DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  Animal Services Division / State Veterinarian Office

Salary: 93,500.00 - 93,500.00 

Grade: 27

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

                                                                          
The Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) is currently recruiting for the position of Assistant State Veterinarian-Emergency Coordinator within our Animal Services Division (ASD).

The Office of the State Veterinarian protects the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries directly, and the public indirectly, through the prevention, early detection, containment, and eradication of economically important livestock, poultry, and fish diseases. In addition, welfare of livestock is ensured by assisting the Livestock Inspection Program in the investigation and prosecution of cases of cruelty to animals. This Office watches over four areas: regulation of the importation of animals, control and eradication of livestock diseases, regulation of fish farming, transportation and processing and emergency response both natural and manmade.

This position will be responsible for the coordination and participation in drills and training related to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS); agro-terrorism, training, and education related to Incident Command Systems (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).

This position is eligible for the federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) for which there is a current open nomination in Arizona for veterinarians engaged in public practice. The successful candidate would be encouraged to apply for this program which provides up to $75,000 in student loan forgiveness.

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Assess and update the Animal Emergency Preparedness Plans and all related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Develop training materials, plans and programs for emergency preparedness.
• Review, update, and organize department plans and capabilities for disaster and emergency response.
• Assist the Department Emergency Planner with the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs’ (DEMA) Nuclear Emergency Management Fund grant.
• Develop/grow partners/partnerships with stakeholders; build community response capabilities coordinated through the State Veterinarian’s Office.
• As time permits this position will also be responsible for addressing specific animal health concerns as a result of an incident in order to minimize the effect on both the animals and the public which consumes animal origin food products; assist the State Veterinarian with the Animal Health and Welfare Programs, Meat and Poultry Inspections, National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP), United States Swine Health Improvement Program (US SHIP), and other duties as assigned. This is to include field work for the referenced programs.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices and US Department of Agriculture regulations.
• Zoonotic & Foreign Animal Disease surveillance.
• Recognize Notifiable Avian diseases.
• Emergency Management planning and development.
• Management of Cooperative Agreements.
• Investigative techniques.
• Computer and communication technology.

Skills in:
• Written/verbal communication.
• Creating and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Grant writing/seek continued funding sources.
• Creating training materials/modules and conduct training.
• Driving truck/trailer and/or offroad UTVs.
• Handling livestock.

Ability to:
• Think analytically and solve problems.
• Prioritize work load and flexibility with constant change of responsibility.
• Communicate with various external and internal customers.
• Outreach to partners and stakeholders.
• Create newsletters/e-mails regarding ZFAD/NAI.
• Set up meetings to accomplish expected planning and training outcomes.
• Oversee volunteer groups related to emergency efforts
• Ability to work both independently and within a team atmosphere recognizing and leveraging individual strengths of team members.

2 or more years’ experience in grant writing and the management of grants
2 or more years’ experience in developing Emergency Response Plans and all required Standard Operating Procedures
2 or more years’ experience of outreach to the public and stakeholders
Radiological incident management experience or training
Masters’ Degree in Emergency Management

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) Degree
Valid Driver's Licenses

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.27%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melisa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.