Food Animal Veterinarian

Michigan Swine Veterinary Service

Food Animal Associate Veterinarian

Reports To

Dr. Daniel Hendrickson / Telynda Hendrickson / Judy Westrick

Practice Owner Managing Veterinarian / Business Director / Clinic Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Food Animal Associate Veterinarian to join our progressive large animal practice in Holland, MI.  The Associate Veterinarian will provide preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency veterinary services to food animal producers and show animals. The position focuses on promoting animal health, welfare, productivity, and food safety while developing strong relationships with livestock producers, agricultural partners, and show industry enthusiasts.   

The ideal candidate is passionate about serving the livestock industry, enjoys working in a rural setting, and is committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care and client service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Herd Health Management

• Develop and implement health and production management programs.
• Conduct routine herd health visits for beef, dairy, swine, sheep, and/or goat operations. Add poultry?
• Monitor herd performance and recommend strategies to improve productivity and profitability.
• Advise producers on biosecurity, disease prevention, vaccination protocols, and nutritional management.

Medical and Surgical Services

• Diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting food-producing animals.
• Perform surgical procedures including cesarean sections, dehorning, castrations, and other field surgeries.
• Provide reproductive services including pregnancy diagnosis, breeding soundness exams, and reproductive consultations.

Regulatory and Food Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to food animal production.
• Educate clients on proper drug usage, withdrawal times, residue avoidance, and VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive) requirements.
• Assist producers with animal welfare audits and quality assurance programs.

Diagnostics and Laboratory Services

• Collect and interpret laboratory samples including blood, milk, tissue, and fecal specimens.
• Utilize ultrasonography and other diagnostic tools to support clinical decision making.
• Develop treatment protocols based on diagnostic findings.

Client Relations and Consultation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers and exhibitors.
• Provide veterinary consultation regarding production efficiency, disease management, and animal welfare.
• Present educational programs and producer training as needed.
• Communicate diagnoses, treatment plans, and recommendations clearly and effectively.

Practice Development

• Contribute to the growth of the practice through excellent customer service.
• Identify opportunities to expand veterinary services and strengthen client partnerships.
• Participate in community agricultural events and industry organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary college.
• Current veterinary license or eligibility for licensure in the state of employment and surrounding states. 
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work independently in field settings.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills.

Preferred

• Experience working with beef, dairy, swine, sheep, or goat operations.
• USDA Category II Accreditation or eligibility.
• Completion of a food animal internship or relevant large animal experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of livestock production.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and antimicrobial stewardship.
• Ability to make sound medical decisions in field conditions.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and client education.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.

Work Environment

• Primarily field-based practice serving livestock operations and show animal exhibitors. 
• Regular travel to farms, feedlots and show facilities.
• Participation in rotating emergency and on-call schedules.
• Exposure to livestock, agricultural equipment, dust, noise, and environmental conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Job Type: Full-Time
Practice Focus: Swine, Sheep, Goats, Beef and Food Animal Production Medicine
Schedule: Daytime farm calls with seasonal emergency/on-call responsibilities
Location: Rural and agricultural service territory within assigned region.

To learn more about benefits and compensation, please contact Judy Westrick at (616) 355-7447 or judyw@4starvets.com.