Veterinary Services Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Veterinary Services Manager plays a critical leadership role in advancing the health, welfare, and quality of care provided to every animal at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Reporting to the Medical Director, this position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Medical Department, leading a dedicated team of Veterinary Assistants, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and contracted veterinary professionals in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The Veterinary Services Manager is responsible for ensuring efficient medical operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting exceptional patient care, and fostering a collaborative, positive workplace culture. Working closely with every department across the Shelter, this leader helps create a seamless experience for animals from intake through adoption or transfer while continuously improving processes, developing staff, and supporting the Shelter's lifesaving mission.

Note: 5 days a week position

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in the Shelter's care.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop Veterinary Assistant staff while fostering a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
• Recruit, onboard, and train new Veterinary Assistants.
• Coordinate daily departmental workflow, assign responsibilities, and monitor operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal treatment plans and medical status boards.
• Handle and maintain controlled substances in compliance with all applicable regulations (Controlled Substance Permit required).
• Monitor medical supply and pharmaceutical inventory, ensuring timely ordering, proper storage, distribution, and inventory control.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of medical records, utilizing administrative access to correct records as needed.
• Assist the Medical Director and RVT with anesthesia induction training and ongoing staff development.
• Serve as the primary medical resource for Shelter staff in the absence of the Medical Director, providing guidance on routine medical questions and procedures.
• Ensure full compliance with all Controlled Substance regulations, including licensing, recordkeeping, labeling, tracking, and inventory management.
• Oversee routine maintenance and monthly sterilization testing of medical equipment, including the autoclave.
• Monitor staff radiation dosimetry reports and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Develop and manage monthly staff schedules while monitoring attendance and staffing needs.
• Schedule, coordinate, and assist with monthly Medical Department meetings.
• Partner closely with other department leaders to promote exceptional animal care and operational excellence.
• Coordinate scheduling for contract veterinarians and specialty medical consultations.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to recruit, train, and support medical volunteers while ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
• Coordinate externship opportunities with veterinary and veterinary technician programs, including Platt College and College of the Desert.
• Review, code, and submit departmental invoices and purchase orders for timely processing.
• Identify and flag eligible LOVE, SAVE, and Homeless Pet Fund cases for Accounting and Development.
• Screen animals and owners for SAVE Fund assistance and coordinate approval with the Medical Director.
• Promote a professional, respectful, and solutions-oriented work environment.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities relevant to the position.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as applicable AVMA standards and Shelter policies.
• Maintain flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and additional hours as operational needs require.
• Report facility and IT issues promptly to the Facilities Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Shelter values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers
• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers
• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Shelter
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum 2-years experience as a veterinarian staff manager.
• Minimum 2-year of experience as a veterinary assistant and/or RVT.
• Must have a controlled drug permit.
• Prior Shelter experience is a plus.

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Proven team building skills
• Ability to prioritize and work under the pressure of constantly changing priorities, unanticipated urgent demands, and multiple tasks.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and a diverse public population
• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented
• Able to enthusiastically work in a fast paced environment
• Proficient with computer data entry
• Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires
• Knowledge of animal behavior
• A watch with a second hand is required
• A Stethoscope could be required

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Controlled Substance Permit

PHYSICAL DEMANDS – Summary:

Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Frequent computer use is also necessary. Must be able to lift to the waist 35 lbs. Must be able to push, pull and/or restrain up to 50 lbs.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION – This position has access to confidential information –

• Customer Information
• Animal/Pet information including medical status