Veterinarian

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title: Wildlife Veterinarian**

**Job Class: Veterinarian**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID**: 81448
* **Location**: St. Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: No
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Temporary
* **Who May Apply**: Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted**: 11/9/2024
* **Closing Date**: 12/2/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit**: Fish and Wildlife
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Day Shift
* **Days of Work**: Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: Yes
* **Salary Range:** $35.43 – $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 – $109,682 / annually
* **Classified Status**: Unclassified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 213 – Commissioner’s Plan
* **End Date**: 12/03/2027
* Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

### **The work you’ll do is more than just a job.**

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

**Job Summary**
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The DNR is currently seeking a Minnesota licensed and accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Forest Lake, MN. This position exists to plan and facilitate statewide programs for the prevention, detection, and control of wildlife diseases in accordance with Section of Wildlife policies, priorities, programs and goals; and to respond to emergency disease threats that may impact wildlife, domestic animals, or humans. This position will support the Wildlife Health Program and Wildlife Research Scientists in planning, executing and reporting wildlife-health related surveillance, management, and original research on game species of Minnesota. This position will provide technical expertise related to safe capture and handling of wildlife for purposes of management, research, and restoration. The position will disseminate information and provide technical expertise to Wildlife staff, other natural resources professionals, and the general public.

Responsibilities include:

* Provide technical direction, development, and implementation of Department programs to detect and manage wildlife diseases, with primary emphasis on wild cervids.
* Assist and advise personnel with the Division, Wildlife Section, and Tribal Nations in activities including chemical immobilization, safe animal capture and handling methods, biosecurity, and euthanasia techniques. Maintain technical expertise and licensure in wildlife diseases.
* Recommend and develop professional working agreements with other agencies to enhance the Department’s efforts to address wildlife diseases, and where necessary, to obtain diagnostic and other professional services. Represent the Department at both technical and policy levels regarding wildlife disease issues in Minnesota.
* Provide veterinary consultation for elk restoration project, including chemical immobilization services, safe capture, health testing, clinical veterinary services, and advanced technical expertise on veterinary medical aspects of wildlife translocation and species reintroduction.
* Provide consultation and guidance to the Populations and Regulations Program and DNR Enforcement division regarding disease risk and health concerns related to captive animals.

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Minnesota within 6 months of hire.
* Bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Veterinary Science, or other closely related field.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other licensures necessary to purchase, possess, and administer drugs for chemical immobilization or disease prevention and treatment.
* Two (2) years of veterinarian experience with North American non-captive, free ranging wildlife including capture and handling, chemical immobilization with controlled substances or other pharmaceuticals, interstate travel, and disease surveillance methods.
* Experience in leadwork sufficient to motivate, collaborate, and develop others, and achieve organizational goals or objectives.
* Knowledge of fish and wildlife diseases and management principles, diagnostic testing, laboratory procedures and safety, epidemiology and public health principles, biostatistics, and methods of disease prevention and control.
* Ability to collect biological samples from various wildlife species for diagnostic purposes, perform field necropsies, follow established protocols, and perform veterinary supportive care procedures.
* Knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and other wildlife diseases, wildlife ecology and wildlife management, wildlife research methods, analysis, and experimental design.
* Knowledge of state and federal laws and rules pertaining to wildlife diseases and obtaining and possessing federally controlled drugs for wildlife capture.
* Knowledge of the “wildlife/livestock interface” and emerging One Health issues.
* Ability to formulate new programs, prepare budgets, and coordinate the work of other professional staff.
* Ability to organize seminars, conduct staff training and workshops, prepare technical and popular reports, prepare news releases, conduct media interviews, and deliver public presentations.
* Ability to constructively participate in meetings and collaborate extensively with others to achieve program goals, resolve conflict, and tolerate ambiguity.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* Advanced degree (Master’s and/or Ph.D.) in fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, ecology, veterinary science, public health, or other closely related field.
* Experience in the capture and translocation of free-ranging wildlife for restoration purposes, with emphasis on cervids.
* Experience with the USDA accreditation programs and surveillance protocols related to Chronic Wasting Disease in captive cervids.
* Previously demonstrated ability to successfully implement disease surveillance methods and management strategies for free-ranging wildlife in North America, including Chronic Wasting Disease.
* Ability to design, implement, and publish scientific research projects on free-ranging wildlife to inform wildlife management decisions.
* Experience with humane, live-capture methods for game species including cervids, furbearers, carnivores, small mammals, waterfowl, and other game birds.
* Ability to communicate with division and department leadership, the public, field staff, collaborative partners, and legislators.
* Professional speaking experience to legislatures, conservation commissions, and other leadership organizations on wildlife health issues.

### **Additional Requirements**

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

* Conflict of Interest Review
* Criminal History Check
* Education Verification
* Employment Reference / Records Check
* License / Certification Verification

**Application Details**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

### **Contact**

If you have questions about this position, contact Michelle Carstensen at michelle.carstensen@state.mn.us or 651-539-3309.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jordan Krueger at jordan.krueger@state.mn.us.

#### **Working together to improve the state we love.**

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

* A sense of purpose in their work
* Connection with their coworkers and communities
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth

#### **Benefits**

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

#### **Your benefits may include:**

* Paid vacation and sick leave
* 12 paid holidays each year
* Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
+ Fertility care, including IVF
+ Diabetes care
+ Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
* 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
* Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
* Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
* Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
* Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
* Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

#### **Support to help you reach your career goals:**

* Training, classes, and professional development
* Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

#### **Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:**

* A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
* Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
* Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS**

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

**APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES**

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.