Veterinarian

Alachua County, FL

Alachua County is seeking a licensed veterinarian to provide medical care and supervise the Veterinary Care division in the Department of Animal Resources. The Veterinary Care services include a variety of clinical and laboratory activities and high‑volume spay‑/neuter programs. Gross intakes to Animal Resources in 2024 were 2,868; intakes for three quarters in 2025 were 2,681. The veterinarian will exercise medical judgment, provide skilled care, and participate in the development of a new state‑of‑the‑art animal shelter.

The position is full‑time, salaried, with a possibility of a shared–position structure and a schedule split between two qualified candidates. A relief‑vet network provides supplemental services. Compensation is $160,000 annually plus a comprehensive benefit package (Florida Retirement System or optional FRS Investment Plan, elective deferred compensation and ROTH IRA plans, health insurance, life insurance, wellness center and services, generous leave allowances).

Relocation expenses up to $2,000 are available. Compensation for a split position would be negotiable.

We are open to candidates who are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Florida or who are licensed in good standing in another U.S. state and can obtain Florida licensure within 30 days of a conditional offer. Non‑Florida license holders must complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination.

Preferred qualifications:

shelter medical experience, one or more years of experience as a licensed veterinarian, and two years supervisory experience.

Essential Functions

• Provide professional services for animal care as a direct provider and supervisor of the Medical Care division.
• Participate as a member of the department management team and attend team meetings.
• Provide medical and surgical care, treatment and sterilization to sheltered animals; conduct examinations and sterilizations for animals transferred to other animal welfare organizations or rescue groups.
• Provide sterilizations for pets of citizens participating in low‑income and low‑cost spay‑/neuter programs.
• Perform forensic exams and necropsies as warranted.
• Provide qualified testimony and documentation in court cases of neglect and cruelty.
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of Division staff; determine work procedures and schedules, assign duties, review and evaluate work products and outcomes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of cleaning, vaccination, intake and quarantine protocols.
• Supervise and develop staff, set expectations, evaluate performance, and take appropriate action as warranted; provide training and employee development.
• Determine need for employee corrective or disciplinary action and initiate as appropriate.
• Train staff in prevention of canine, feline and zoonotic diseases.
• Participate in interviews and hiring decisions for shelter medical staff.
• Communicate directly with applicable staff regarding care of all shelter animals.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with the Humane Society, Veterinary Community Outreach Program, Operation Catnip and other local humane agencies.
• Participate in the continuing education of senior students at the College of Veterinary Medicine in the cooperative externship program with the University of Florida.
• Remain current on latest procedures and developments in shelter medical care.
• Maintain medical inventory, comply with DEA requirements related to controlled substances, and provide medical expertise regarding selection of medical supplies.
• Evaluate medical services and make recommendations to the department director concerning animal care, regulations, policies and procedures, and activities; prepare periodic evaluative reports on medical services.
• Demonstrate and establish division standards to provide professional care with kindness and sensitivity for animals and respect for owners.
• Promote intra‑ and inter‑departmental cooperation and cooperative relations with external partners; foster positive public relations.
• Develop protocols for animal services under emergency conditions and serve as an essential emergency worker during County emergencies.
• Participate in preparation of the division budget and manage resources to meet goals.
• May deliver presentations regarding division services.
• Ensure division and staff certifications are achieved and maintained.
• Perform related duties as required.

Apply online at  with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references. Veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable, should be submitted by January 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to Jim Dinneen at (386) 846‑2612.

* Veterans Preference awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. All aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.

January 30, 2026