About the Position: Serves as an Animal Health Technician for the Fort Belvoir Veterinary Center (VETCEN). Duties include performing technical procedures involving diagnostic imaging, surgery, medicine, critical or general care, or any combination of veterinary support work in support of the VETCEN. Responsible for medical care of Military Working Dogs (MWDs), Government Owned Animals (GOAs), and Privately Owned Animals (POAs) assigned to and under the care of Belvoir Branch.

Duties

Work independently, identifying the work to be done to fulfill the requirements and objectives of the job, plan and carry out the procedural and technical steps as required, seeking assistance when needed. Assist with and provide primary care for Privately Owned Animals (POAs) as mission dictates. Aid Animal Care Specialists (68Ts), Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO), and other GS Animal Health Technicians. Determine vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for routine sick call or medical evaluation clinics. Obtain blood (venipuncture), urine ("clean catch" and cystocentesis), fecal sample, and other clinical specimens from animals for laboratory diagnosis. Place intravenous (IV) catheter and initiates fluid therapy. Administer tranquilizers and sedatives under supervision of the attending veterinarian and according to established protocols.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations. Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to sign a statement consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• This mission essential work may include shift work during periods of severe weather or other such emergency type situations (natural or man-made disaster).
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• The duties of this position may require the incumbent to carry a cell phone and be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a rotational basis to provide emergency veterinary care to Military Working Dogs.
• Work involves standing, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, restraining and lifting animals and objects weighing 50 pounds without assistance and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 30 Percent or More Disabled VeteransCurrent Department of Army Civilian EmployeesCurrent Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel WorkforceInteragency Career Transition Assistance PlanLand Management Workforce Flexibility ActMilitary Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)Non-Department of Defense (DoD) TransferPeople with Disabilities, Schedule APriority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability RetirementPriority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference EligibleReinstatementVeterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which includes 1) performing technical procedures to facilitate small animal medical and surgical care 2) supporting the work of veterinary medical officers or veterinary medical programs; 3) determining vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for routine sick call or medical evaluation clinics. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Animal Health and Behavior, zoology, biology, chemistry, or agricultural subjects. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Licensed/Certified/Registered Veterinary Technician or Equivalent Licensure preferred. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Animal HusbandryMedical Supply Inventory ManagementPatient Record Administration SupportTechnical Credibility Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-06). Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and minimum qualification requirements prescribed by OPM within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address M1-W08WAA US ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND ATLANTIC DO NOT MAIL Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk