The Assistant State Veterinarian supports the health and welfare of North Dakota's livestock industry and protects public health through livestock inspection, animal disease surveillance, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness and response.
This position plays an important role in the State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program and the Animal Health Programs. Working in coordination with the Agriculture Commissioner, the Animal Health Division, and the Board of Animal Health, the Assistant State Veterinarian applies veterinary expertise, professional judgment, and knowledge of applicable laws and regulations to protect animal health, promote humane treatment, and support the safe and efficient movement of livestock and livestock products throughout North Dakota.
The preferred candidate will reside in the eastern portion of North Dakota, with preference given to candidates located in Barnes, Foster, Kidder, or Stutsman County. Geographic location is an important consideration to ensure timely regulatory oversight and consistent coverage of meat and poultry processing plants within the designated service area.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem livestock inspections, oversee humane handling verification, evaluate findings, determine carcass dispositions, and obtain diagnostic assistance when needed.
- Carry out Board of Animal Health rules and orders, review Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, investigate regulatory violations, and assist with compliance activities.
- Monitor, investigate, and report animal diseases; conduct herd and field surveillance; and support state and federal animal health programs.
- Maintain accurate records and follow established biosecurity, specimen handling, and disease prevention procedures.
- Participate in animal health and agricultural emergency preparedness and response activities, including coordinating with partner agencies and training emergency responders.
- Assist with livestock welfare complaint investigations, provide stakeholder education, facilitate authorized animal confiscation or removal, and coordinate with USDA Animal Care when applicable.
- Assist with Board of Animal Health newsletters, educational materials, training, and presentations for veterinarians, livestock producers, industry groups, and state organizations.
- Respond to inquiries from veterinarians, producers, and other stakeholders regarding animal health, disease prevention, inspection findings, and regulatory requirements.
- Present findings and reports at Board of Animal Health meetings and provide testimony at court proceedings and legislative hearings, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college.
- North Dakota veterinary license and applicable federal accreditation for animal health and meat inspection programs.
- At least three years of veterinary practice experience.
- Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to interpret diagnostic findings, scientific information, laws, and regulations and apply sound professional judgment.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with veterinarians, livestock producers, industry representatives, regulatory officials, the public, and partner agencies.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform animal handling, inspections, and fieldwork in varying environments and weather conditions.
- Ability to work in home-based, field, and office environments and maintain an onsite presence at the State Capitol in Bismarck one to two days per week, or as requested.
- Ability to work varying shifts, weekends, and holidays for emergency response activities and participate in an on-call rotation every fourth weekend.
Valid North Dakota Class D driver's license and ability to travel throughout North Dakota, including occasional overnight travel to attend conferences, meetings, continuing education, and other work-related events as required.
Preferred Qualifications:- Background in food animal or mixed-animal veterinary practice.
- Familiarity with state or federal animal health programs, emergency response, or foreign animal disease preparedness.
- Knowledge of regulatory enforcement, compliance, inspections, or investigations.
- Training or practical knowledge in epidemiology, disease surveillance, or outbreak investigation.
- Ability to administer or coordinate state or federal programs.
- Skills in meat or poultry inspection, carcass evaluation, or diagnostic laboratory coordination.
- Knowledge of animal welfare investigations and compliance procedures.
- Ability to develop educational materials and deliver presentations or training to veterinarians, livestock producers, industry groups, or the public
- Supervisory skills or demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Application Procedures:Applicants must complete the online application at www.nd.gov/careers by the closing date at 11:59 p.m. CT. The application must include a resume, cover letter, and college transcripts, either official or unofficial.
The cover letter should provide a detailed summary of how your education, professional experience, and skills align with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does not provide employment sponsorship.
Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the application process should contact [redacted] or call [redacted].
For more information or to request accommodation or assistance during the application or selection process, please contact Shelley Theisen, Human Resource Officer, at [redacted] or [redacted].
