06/22/1999 53530

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

DEFINITION: This is administrative and professional veterinary work in directing programs related to the prevention and control of domestic animal and poultry diseases, diagnostic laboratory services and providing support services to the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission.

The employee in this class is responsible for planning, directing and implementing programs related to the study, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, control and eradication of animal and poultry diseases. Work includes coordinating programs with other state and federal agencies, recommending revisions to laws and implementing laws, rules and regulations pertaining to animal health. Work also includes supervision of laws relating to animals and animal products, representing the Department in national and international animal health cooperative programs, providing technical support to the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, providing oversight of animal disease diagnostic services funded by the Department of Agriculture, developing and implementing policies and procedures designed to insure efficient Bureau operations, advising the Deputy Secretary for Administration and other officials on animal health issues, and recommending and advocating substantive program policy changes when appropriate. Directs through subordinate staff programs related to the discovery of diseases in animals and aquatic species and directs the administration of regulatory programs to prevent and control disease as provided by State and Federal law. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary for Administration for adherence to law and agency goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and directs programs to prevent, control, and eradicate diseases affecting domestic animals and poultry in the Commonwealth.

Develops and recommends revision of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal and/or poultry health.

Represents the department in national and international animal health cooperative programs.

Provides administrative assistance to the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission diagnostic laboratory services and directs a professional staff that deals with animal and/or poultry health and aquatic species.

Plans and directs surveillance of domestic animals to determine the prevalence of disease.

Meets with people interested in the livestock industry, such as breeders, producers, meat processors, consumers and other related similar organizations.

Visits district offices and reviews work and programs and consults with employees on the progress of projects and activities.

Responsible for insuring efficient Bureau operation and the direction of Bureau administrative activities.

Advises the Deputy Secretary for Administration and other officials on animal health issues and recommends and advocates program policy changes when appropriate.

Collaborates with leaders from other agencies and jurisdictions on new and ongoing investigations related to animal health and disease detection and eradication.

An employee in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinate's work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in the field of animal disease diagnosis and epizootiology.

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

Knowledge of organizational management principles including fiscal management.

Knowledge of meat industry operations and of the diseases of animals which affect humans.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of scientific research work.

Ability to plan and organize the work of a professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Ability to integrate Bureau priorities, procedures, and policies with the Department of Agriculture.

Ability to advise and provide leadership to Department officials regarding animal health issues.

Ability to interpret and explain the impact of federal, state, and local laws and regulations on the administration of an animal health program.

Ability to write and/or orally present technical reports relating to animal health activities and conduct meetings.

Ability to prepare budgets and account for program expenditures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other state and federal officials and the general public in programs of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.

Ability to direct experiments and surveys to identify and determine incidence of livestock diseases.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Ten (10) years of experience in the diagnosis and management of animal diseases in a university, governmental, industrial or private practice, including five (5) years experience in a supervisory capacity directing professional and technical staff.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a DVM/VMD degree from an AMVA or AVMA approved college.