American Humane is seeking an experienced Veterinary Officer. This position will be hybrid and reports directly to American Humane’s Chief Veterinary Officer & Animal Ethicist.  American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.  We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary:  

The Veterinary Officer is responsible for providing supervision and support to American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives and performs a wide variety of duties in support of keeping animals safe on filmed media sets around the world through the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program. The position reports to American Humane Chief Veterinary Officer & Animal Ethicist and liaises internally with the VP, Hollywood program, other program leadership and staff, and external constituents.  The Veterinary Officer will contribute across all areas of the program to ensure animal welfare and safety and advise productions to ensure adherence to the AH Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media.

Responsibilities:

• Support CASRs in the field, advising on how to handle situations and alerting the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Sr. Advisor, and Vice President as needed on set issues.

• Work closely with the CVO and Sr. Advisor to ensure The Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media are adhered to.

• Collaborate with the CVO, Sr. Advisor and Vice President on guidelines and advisories including researching animal safety and welfare issues and topics and drafting memoranda and advisories.

• Liaise with production and animal trainers/wranglers in coordination with Sr. Advisor during pre-production planning and filming regarding animal safety and AH Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media and advise productions on how best to safely achieve the animal action.

• Evaluate s cripted animal action and other production documents to assess the need for additional information and/or consultation with production and animal handlers.

• Consult with production to discuss planned animal action, safety precautions and how best to ensure that Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media are followed.

• Research animal welfare issues as needed.

• Respond to animal-related inquiries from production made to the Resource Center, e.g., how to achieve action safely, comply with AH Guidelines and meet federal/state laws and permitting requirements.

• Document all communication with production in the database production files.

• Oversee and provide supervision to CASRs with on-site visits, check-ins, and review of field reports for coaching opportunities.

• Conduct annual performance reviews with full-time CASRs and work with program leadership and human resources to develop a performance review system for on-call CASRs.

• Respond to CASR animal safety and welfare questions on sets, providing guidance on evaluating and managing situations. Communicate with Sr. Advisor regarding issues and incidents and recommend follow-up.

• Review veterinary documents regarding puppy/kitten pre-approval requests.

• Review and approve applications for working puppies.

• Review and evaluate MSDS to determine safe use. Maintain current list of approved ingredients and products.

• Work closely with CVO, Sr. Advisor, and Vice President, and Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) as needed to recommend and update Advisories and Guidelines.

• Participate in and contribute to CASR training and continuing education.

• Work collaboratively with staff to review, maintain, update, and present CASR in-class training material to ensure that the training program effectively teaches current Guidelines, develops core competencies, and prepares trainees for work as a CASR.

• Take the lead in working collaboratively with Sr. Advisor and others to develop Continuing Education opportunities and curriculum for CASRs.

• May assist with administrative and operational functions in support of delivery of animal welfare monitoring.

  Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Must have Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree.

• Must be licensed and maintain veterinary license in at least one state during employment.

• Diversity of experience in animal health and behavior preferred.

• Broad knowledge and familiarity with range of animals, from horses to snakes and spiders, fish, dogs, birds, goats, and cats. Equine knowledge and experience strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of film production processes and understanding of the entertainment industry preferred, including special effects and stunts involving animals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; active listening.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities, juggle multiple tasks, organize time effectively.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong research and writing skills are essential.

• Excellent judgment with the ability to quickly analyze situations and make recommendations or decisions.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both in groups and individually to meet goals.

• Adept at building collaborative relationships with internal staff and external constituents and demonstrating diplomacy.

• High degree of motivation and self-discipline with a strong work ethic. 

• Maintains a conscientious approach to work with the ability to meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs and be proactive to resolve issues.

• Commitment to providing high quality service through responsiveness to all requests and maintaining a professional demeanor always.

• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.

• Knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in the use of software (FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook preferred) while also quickly learning systems and processes specific to the department. 

  Direct reports:  

• Full-time CASRs

• On-Call CASRs

• International Contractor CASRs

  Physical demands and work environment: 

• The position will be a hybrid of in-office and remote work based out of American Humane’s Studio City, CA office. Remote telework to be based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion.  Fully remote work may be considered under special circumstances.

• Travel will be required, including for performing supervisory observation, estimated up to 20%.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be regularly required to:

• Sit for extended periods.

• Look at and work off a computer screen for extended periods.

• Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, video call and in person.

• Must be comfortable around animals, particularly dogs, at the office, events or on work sites.

• Requires some evening and weekend work on a regular basis.

   

  American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.

• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.

• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.

• Loyalty to Mission  – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.

• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.

• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

  American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

   

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