Veterinarian Specialist (General)

What is the position?

As a Veterinarian Specialist (General), you will serve as a key member of the stewardship unit within the Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) branch; work with university researchers and oversee activities related to the State’s antimicrobial stewardship program; act as a lead in one or more programs or functions, and help develop stewardship programs for more than 20 California livestock species. Due to the high-profile nature of AUS, you must establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, industry partners, researchers, and the public; accurately analyze situations; take effective actions based on sound analysis; make appropriate decisions and recommendations; work independently to complete assignments; work well under pressure; meet required deadlines; and have excellent verbal and writing skills.

Who are we?

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) branch is leading the way to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs and you will help us develop the nation’s first comprehensive, model antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance program. We are a statewide program intended to promote actions that will slow the development of resistant bacteria associated with livestock and poultry that have negative public and animal health impacts. We gather data and develop studies related to medically important antimicrobial sales and usage, livestock management practices, and trends in antibiotic resistance associated with farm animals and animal products. Additionally, we work with subject matter experts to develop antimicrobial stewardship tools and best animal management practices that mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance while maintaining health outcomes.

What will you do?

• Plan and oversee activities related to the State’s antimicrobial stewardship program; analyze information and apply findings to guide and modify stewardship model programs; and coordinate with universities and other experts to develop model stewardship programs for more than 20 California livestock species.
  
  • Participate in the development of stewardship program outreach materials; conduct in-person and web-based presentations on antimicrobial stewardship to industry partners and the public; and organize and convene stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and expert working panels to convey important programmatic information.
  
  
• Provide guidance on Antimicrobial Stewardship by researching scientific literature and identify knowledge gaps and/or opportunities for further programmatic study; prepare/contribute to technical papers, scientific articles, and programmatic reports; and serve as a State resource.
  
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, industry partners, specialists/experts, and university researchers; prepare and manage research agreements to execute and implement programmatic activities; and participate in strategic planning activities for the department.
  
  
• Coordinate activities related to antimicrobial stewardship and best management practices of select industry participants representing all sectors of livestock production and all geographic areas.
  
  • Review, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, and policies of the Department and of various local, State and Federal government agencies in all aspects of assigned duties.
  
  

Where will you work?

Although most of work will occur in an office environment or at home, you may on occasion work outdoors on farms and/or feedlots and be exposed to unpleasant odors associated with livestock animals.

What do we offer?

• A competitive starting salary that ranges from $8,192.00 - $10,215.00 per Month. (Please note effective July 1, 2020, all State employees are subject to a 9.23% salary reduction in exchange for up to 16 hours per month of the Personal Leave Program 2020 (PLP 2020).)
• More than two weeks of paid vacation time within the first year of service, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• A benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a CalPERS pension, opportunities to create retirement savings through a 401(k) or 457 plan, and the opportunity to receive health insurance in retirement.
• License and continuing education reimbursements, on-the-job training, and paid professional development days.
• The ability to contribute to the success of a first-in-the-nation program and the opportunity to learn and collaborate with local, state, and federal leaders.
• An office environment that supports a balanced lifestyle, a flexible telework schedule, free parking, and opportunities to participate in online meetings and video conferences.

How can you apply?

Visit https://www.calhr.ca.gov to create a profile, complete the web-based state application, and take the online examination. You’ll receive a score that is based solely on your responses to the exam questions.

To view this specific announcement, please visit this link:  https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=228541

What are the desirable qualifications?

Possession of a post D.V.M., Public Health, Board Certification in a specialty area of veterinary medicine, or a Ph.D. in a related field: a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.