Position Number: 22094801
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $132,607
Livestock & Poultry
Hiring Authority:
1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501/219-6370
Email: paula.jones@agriculture.arkansas.gov
As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.
Position Information
Job Series: Veterinary - Competitive
Classification: State Veterinarian
Class Code: MVE01C
Pay Grade: MED10
Salary Range: $132,607 - $196,258
Job Summary
The State Veterinarian is the highest-ranking veterinary official in Arkansas, responsible for overseeing animal health programs, disease prevention and control, and livestock industry regulations. This role ensures the protection of public health, food safety, and agricultural biosecurity by developing policies, enforcing state and federal regulations, and coordinating emergency response efforts related to animal health crises.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop and implement statewide animal health policies to prevent and control infectious and zoonotic diseases.
Oversee disease surveillance, testing programs, and outbreak investigations for livestock, poultry, and companion animals.
Ensure compliance with state and federal animal health laws in coordination with USDA, FDA, and other regulatory bodies.
Direct emergency response efforts for disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and agricultural biosecurity threats.
Enforce state animal health regulations, livestock movement restrictions, and import/export laws.
Oversee licensing and inspections of animal facilities, including livestock markets, and veterinary clinics.
Collaborate with industry partners to develop policies that balance economic growth with public health protection.
Serve as the state’s official representative on veterinary and agricultural regulatory matters at national conferences and government meetings.
Provide expert guidance and strategic direction to veterinary staff, field inspectors, and program managers.
Lead public outreach initiatives on animal disease prevention, responsible livestock management, and food safety.
Testify before state legislature and regulatory boards on matters related to animal health policy and public safety.
Monitor emerging disease trends, scientific advancements, and policy changes to inform state regulations.
Develop and oversee preparedness plans for foreign animal disease outbreaks, including response coordination with emergency management agencies.
Participate in research initiatives and interagency collaborations to improve animal disease diagnostics and prevention strategies.
Knowledge and Skills
Expertise in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, public health, and disease control strategies.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing livestock, food safety, and biosecurity.
Strong ability to analyze epidemiological data and develop risk assessments for disease outbreaks.
Experience in regulatory compliance, policy development, and program management.
Leadership and decision-making skills to oversee statewide programs and respond to animal health crises.
Excellent communication and public speaking abilities to engage with government officials, industry representatives, and the public.
Adaptability and crisis management to respond swiftly to public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine; plus five years of experience in the diagnosis and management of animal diseases, including three years in a leadership role.
Licensure/Certifications
Must be a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the State of Arkansas by the Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
Must be a federally Accredited Category 2 Veterinarian.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
