If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY

CHIEF VETERINARIAN OFFICER

(PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGER II)

Opening Date: March 13, 2026

Closing Date: End of day March 26, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 00500-0658

Class Code: MA32

Grade: 32 (Confidential)

Salary: $77,896.00 - $110,073.60 Per Year

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Interested candidates need to complete, and submit, a Direct Hire Application, Cover Letter, Copy of Veterinary License, and detailed Resume.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in Veterinary Medicine, a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the US, and at least (3) years of professional veterinary experience focusing on large, mixed or food animal practice.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience:

• 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

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.