The National Pork Board Department of Science and Technology seeks a Director of Swine Health Information and Research. The position will be filled as soon as a satisfactory candidate is identified. If interested, or to obtain more information, email Dr. Paul Sundberg, Vice President of Science and Technology, at psundberg@pork.org or call (515) 223-2764. The position description follows:
NATURE OF POSITION:
The Director of Swine Health Information and Research reports to the Vice President of Science and Technology, and is responsible for the development and dissemination of current information and educational materials on key swine health issues and the oversight and administration of the department's swine health research responsibilities.
Along with the Director of Swine Health Programs or as assigned by the Vice President of Science and Technology, the Director of Swine Health Information and Research will participate in organizing, planning, managing and executing committee meetings, conference calls and other activities of the Swine Health Committee.
The Director of Swine Health Information and Research will participate in long range planning with regard to swine health programs and research. In addition, the Director of Swine Health Information and Research will provide information as requested by staff or outside groups. This position requires knowledge of Board practices/policies, and regular and reliable attendance.
BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:
- Education: D.V.M., advanced degrees encouraged.
- Skills: Ability to communicate orally and in written form with producers, veterinarians, university researchers, government officials, and other professionals; capability to translate veterinary medical terms and situations for producers and other audiences.
- Relevant Experience: Minimum of one year in the practice of swine veterinary medicine and/or additional academic education.
POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:
- Membership: The Director will participate in committee meetings regarding swine health and other areas as requested by staff. The Director will speak at appropriate state association meetings.
- Government: Regular communication with government researchers and other officials to provide technical information on swine health issues and share information on current research. Liaison on swine health research at the Agricultural Research Service and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service.
- Public: Director will be called on to make public statements on swine health programs as needed.
- Other Organizations: Regular communication with practitioners and university researchers. Maintain membership in AASV and other organizations as necessary. Liaison with AASV and other stakeholders and allied industry as assigned by the Vice President of Science and Technology.
- Association and Staff: Regular communication with staff and leadership to include progress reporting and background materials development.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Policy Formation: Involvement in development and implementation of National Pork Board priorities and policies relevant to areas of responsibility.
- Planning: Will assist the Vice President of Science and Technology in developing yearly plans of work for swine health.
- Decision Authority: The Director is expected, within established policy, to make decisions necessary for the day-to-day implementation of NPB programs. Major operational decisions should be coordinated through the Vice President of Science and Technology and/or the Chief Executive Officer.
- Financial Responsibility: The Director has supervision of a major program budget.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Staff Management and Leadership: Regular communication with staff and leadership to include progress reporting and background materials development. Consultation and support to other National Pork Board departments and task forces as needed. Shares supervision of one secretary.
- Supervision Received: Is mostly independent on a daily basis and evaluated based on results.
- Availability of Qualified Personnel: Qualified personnel are available but will require considerable amount of seeking, probably in a more extensive market base.
- Travel: Requires moderate travel. Must have valid drivers license and good driving record.