Plans and directs the veterinary program of the State.

The duties involve the responsibility for carrying out a veterinarian program to fulfill the requirements of State statutes and the rules and regulations of the State Board of Agriculture and Immigration. Methods of procedure, organization and design are an integral part of the statewide program. Direction and supervision of the Division of Animal and Dairy Industry is exercised through a State Veterinarian Assistant and wide latitude is permitted in the overall operations to effect enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations. Public contacts, policy interpretation and recommendations for policy changes are a major function in the overall assignment. Only problems of major importance or intra-agency problems are referred to the agency head for direction.

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this Class:

1. P1ans the organization and staffing pattern of the Division, coordinating the program with that of the Federal Bureau of Animal Industry; exercises general direction over professional staff through a State Veterinarian Assistant.
2. Confers with State Veterinarian Assistant on field problems including enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, personnel, operational procedures and fiscal problems.
3. Determines need for policy and standards changes; confers with State Board of Agriculture and Immigration to effect necessary changes; recommends consolidation or establishment of new subdivisions to meet veterinary needs.
4. Approves budgetary requests for submission to State Board; aids in selection and approves payment for capital outlays, prepares periodic reports of divisional operations and articles for publication.
5. Attends local, State and rational meetings relating to veterinary medicine, livestock and dairy practices; answers questions of cattlemen, farmers and dairymen concerning rules and regulations and Federal requirements for the prevention, control and eradication of contagious and infectious diseases in animals and dairy products; addresses livestock producers, dealers, dairymen and other interested groups.

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a degree in veterinary medicine and six years’ experience in professional veterinary work, at least three years of which must have involved supervisory and administrative responsibilities. A graduate degree in veterinary medicine may be substituted for two years of the general experience.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern veterinary medicine and the causes, symptoms and control of livestock diseases; thorough knowledge of the State statutes governing a veterinary program.

Ability to organize, develop and direct a Statewide veterinary program; ability to meet and work effectively with livestock owners, dealers and the general public in enforcement of law and presentation of the State veterinary program.

Last updated: 2/16/58