Lead Veterinarian, Teacher/ Program Leader
A well-established animal health organization is seeking an experienced veterinarian to lead a nationally recognized surgical education program focused on high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter techniques. This individual will be responsible for the strategic direction, day-to-day management, and continued growth of the training program while serving as a primary surgical instructor for licensed veterinarians.
The successful candidate will oversee clinical operations, mentor veterinary professionals, and provide hands-on surgical training in a fast-paced educational environment. This position is fully onsite and requires flexibility to accommodate occasional adjustments in training and surgical schedules.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of veterinary professionals delivering advanced spay/neuter and surgical training programs while maintaining exceptional standards of patient care and clinic operations.
- Direct program development efforts, including curriculum design, training initiatives, operational planning, and continuous improvement activities.
- Serve as a primary instructor for licensed veterinarians participating in continuing education programs focused on sterilization procedures and surgical best practices.
- Provide oversight of patient care throughout the perioperative process, including preoperative evaluation, anesthesia, surgery, recovery, and post-operative management.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with animal shelters, rescue organizations, humane societies, and other community animal welfare groups.
- Mentor and develop veterinary and support staff through training, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Ensure adherence to established medical, surgical, and safety protocols.
Surgical Training Areas
Preoperative Management
- Patient assessment and candidate selection for routine sterilization procedures.
- Identification and management of higher-risk surgical patients.
- Anesthesia and analgesia protocols, monitoring, and patient safety.
- Surgical preparation and operating room workflow.
- Surgical team coordination and efficiency.
Surgical Techniques
- Anatomy and surgical principles relevant to sterilization procedures.
- High-quality, high-volume surgical methods and workflow optimization.
- Surgical instrument utilization and pack standardization.
- Tissue handling, ligation techniques, incision planning, and closure methods.
- Sterile technique maintenance in high-volume settings.
- Ergonomics, surgeon efficiency, and injury prevention.
Postoperative Care
- Recognition and management of surgical complications.
- Pain management strategies.
- Recovery monitoring and patient support.
Community Cat Programs
- Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) methodologies.
- Humane trapping practices.
- Postoperative care and release considerations.
Qualifications
Required
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) with an active veterinary license, or eligibility for licensure in the state of employment.
- DEA registration or willingness to obtain one, as required.
- Demonstrated expertise in high-volume spay/neuter surgery.
- Proven leadership experience within a veterinary clinical environment.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on surgical setting.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive surgical procedures throughout the day.
- Ability to safely handle and lift animal patients, with assistance when appropriate.
Preferred
- Significant shelter medicine experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with experience working in animal shelters, municipal shelters, humane societies, rescue organizations, or high-volume community medicine programs will be highly regarded.
- Experience teaching, mentoring, or providing clinical instruction to veterinarians or veterinary students.
- Familiarity with spectrum-of-care veterinary medicine principles.
- Experience developing educational programs, surgical curricula, or professional training initiatives.
- Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with animal welfare organizations and community partners.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a skilled surgeon, educator, and leader who is passionate about expanding access to high-quality spay/neuter services while advancing veterinary education. Candidates with a strong background in shelter medicine and high-volume surgical practice will be particularly attractive for this opportunity.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.
