What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Veterinarian position at Wake County Government and Careers?
What You'll Be Doing
This position is eligible for a Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000.
As Chief Veterinarian, you will go beyond clinical care by leading programs that keep animals healthy from intake to adoption, including high-volume spay/neuter, vaccination, and preventive care. You will develop practical, innovative strategies to protect population health and create individualized plans for animals with complex medical or behavioral needs.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Lead a shelter medicine program supported by strong county commitment and community engagement
Influence policies, protocols, and population management decisions with your expertise
Access continuing education and professional development to keep your skills current
Make a measurable difference in animal welfare while serving a community that values public service
This position combines hands-on medicine with system-wide impact, including guiding protocols, overseeing population management, and fostering a culture of excellence that balances animal well-being with outstanding service to the public. Your strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and community focus will directly shape live-release outcomes and the center’s long-term success.
About Our Team
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. The Center works in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
One year of veterinary experience
NCVL - North Carolina Veterinary License
USDA APHIS Accreditation
DEA Registration or the ability to obtain upon hire
Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
Equivalent education and experience are NOT accepted
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
Three years of shelter medicine experience
One year of high quality-high volume spay-neuter experience
Two years of clinical private practice experience
One year of supervisory experience
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
You’re more than a skilled shelter veterinarian, a leader, a problem-solver, and an advocate for shelter animals. We’re looking for someone who brings:
Shelter medicine expertise: Proven knowledge of high-volume spay/neuter, preventive health, and treatment of common shelter diseases
Customer and community focus: Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and the public to build trust and provide excellent service
Commitment to quality care: Dedication to evidence-based protocols that protect population health and support high live-release outcomes
Creative problem-solving: Skill in identifying new pathways for animals in our care to thrive
Leadership and mentorship: Experience guiding veterinary and support teams, setting clear standards, and fostering professional growth
Behavioral understanding: Ability to recognize and manage stress-related or abnormal animal behavior using best-practice interventions
Strategic thinking: Capacity to balance immediate medical needs with long-term program planning and continuous improvement
About This Position
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Hiring Range: 93,813 - 168,859
Market Range: 93,813.00 - 168,859.00
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
This position is eligible for a Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000.
As Chief Veterinarian, you will go beyond clinical care by leading programs that keep animals healthy from intake to adoption, including high-volume spay/neuter, vaccination, and preventive care. You will develop practical, innovative strategies to protect population health and create individualized plans for animals with complex medical or behavioral needs.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Lead a shelter medicine program supported by strong county commitment and community engagement
Influence policies, protocols, and population management decisions with your expertise
Access continuing education and professional development to keep your skills current
Make a measurable difference in animal welfare while serving a community that values public service
This position combines hands-on medicine with system-wide impact, including guiding protocols, overseeing population management, and fostering a culture of excellence that balances animal well-being with outstanding service to the public. Your strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and community focus will directly shape live-release outcomes and the center’s long-term success.
About Our Team
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. The Center works in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
One year of veterinary experience
NCVL - North Carolina Veterinary License
USDA APHIS Accreditation
DEA Registration or the ability to obtain upon hire
Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
Equivalent education and experience are NOT accepted
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
Three years of shelter medicine experience
One year of high quality-high volume spay-neuter experience
Two years of clinical private practice experience
One year of supervisory experience
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
You’re more than a skilled shelter veterinarian, a leader, a problem-solver, and an advocate for shelter animals. We’re looking for someone who brings:
Shelter medicine expertise: Proven knowledge of high-volume spay/neuter, preventive health, and treatment of common shelter diseases
Customer and community focus: Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and the public to build trust and provide excellent service
Commitment to quality care: Dedication to evidence-based protocols that protect population health and support high live-release outcomes
Creative problem-solving: Skill in identifying new pathways for animals in our care to thrive
Leadership and mentorship: Experience guiding veterinary and support teams, setting clear standards, and fostering professional growth
Behavioral understanding: Ability to recognize and manage stress-related or abnormal animal behavior using best-practice interventions
Strategic thinking: Capacity to balance immediate medical needs with long-term program planning and continuous improvement
About This Position
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Hiring Range: 93,813 - 168,859
Market Range: 93,813.00 - 168,859.00
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Salary : $93,813 - $168,859