of surgical excellence
Preferred knowledge and experience with high quality/high volume spay/neuter surgical practices
Oversees surgical training of Registered Veterinary Technicians, new DVM’s, and DVM students
Meet with the Director of Programs and team on a weekly basis to review operations priority care plans, recognize accomplishments and work together to build a cohesive care team.
Will work collaboratively with the Director of Programs to ensure a high standard of veterinary care extends throughout the Vetting Department.
Plan and lead monthly veterinary staff meetings
Collaboratively reviews reports and procedures, resolves open issues, and discusses strategies for a positive and productive work environment. Will critically analyze shelter data and be familiar with shelter/animal management software.
Works closely with the Lead Veterinary Technician to ensure all equipment in the medical suite is maintained in safe working order and that preventative maintenance of all surgical and medical equipment is performed per manufacturer guidelines and per any regulatory requirements
Evaluate and implement surgical procedures to ensure they follow and are in compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of shelter medicine, animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and animal health issues.
Helps effectively communicate and guide the vetting team and other staff in carrying out appropriate health policies and procedures, including surgical intake/discharge criteria, as well as medical concerns and isolation protocols for foster homes. Assures that these policies and procedures are followed by staff and other program volunteers/fosters.
Responsible for supervising and managing Ruff Start’s veterinary staff, and optimizing veterinary care for the rescue, including performing annual reviews, hiring, and training.
Provides budgetary oversight of the Vetting Department.
Qualifications (required):
DVM Degree with an active veterinary license, in good standing in the State of Minnesota
Ability to obtain and maintain DEA license (Ruff Start will pay for the license for our location)
Demonstrates knowledge or willingness to learn shelter medicine
Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
Supervisory knowledge includes training methods, motivation, and decision-making techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and volunteers within the organization as well as local, state, and national animal welfare organizations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with public speaking and presentation experience. Will regularly be engaging with volunteers, fosters, community members, and staff.
Qualifications (preferred):
Personal Characteristics:
We are looking for not only an animal person but also a people person. We are a close-knit group of experienced animal welfare professionals who pride ourselves on collaboration and mentorship. We take care of the animals and each other. The Lead Veterinarian must have a passion for rescue and come to work each day with a confident and positive attitude.
A strong leader with excellent interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people.
Demonstrates honesty, integrity and discretion. Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential situations, including the death of animals due to surgical complications or humane euthanasia.
Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families and volunteers.
Work as a team player, supporting the overall goals of the organization.
Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.
Brings a strong drive for results, while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected, challenging, or frustrating situations.
Ability to delegate and ask for help when needed
Well-organized and strong attention to detail
Deep and abiding passion to professionally advocate Ruff Start Rescue's position on key animal welfare and no-kill issues.
Must be able to respond quickly to medical situations and emergencies.
Accurately processes information and makes decisions independently as well as in a group setting.
Benefits:
Work-life balance! This position is salaried with a general schedule of Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM, with no overnights or on-call hours. There may be earlier or later hours due to scheduled appointments and surgeries.
May be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Health insurance is available for employees on the first of the month following 30 days. RSR will pay 50% of the employee's monthly premium.
Retirement plan with up to a 3% employer contribution available after 90 days.
After 90 days, Additional Insurance options are available. You pay a 100% premium at a discounted group rate.
PTO
First-year 10 days
Years 1 and 2 15 days (3 Weeks)
Year 3 and 4 20 Days (4 Weeks)
Year 5 and 6 25 Days (5 Weeks)
Year 7 + 30 Days (6 Weeks)
When an employee rolls over to a new year bracket, we prorate from their anniversary date.
PTO carryover
Ruff Start Rescue recognizes seven paid holidays each year. If a holiday falls on a weekend, it will be observed on the workday closest to the holiday.
One floating holiday
Employee Discount
Professional Development courses cover up to $200 annually.
DEA License Fee
Salary: $110,000+ DOQ
Reports to: Director of Programs
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume