Veterinarian 2 - Veterinary Medical Officer

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

Mission: Protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

Vision: To maintain global recognition as a leader in agricultural excellence by prioritizing safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Position Overview:

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is seeking a highly motivated and service-oriented veterinarian to join the Animal Health Division as a Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO).

1.     This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of veterinary medicine, emergency response, public health, and livestock production. Veterinary Medical Officers play a critical role in protecting Georgia’s animal agriculture industries through disease surveillance, regulatory medicine, emergency preparedness, and producer outreach.

2.     The selected candidate will receive specialized training in foreign animal disease investigations, emergency response operations, regulatory veterinary medicine, and animal disease traceability programs. This position is ideal for veterinarians who enjoy independent field work, problem-solving, collaboration with producers and practitioners, and protecting animal health on a statewide level.

3.     Veterinary Medical Officers routinely work with livestock producers, accredited veterinarians, state and federal agencies, diagnostic laboratories, and industry stakeholders to support Georgia’s agricultural economy and animal health infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct investigations involving potential reportable and foreign animal diseases.
• Perform field-based disease surveillance and emergency response activities.
• Obtain, process, and submit diagnostic samples from livestock and other species such as cattle, swine, small ruminants, equine, poultry, etc.
• Implement regulatory actions, including quarantines and movement controls when necessary.
• Assist in developing disease control, containment, and eradication plans.

·        Case management, including but not limited to initial investigation, documentation, coordinating samples and further investigation, as well as follow-up communication with producers and agency representatives.

·        Participate in real-world Agriculture Emergency Responses, as well as emergency preparedness exercises.

• Provide expert guidance on veterinary, public, and animal health issues, including zoonotic diseases, biosecurity measures, and prevention/control strategies.
• Collaborate with state and federal agencies, veterinary professionals, and stakeholders to enhance animal health and welfare.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to disease control and food animal production.
• Conduct veterinary accreditation orientations for licensed Georgia veterinarians.
• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports, policy recommendations, and supporting documentation to agency officials and public stakeholders.
• Supervise and support field personnel, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.
• Support the statewide Animal Disease Traceability program.
• Evaluate state and federal programs, making recommendations for improvements as needed. Assist in developing and implementing statewide animal health policies and programs.
• Deliver educational presentations and outreach programs to veterinarians, producers, and agriculture stakeholders.
• Maintain active involvement in veterinary medical associations and relevant animal health groups as interested or assigned.

Other duties as assigned to support the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our mission.

Training Opportunities:

The Animal Health Division provides extensive professional training and development opportunities, such as:

• USDA APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) Course
• USDA APHIS Program Disease Field Skills Course
• USDA APHIS Comparative Cervical Test (CCT) Training
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) Training; position-specific certifications as needed.
• +/- Georgia Meat Inspection Section (GMIS)/USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)/Public Health Veterinarian Training
• Continuing education and advanced emergency response opportunities

For more information about this position, please contact the Animal Health team at AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov or (404) 656-3667.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and holidays)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Support for work-life balance and flexible working conditions
• Home office-based
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; other loan repayment programs may apply

Location:

• Applicant must reside in Georgia or be willing to relocate.
• The position is home office-based with frequent travel, including overnight stays, throughout assigned territories and statewide.
• Assigned counties will be determined based on operational needs and candidate location. Preferred counties include, but are not limited to: Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Twiggs, Washington, Wilkinson.

General Qualifications and Physical Demands:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems and databases
• Ability to perform physical field activities, including prolonged driving, walking over uneven terrain, restraining animals, and working in agricultural environments
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Ability to handle and work with livestock and animal species
• Must be capable of lifting and transporting equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Willingness to travel throughout assigned territories and statewide as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Doctorate in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university AND licensed by or eligible for licensure by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine; AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Medical Association AND licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine AND Two years’ experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent; AND USDA Category II accreditation; AND a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Preferred candidates may possess experience in regulatory medicine, food animal or mixed animal practice, public health, epidemiology, and/or emergency response operations.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·        Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

Please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615 if you need accommodation.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *