Under the direction of a supervisory official within the Communicable Disease Service; this position will assist the N.J. State Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) with supervising the office of Veterinary Public Health (VPH). Responsibilities include developing policy and regulations related to licensed animal facilities in New Jersey; monitoring and regulating the conduct and operation of licensed animal facilities; overseeing Animal Control Officer (ACO) training courses, certification, complaint investigations, and certificate revocation. In addition, this position will assist with coordinating a low-cost spay and neuter program with participating veterinarians across the state, managing dog licensing statistics and revenue, and overseeing the animal rabies vaccination program. Provides consultations to local health departments (LHDs) on regulations pertaining to licensed animal facilities and works with VPH staff to provide training on how to inspect licensed animal facilities, investigate complaints, and take enforcement action when violations are found. The selected candidate will accompany LHDs on site visits for training and inspections and perform inspections as needed.

Assists with surveillance of, and the response to, zoonotic disease reports and outbreaks and responding to reportable zoonotic diseases in domestic companion animals. Monitors the incidence of zoonotic diseases, including avian chlamydiosis, Q Fever, brucellosis, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and rabies, identifying trends and patterns, conducting appropriate investigations, and developing appropriate recommendations for further study or control.  Provides education on the prevention of rabies and works with LHDs to investigate potential rabies exposures. Reports findings and collaborates with internal and external partners.

The preferred candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and experience or interest in the field of veterinary shelter medicine. Additionally, the preferred candidate will have supervisory experience and experience in applied epidemiology or as part of an interdisciplinary team.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter to PSTEEOH@doh.nj.gov. 

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited school of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree supplemented by a Master's degree in Public Health from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience in the field of public health, with a federal, state, or local agency, in the field of epidemiology or in a veterinary public health program.

NOTE: Applicants who lack the Master's degree may substitute one (1) additional year of experience in a state, local, or federal agency as a Veterinarian in Public Health or other related work field.

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a motor vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

About NJ Dept of Health

New Jersey Department of Health Improving health through leadership and innovation The Department’s priority is improving population health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system. The Department’s five branches, Public Health Services, Health Systems, Integrated Health, Office of Population Health and the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning work collaboratively toward that goal. Population health focuses on keeping healthy New Jerseyans well, preventing those at risk from getting sick, and keeping those with chronic conditions from getting sicker. Population health promotes prevention, wellness and equity in all environments, resulting in a healthy New Jersey.

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