The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include:
Coordinates program requirements with federal, state, and animal industry officials.
Coordinates or conducts investigations and studies of unusual or serious naturally occurring disease outbreaks in equine within in the state. This duty includes collecting epidemiological and demographical information, performing field necropsies, collecting specimens for laboratory examination and testing and making preliminary recommendations regarding the prevention, control and containment of disease conditions disclosed. In cases where foreign animal diseases of equine are suspected, the incumbent will be immediately dispatched to investigate or assist in investigating the occurrence as a foreign animal disease investigation.
Coordinates, designs, and maintains epidemiological information as it relates to such disease outbreak investigations and other animal health programs within the bureau.
Coordinates the investigation and study of equine disease problems in the state. This responsibility includes cooperative consultation with laboratory and field personnel, United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), extension veterinarians and private equine veterinarian practitioners.
Retrieves database-stored equine disease data and reviews such data from an epidemiological perspective; compiles this information into comprehensive written or oral narratives for informational purposes for reporting significant diseases that may impact the general public and equine industries in the state.
Provides veterinary medical expertise and administrative leadership to the State Emergency Operations Center, ESF-17 staff during emergencies.
Participates in planning, training, and staffing for exercises and/or real-time emergency operations. Performs related work as required.
Interacts closely with information specialists of the department, key equine industry leaders and other interested parties to keep them informed about current and proposed equine-related policies, procedures, rules and regulations relative to disease prevention, control and eradication efforts conducted by the department. Attends equine industry meetings to discuss and give presentations about various program activities for which the incumbent is responsible.
Organizes and directs the work-related activities of the Equine Programs within the state, ensuring that each supervisee understands their duties and are properly trained for the delegated tasks.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year;
State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options;
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
Eligibility for licensure as a veterinarian by the State of Florida in accordance with Florida Statute 474 and three (3) years of professional experience as a veterinarian.
A master's degree from an accredited college or university in public health or board certification in public health can substitute for one year of the required experience.
Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
Incumbent must wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) when required.
Occasional travel required.
NOTES:
Preference will be given to those with experience in the care and husbandry of domestic animals.
Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
About Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.
Here are some of the many ways we are working for you:
We protect Florida’s livestock, honey bees and crop plants from pests and diseases.
We promote Florida’s 300 agricultural commodities across America and around the world.
We help farmers implement best management practices to conserve water and prevent water pollution.
We assist businesses and residents in the safe and proper use of pesticides.
We manage over a million acres of state forest land for multiple uses, including timber, wildlife habitat and recreation.
We fight wildfires to protect lives and property.
Through regulation and mediation, we safeguard consumers from unlawful and deceptive business practices.
We’re the state’s clearinghouse for consumer concerns. Our call center analysts answer questions, provide information and help resolve complaints.
We assist Florida’s schools in serving more than a ...million healthful meals each day, providing our students with the sustenance they need to succeed.
We inspect grocery stores and convenience stores for cleanliness and safety.
As Florida’s lead agency for food safety, we analyze more than 15,000 food samples each year. Our scientists test for toxins, allergens, chemical contaminants, pesticide residues, food additives and fraudulent formulations.
This is only a small portion of the services we offer. This website will tell you much more about the work that we do. We’re here to help. If you need direct assistance, please contact us.