04/08/2005 53520

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

DEFINITION: This is administrative and professional veterinarian work in developing animal and poultry health policies, emergency response planning, and, when necessary, functioning as the acting Bureau Director.

The employee in this job develops animal and poultry health policies to ensure the protection of animal agriculture in Pennsylvania. Work includes supervising the Chief of the Regulation and Compliance Division, the Animal/Poultry Health Manager, and the Epizootiology Program Manager; overseeing the development of programs and policies to prevent, detect, control and eradicate animal and poultry diseases; directing the overall development, administration, and coordination of animal and poultry emergency response policies and procedures; and acting as the Bureau Director in his or her absence. The employee takes the lead role in overseeing and coordinating federal grants and serves as liaison with other state agencies and the federal government. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Bureau Director, who reviews program policies, planning, and accomplishments through conferences and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Coordinates animal emergency response plans and activities in conjunction with Bureau staff and other professional animal health staff.

Coordinates the development and administration of all animal health federal grants and cooperative agreements.

Develops animal health policies based upon the research and recommendations of subordinates and other animal health professionals, trends in animal diseases, and relevant state and federal regulations.

Advises Bureau Director of incidence, prevalence, trends, controls, and best management practices of domestic animal diseases.

Serves as the primary decision-maker for the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services in the absence of the Bureau Director.

Coordinates Bureau participation in national surveillance and compliance activities.

Serves as Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management Committee.

Develops and coordinates interstate and intrastate movement standards related to animal and poultry health concerns.

Serves as liaison with animal industry organizations, federal government, university professionals, and other state agencies and stakeholders.

Supervises professional and clerical staff.

Makes technical presentations at meetings of animal industry, veterinary or other professional organizations.

Oversees and coordinates the development, enhancement, and refinement of the PA HERDS database.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in animal science and veterinary medicine.

Knowledge of the current methods and techniques applicable to special and emergency disease programs.

Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and research regarding the causes, origin and control of diseases of domestic animals and poultry.

Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures, rules and regulations, policies, and standards related to animal and poultry health.

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and procedures that affect animal health programs.

Knowledge of livestock industry marketing practices and livestock values.

Ability to effectively communicate with animal owners, veterinarians and the animal industry at large to establish, and gain support for, animal disease control programs.

Ability to integrate the priorities of each Division, practicing veterinarians, and animal producers into overall Bureau policies that are consistent with Department of Agriculture priorities, procedures, and policies.

Ability to effectively direct and supervise professional, technical, and administrative staff.

Ability to write technical reports and give technical presentations.

Ability to work with and utilize electronic hardware and software such as computers, electronic mail, and databases.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of experience as a veterinarian in food animal or poultry preventive medicine, including three years experience in a supervisory capacity directing professional staff. Graduate veterinary training in epidemiology or pathology may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. The graduate training must have been gained after attainment of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a current license to practice veterinary medicine as issued by a State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: If the employee is not licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Pennsylvania, he/she must obtain Pennsylvania licensure within twelve (12) months of being hired.