Veterinary Surgeon (VETERINARIAN 4)

Job Summary

This position focuses on providing high-quality surgical care in a private practice setting, with a caseload including orthopedic, soft tissue, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and emergency neurosurgery. A clinical week includes scheduled procedures, consults, and post-operative care. This role is ideal for a service-oriented, skilled general surgeon who excels in a fast-paced, high-quality private practice environment.

PLEASE NOTE: THE UCD SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, SAN DIEGO SATELLITE SPECIALTY REFERRAL AND 24-HOUR EMERGENCY HOSPITAL (VMC-SC) IS RECRUITING FOR ONE (1) VETERINARY SURGEON (VETERINARIAN 5) OR ONE (1) VETERINARY SURGEON (VETERINARIAN 4), BASED ON LICENSURE (EXPERIENCE). PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE POSITION BASED ON LICENSURE. IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN THE VETERINARY SURGEON (VETERINARIAN 5) POSITION - APPLY TO JOB ID #78924 BY 4/28/2026 TO BE CONSIDERED.

Apply By Date: 4/28/2026 at 11:59 pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California by hire date.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent AND completion of a veterinary surgery residency.
• Must be able to sit for the ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons) Board Certification examination.
• Experience in a busy veterinary clinic or academic institution practicing high quality medicine.
• Communication skills and ability to work well with others in a collegial and professional team atmosphere.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of small animal practice experience.
• Teaching experience with veterinary students and/or house officers.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative manner.
• Must have expert diagnostic and decision-making skills in area of specialty/expertise.
• Must be able to diagnose animal condition and make associated treatment recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Clinical Services
• 10% - Other Duties

Department Overview

The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is expanding its veterinary specialty hospital in Southern California. The VMC-SC is a San Diego satellite specialty referral and 24-hour emergency hospital. This will expand the SVM's role in Southern California while providing clients and referring veterinarians with the highest level of customer care. Net income from this practice (which will be staffed by leading non-academic boarded specialists in surgery, internal medicine, critical care, and other specialties) will support the School of Veterinary Medicine's mission. This off-site clinical presence will also enable UC Davis to reach a broader base of clients and supporters and leverage the clinical, teaching, and research excellence at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis, California. The facility will be a $30 M self-supporting enterprise critical to the School of Veterinary Medicine mission.

Department Specific Job Scope

To provide the highest quality veterinary care for small animal patients, to serve the Southern California community, and to advance veterinary medical knowledge.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $122,300/yr. - $259,900/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: VETERINARIAN 4
• UC Job Code: 000354
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Work Environment

The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC Community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Work night and daytime hours for all of the clinical duties assigned, including some UC holiday shifts. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Work under regular exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, cleaning chemicals and exposure to radioactive patients. May require working with or around areas with sick animals, and/or infectious diseases, and distraught clients.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• To learn more about our background check program, visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination