Maryland Department of Agriculture

I.          NATURE OF WORK:

This is professional veterinary work as an experienced veterinary epidemiologist.

An employee in this class provides consultative services to local governmental officials, veterinarians and health organizations in the general field of animal-related problems.  As an experienced public health veterinarian, this employee cooperates with Federal and State Departments of Agriculture and other agencies on various veterinary medical programs and conducts professional investigations of animal diseases which are transmissible and pathogenic to man.  Assistance in the formulation of regulations for the administration and enforcement of laws pertaining to the control of animal diseases and animal related complaints would be provided by this employee.

The employee works under the administrative direction of a Regional Veterinary Epidemiologist.  Work effectiveness is evaluated through observation, staff meetings and/or reports in terms of achievement of program goals.

II.         EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (Examples are illustrative only)

Assists the Regional Public Health Veterinarian and the local health officer plan, develop and implement at a city or county program of preventive medicine in the area of veterinary public health;

Conducts epidemiological investigation into human diseases of animal origin;

Assists in the development of methods for the control and prevention of animal diseases transmissible to man in the formulation and interpretation of regulations for the administration and enforcement of laws pertaining to such diseases;

Cooperates with local veterinary programs and serves as a consultant to staff working on these programs;

Cooperates with State and Federal Departments of Agriculture, State veterinarians, professional organizations, livestock and agriculture organizations and public groups in the administration of laws and regulations pertaining to the prevention of disease of

public health importance;

Represents the Chief of Veterinary Medicine, the Regional Public Health Veterinarian and the local health officer in local public health matters pertaining to veterinary medicine;

Prepares information and makes presentation to professional and civic groups via various media;

Makes post-mortem examination for disease identification; participates in immunization and other Department sanctioned professional activities;

Performs other necessary duties as required.

III.       REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Elementary knowledge of the basic principles and practices of veterinary medicine with particular reference to communicable diseases of animals which are transmissible and pathogenic to man.

Introductory knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations relating to livestock disease control and communicable disease control in man.

Ability to implement the policies of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene so as to ensure a comprehensive and uniform veterinary public health program at the local level; to conduct epidemiological investigation of human outbreaks of disease and to provide recommendations regarding suitable control measures; to participate in research programs in diseases common to animals and man; to work with and secure the cooperation of professional and lay personnel; to interpret Federal, State and local laws relating to animal disease control; to review and prepare specialized reports of veterinary activities; to skillfully use related laboratory equipment, methods and techniques; to perform basic medical and surgical procedures.

IV.       MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a Veterinary Medical Doctor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and possession of a masters degree in Public Health from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

One year of full-time experience in the practice of clinical veterinary medicine.

V.        LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES:

1.  Applicants must be accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture and registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

2.  Applicants must be licensed and currently registered with the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.  A photocopy of current registration must be attached to application.

3.  Applicants who are eligible for a Maryland License on the basis reciprocity or endorsement will be admitted to the State Merit System Examination if a copy of a current letter of eligibility from the Maryland Licensing Board is attached to the application.  Permanent appointment is conditional upon passing Maryland licensing requirements.

DATE ADOPTED:  August 21, 1974

DATE REFORMATTED:  December 1, 2003

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.  

APPROVED:  ___________________________________

                          Director, Division of Salary Administration

                             and Position Classification