Chief Veterinarian Officer (Public Service Manager II) - Augusta

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as the State’s Chief Veterinarian, responsible for safeguarding animal health and protecting public health through the prevention and control of animal diseases, including those transmissible to humans (zoonotic diseases). The role provides leadership and oversight of dynamic poultry, livestock, and animal disease management programs that directly support and protect the agricultural sector. Responsibilities include supervising and mentoring dedicated field staff; developing and implementing comprehensive disease prevention and response strategies; providing technical expertise across programs; leading public outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts; conducting investigations of reportable diseases; collaborating with state and federal partners to prepare for and respond to animal health threats; and contributing to the development and modernization of laws and regulations. This position offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule (office and remote), supporting both professional effectiveness and work-life balance. For questions specific to the position, please contact Megan L. Patterson at: megan.l.patterson@maine.gov

Requirements

A degree in Veterinary Medicine
a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the US
at least (3) years of professional veterinary experience focusing on large, mixed or food animal practice
Within one month of employment, must be a licensed Maine veterinarian, USDA Category II accredited, and CCT trained
Must be willing to complete training to become a FADD within six months of employment or as soon as training is available, whichever comes first.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine and surgery
Knowledge of current diagnostics and treatment techniques and practices
Knowledge of proper animal husbandry procedures for all domestic and aquatic species.
Knowledge of avian and livestock diseases and their current treatment and control method
Experience in interpreting and/or knowledge of animal and public health laws and regulations
Knowledge of state and federal agencies involved in animal health emergencies
Supervisory and project management experience, including field-based response activities to disease outbreaks or other emergent issues of concern
Knowledge of budgeting, contract administration, and personnel regulations
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the development of accurate records and reports and effective planning documents
Experience with public speaking, including legislative and/or legal testimony
Ability to develop partnerships and work effectively with a diverse community of stakeholders

Responsibilities

safeguarding animal health
protecting public health through the prevention and control of animal diseases, including those transmissible to humans (zoonotic diseases)
leadership and oversight of dynamic poultry, livestock, and animal disease management programs that directly support and protect the agricultural sector
supervising and mentoring dedicated field staff
developing and implementing comprehensive disease prevention and response strategies
providing technical expertise across programs
leading public outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts
conducting investigations of reportable diseases
collaborating with state and federal partners to prepare for and respond to animal health threats
contributing to the development and modernization of laws and regulations

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 18.91% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.