Chief Veterinarian

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

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.

Required

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.

What Makes Wake Great Equal Opportunity Statement Background Check Statement Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.