Position: VETERINARIAN ADVANCED, AGRICULTURE

Introduction

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis

Main Purpose of Job

Leads the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Project within the Wildlife & Heritage Service. Responds to morbidity and mortality events of all species of wildlife in Maryland. Responds to wildlife health-related events, conducts necropsy examinations, collects life history data and samples for analysis, and provides input and support for wildlife research projects undertaken by the unit. Provides support in acquiring and maintaining inventory of wildlife immobilization drugs used for research and wildlife response activities.

Advises federal agency biologists on health and disease investigations for wild animals. Monitors health of selected species. Manages personnel, budgets, grants, and contracts. Represents the department on national, state, local, university and private organizations through teams, committees and working groups. Develops outreach and training materials to inform management, biologists, veterinarians, and the public. Coordinates One Health veterinary efforts with MD Departments of Health and Agriculture.

Provides guidance to agency biologists and provides field assistance concerning Chronic Wasting Disease, Hemorrhagic Disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and all other wildlife diseases in Maryland. Assists with fishery, hatchery, and marine mammal health and disease issues on an as-needed basis.

Position Duties

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) is currently accepting applications for a Veterinarian Advanced, Agriculture. This position will serve as the wildlife and fisheries veterinarian for the Department of Natural Resources, with an emphasis on wildlife. The person hired for this position will oversee the Wildlife and Fish Health Project and will provide direct guidance to agency biologists and provide field assistance in all matters concerning wildlife and fish health.

Areas of concern currently include, but are not limited to, Chronic Wasting Disease and Hemorrhagic Disease in deer, mange in black bears, several furbearer-related health studies, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Maryland's waterfowl. The incumbent will also assist with fishery, hatchery, and marine mammal health and disease issues on an as-needed basis, including the writing and certification of veterinary feed directives for the state hatchery system.

As part of their daily duties, the veterinarian will respond to mortality events of all species of wildlife and fish in Maryland and will develop and implement disease surveillance management plans accordingly. They will conduct necropsy examinations, collect life history data and samples for analysis, conduct research, and provide input and support for other wildlife research projects undertaken by the agency.

The veterinarian will also provide the support and credentials for acquiring and maintaining the wildlife immobilization drugs that are commonly used for research and wildlife emergency response activities in the state. They will also provide training and expertise on the use of these drugs and the safe and ethical treatment of immobilized wildlife. As needed, they will manage budgets, grants, and contracts, and will develop outreach and training materials to inform management, biologists, other veterinarians, and the public about wildlife and fish health.

The wildlife and fisheries veterinarian will also be DNR's representative, along with Maryland Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, on One Health initiatives. The veterinarian will also represent the department through various other national, state, local, university and private working groups involved with wildlife and human health, and they will collaborate with federal agency biologists on health and disease issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or a Veterinary Medical Doctor's degree from a college or university accredited or recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association or its equivalent.

Experience: Four years of full-time postdoctoral experience in Veterinary Medicine, three years must have been in a Veterinary diagnostic laboratory specialty area or equivalent.

• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctor of Philosophy degree or Doctor of Science degree in veterinary pathology or microbiology or board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or Veterinary Microbiologists for three years of the required specialized experience.
• Candidates may…