Forensic Veterinarian

Description

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance, and include but are not limited to:

Forensic Veterinary Medicine

• Provide forensic veterinary case support for New York City animal cruelty and fighting investigations and prosecutions, including clinical forensic exams, necropsies, veterinary statements, medical record and/or video reviews, discovery production, and expert witness testimony grand jury proceedings, hearings, and trials.
• Ensure proper evidence handling, including chain of custody, evidence transfer, and use of standardized forensic methods.
• Assist in planning ASPCA–NYPD case field responses and provide on-scene veterinary forensic support, including animal triage, documentation, and subject matter expertise.
• Collaborate with ASPCA departments and external partners to support case management and case flow.
• Assist internal and local veterinarians in the recognition and reporting of suspect animal cruelty cases.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and refinement of forensic protocols and procedures.
• Participate in large-scale case response and deployment as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Interdepartmental Communication/Administrative/Other

• Work closely with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement and Criminal Practice and Investigations teams to ensure performance and facilitation of forensic veterinary support for New York City animal-related investigations and prosecutions.
• Work with other departments, including the Animal Recovery Center (ARC) and the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) to ensure the proper management and forensic follow-up care for animals from suspected criminal cases. 
• Provide consultation across ASPCA departments on animal cruelty cases.
• Contribute to ongoing changes in forensic protocols and procedures at the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH).
• Participate in presenting cruelty case status at weekly Animal Health and Welfare meetings.
• Represent the forensic team during tours and to media as requested.
• Maintain strict confidentiality about criminal cases.

Teaching and Training

• Collaborate with forensic team members (NYC and Gainesville) on casework, research, and teaching and training initiatives.
• Support the development and oversight of veterinary forensic externship (national and international students) and internship programs.
• Train and mentor veterinarians and support staff involved in cruelty investigations.
• Develop and deliver training for law enforcement, veterinarians and other veterinary professionals, attorneys, and students.
• May serve as an instructor or co-instructor for academic courses or other trainings related to veterinary forensic science, including the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to a broader audience of practicing veterinarians

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear and concise documentation.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in or experience with animal cruelty cases, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and hoarding.
• Experience or training in forensic necropsy and/or clinical forensic examinations.
• Familiarity with evidence handling and basic forensic principles.
• Experience working with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or legal teams is a plus.
• Interest in teaching, training, or mentoring others.
• Courtroom testimony experience is a plus.
• Research experience is a plus.
• Membership in veterinary or forensic professional organizations is a plus.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

Education and Work Experience

• DVM or VMD (required)
• 3 +years practice in veterinary medicine required
• Strong interest in or experience with the prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.
• Experience in animal cruelty investigations is a plus, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting and animal hoarding.
• Some formal training in Veterinary Forensic Medicine (preferred) or interest in pursuing formal training.

Additional Information

• Eligibility for licensure in New York State (NYS) as a veterinarian required; current licensure in NYS strongly preferred

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

Doctorate: Veterinary Medicine (Required)

3 – 5 years of experience in the practice of Veterinary Medicine., Experience in animal cruelty investigations a plus, including: neglect, abuse, animal fighting and animal hoarding, Familiarity and experience with evidentiary issues related to the prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases., Some formal training in Veterinary Forensic Medicine

Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

How to Apply

Please apply directly to the ASPCA's Careers website. Thank you!
https://careers.aspca.org/search/jobdetails/forensic-veterinarian/dc6b6b02-6a62-4975-b994-b758a7bc3bb1