Career Center

The American Samoa - Department of Health Veterinary Clinic located in the heart of the South Pacific, 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii is seeking a Veterinarian who enjoys practicing advanced medicine, surgical procedures and veterinary services with a cohesive, tenure team.

Currently, the veterinary clinic does not have a veterinarian, and has been operating without one for 3 years. It is a small, basic clinic with a family orientated team of 6 who likes to work hard and have fun. Our work family was able to pull through and manage to provide limited services and assistance to the pet owners who are desperately seeking help for their pets.  Our goal is to hire a veterinarian to join our dedicated, skilled, and caring staff and to make our team complete. Therefore, we as a team will be able to provide the highest quality service to our clients and their companion animals, and provide our staff the resources and environment to thrive.

We are seeking a veterinarian who is energetic, compassionate, experienced and has the passion and ability to help continue performing high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries for owned pets and free-roaming strays in villages on a remote island. The veterinarian will be a member of the Stray Dog Task Force team, to help provide counsel and guidance to the key leaders and directors in the team. The SDTF will implement and maintain a program based on the Humane Dog Population Management Guidance publication by the International Companion Animal Management Coalition. Usually, there are 1 to 2 MASH type village clinics per week. There is an excellent set of volunteers and a good support system from the different government agencies, non-profit organizations (local & off-island), local community, families, and caring pet owners. 

The DOH-Veterinary clinic is currently open from 8am to 4pm from Monday through Friday. Working on the weekends is optional, but our dedicated staff continues to come during their available hours to help clean the clinic, medicate and feed the animals housed at the shelter. We also need a veterinarian who is able to provide availability in the evening or weekend shifts in case of emergencies or special events.

American Samoa has a unique culture which centers around the importance of family. Samoans are hospitable and eager to share their culture. Snorkeling or diving is excellent with warm water and lovely corals and fish. Hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints is also amazing and relaxing. Plus, in American Samoa you don’t have to worry about Rabies!

Requirements:

Must be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or VMD & US DEA license & USDA accredited.

The confidence to educate all levels of government (up to the Governor and legislature) on the stray dog task force project and its rationale, and focus on the long-term solution to the overpopulation issue and prevention of zoonotic diseases.

The ability to manage a clinic with 6 employees and MASH clinics to villages with the staff as well as many volunteers.

The ability to perform a High Quality - High Volume of Spay and Neuter surgeries.

The desire (or at least ability) to be in the newspaper and on the local TV station frequently to promote the project. 

Experience in animal welfare and shelter operations, and ability to implement and work under changing conditions.

Patience, enthusiasm, and motivation.

NOTES:

Two-year contract, renewable. Plane fare and relocation stipend paid. Housing or housing stipend is included as well. Health care is provided at the local hospital. 

Volunteering/ interviewing before to experience the island is recommended before committing to two years!

COVID-19 considerations:

All American Samoa Government employees are required to get fully vaccinated and wear masks at all times.