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 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 Belvoir Branch. Licensed/Certified/Registered Veterinary Technician or Equivalent Licensure preferred.

Duties

Prepares records and health certificates for domestic and international travel. Distinguishes normal from abnormal anatomical and physiological findings such as pathological heart and respiratory sounds, abnormal abdominal palpation findings, ataxic gait, and abnormal behavior. Initiates and maintains medical and radiological records for patients in accordance with (IAW) local policies. Monitors condition of wounds under bandages, removes sutures and surgical drains, and administers topical medications. Obtains blood (venipuncture), urine ("clean catch" and cystocentesis), fecal sample, and other clinical specimens from animals for laboratory diagnosis. Monitors vital signs and condition of sedated or anesthetized animals. Monitors patient recovery and rehabilitation following surgery or illness. Performs dental cleaning, dental radiographs, and prophylactic dental care. Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and premises IAW local policy and guidelines. May need to carry a cell phone and be on call 24 hours a day on a rotational basis to provide emergency veterinary care to Military Working Dogs, based on the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• 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.
• IAW Army Regulation 40-562, this position requires Immunization screening. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact.
• Applicants tentatively selected for appointment to this position will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations.
• This position may require travel away from duty station, TDY 5%. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• A pre-employment physical may be required, and periodic physicals may be required. Incumbent will have to pass a pre-employment physical to meet the physical efforts requirement.
• This position may be a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing.
• Applicants tentatively selected for appointment to this position will participate in drug urinalysis testing, unless currently occupying a TDP within the Department of Defense.
• Applicants will be required to sign DA (Department of the Army) Form 5019 requiring participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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 which includes1) performing technical procedures to facilitate small animal medical and surgical care; AND 2) supporting the work of veterinary medical officers or veterinary medical programs; AND 3) determining vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for routine sick call or medical evaluation clinics. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). 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. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) 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) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. 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

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