06/26/1992 53230

ANIMAL/POULTRY HEALTH MANAGER, AGRICULTURE

DEFINITION: This is professional work in managing the operations of the statewide development and direction of programs for prevention and control of diseases of domestic animals and/or poultry in the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture.

This position directs the development of programs to prevent, detect, control and eradicate animal and/or poultry diseases. The employee in this class participates with the Bureau Director and other Division Chiefs in the overall development, administration and coordination of all animal and/or poultry disease control programs conducted by the Department. The employee in this class is responsible for providing veterinary medical advice and consultation regarding diseases of domestic animals and poultry to professional and technical employees and to veterinarians in practice. This employee directs and supervises professional, technical and clerical staff required to administer the various disease control programs. Supervision is received from the Bureau Director through directives, conferences and communications.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and develops statewide programs for the control of dangerous transmissible diseases of domestic animals and/or poultry.

Oversees epidemiologic investigation to determine causes and remedies for dangerous transmissible diseases of animals and/or poultry.

Provides guidance, coordination and oversight of Department research into the causes and control of diseases of domestic animals and/or poultry.

Provides administrative and technical assistance to prepare budgets, to develop program initiatives, to evaluate program emphasis and effectiveness, and to establish cooperative programs with Federal and State governments.

Supervises staff to provide data management, communications and certification procedures necessary to administer domestic animal disease and/or poultry control programs.

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

Promotes and coordinates disease control programs among interested groups and other governmental agencies.

Interviews prospective employees and recommends employee selection.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of 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 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 effectively direct and supervise clerical support staff.

Ability to make reports and make technical presentations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience as a veterinarian in food animal or poultry preventive medicine. 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 license to practice veterinary medicine as issued by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.