DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  Applicant must reside in District 3 or North District 5 or be willing to relocate.  

Under supervision of the GMIS Veterinary Supervisor, provides Veterinarian Services to the Meat Inspection Program for specific assigned Districts according to USDA and State rules and regulations, policies, directives, notices, and memoranda.  Ensures only wholesome meat from humanely slaughtered, healthy food animals, safe from harmful chemicals and drug residues enter the human food chain.

Performs final dispositions on all animals with abnormalities.  Collects pathology samples according to established policies, as deemed necessary.  Personally conducts humane handling verifications while observing the slaughter process.    

Conducts quality assurance and training of meat inspection personnel in the proper performance of humane handling verifications, ante-mortem inspections, postmortem inspections, and sanitation verifications during the slaughter of meat animals.  Reports quality assurance observations to Meat Inspection Supervisors and the GMIS Veterinary Supervisor. 

Provides professional oversight of the sampling and testing program of carcasses and finished products for microbiological and chemical hazards.  Coordinates with Meat Compliance Officers regarding the distribution of meat products in commerce by Georgia meat processors, haulers, retail stores, food warehouses, restaurants, schools, etc.  Completes administrative duties in a timely manner, as assigned.  This position requires daily travel.  May provide relief services in other Districts in the absence of that District’s assigned Veterinarian.  May perform other duties as assigned.  The candidate for this position may be eligible to apply for certain Veterinary Loan Repayment programs.

*Note: District 3 currently encompasses the following counties: Stephens, Banks, Franklin, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Elbert, Barrow, Clarke, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, Walton, Oconee, Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, McDuffie, Columbia, Putnam, Hancock, Warren, Glascock, Jefferson, Richmond, Baldwin, Washington, Wilkinson, Johnson, Emanuel, Twiggs, Bleckley, Laurens, Treutlen, Dodge

North District 5 currently consists of the following counties:  Burke, Jenkins, Screven, Candler, Bulloch, Effingham, Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Tattnall, Evans, Jeff Davis, Appling

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Veterinarian 2 - Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university and licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine and two years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent; OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) from the American Veterinary Medical Association and licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and two years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 1 (HCP170) or position equivalent.

Veterinarian 3 - Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine or equivalent from an accredited college or university and licensed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine and three years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 2 (HCP171) or position equivalent; OR certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) from the American Veterinary Medical Association and licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and three years of experience at the lower level Veterinarian 2 (HCP171) or position equivalent.

 NOTE:  Documents that support the satisfactory completion of minimum qualifications for this position must be provided after selection.  This includes official college transcripts, ECFVG certification, Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine license, etc. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   Preference will be given to applicants, who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: 

• Considerable knowledge of the USDA, FSIS Meat Inspection Program;
• Comprehensive skills in the detection and identification of diseases/conditions during ante-mortem and postmortem inspection;
• Extensive experience with public administration, and proficiency in oral and written communications; and
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:   The selected candidate must successfully complete USDA Inspection Methods; USDA Public Health Veterinary (PHV) training; and USDA Enforcement, Investigative, Analysis Officer (EIAO) training at the first available opportunity after being hired.  Candidate must maintain a current license with the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine to continue employment in this position.    

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.