Government F-1 OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Our mission is to protect the integrity of New Mexico's livestock industry. Our team of about sixty full time inspectors and another sixty full and part time deputies continuously patrol and perform inspections around our state to help keep our livestock free from disease and safe from theft. We are also the office of the State Veterinarian, whose team collaborates with various government and private sector partners to ensure that our state remains free of diseases.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

PURPOSE:

This position was created to allow an intern to learn about regulatory veterinary medicine by experiencing first-hand how the New Mexico Livestock Board and the Office of the State Veterinarian operate. In turn, the agency will benefit from the assistance in manpower the intern will provide while training in the regulatory field. The ultimate goal is for the trainee to develop an interest in regulatory work that will be of use to the livestock industry in the future and allow the candidate to experience a field of veterinary medicine and animal health that is currently exclusive to those who work in it. There is a dearth of professionals who are willing to fill positions vacated by retiring regulatory veterinarians based on lack of knowledge or interest in the regulatory field. The success of filling this job with the right candidate is to foster an interest in regulatory medicine that may result in a professional joining the regulatory work force or at the minimum possessing first-hand knowledge about the field and advocating for it.

Responsibilities:

The intern will assist in the capture of animal identification for traceability of movement pertaining to animal diseases of economic importance or zoonotic potential by tagging animals or documenting individual identification. The trainee will be mentored and allowed to participate in field duties including - but not limited to - livestock welfare exams, equine rescue facility inspections, poultry inspections, surveillance sampling for foreign animal disease (FAD) investigations and regulatory diseases, and routine herd health/flock management of all livestock. The intern will assist in preparing collected samples for shipping and lab processing. The candidate will be expected to participate in meetings addressing federal and state animal health programs and learn about livestock from the industry and regulatory perspective.

CUSTOMERS:

Regulatory veterinary medicine is a profession that caters to federal and international trade partners and the livestock industry. This field represents and regulates private veterinary practitioners and serves as a liaison between producers and the USDA. The NM Livestock Board represents New Mexico with regard to emerging and reportable diseases of economic significance and works closely with federal agencies such as the Center for Disease Control, the US Department of Agriculture, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Additionally, the NM Livestock Board participates with other state agencies such as the NM Department of Health, the NM Department of Game and Fish, the NM Department of Agriculture, and NM State University and industry groups like the NM Cattle Growers Association in aspects pertaining to animal health and livestock emergency response. The trainee will establish connections and basic knowledge of the working relationship the agency has with the above mentioned partners through exposure to meetings and collaborative work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

Currently enrolled in a Graduate School Program at an accredited college or university OR completion of at least two (2) semesters (or equivalent) of a graduate level program at an accredited college or university within the last two (2) years.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both in the field (livestock facilities, private properties) throughout the entire state and in an office setting. Extensive periods of time in a vehicle and long days can be expected. Exposure to extreme temperatures is not uncommon depending on weather conditions, location and time of day/year. Physical work and ability to lift 30 lbs. is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

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Agency Contact Information: Dr. Samantha Holeck (505) 414-2811 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.