If selected, you will serve as a Veterinary Medical Officer in Veterinary Services (VS), Field Operations (FiOps) with responsibility for overall import/export operations at a Port Office and other import and/or export facilities within your assigned area. You will facilitate safe international movement of live animals, aquaculture, germplasm, organisms, vectors, select agents, animal products, by-products, or associated materials capable of causing the introduction of diseases to animals.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants who meet the basic requirements as outlined in the "Education" section qualify for this grade level. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Diagnose and effectively control or treat infected or exposed animals, including birds offered for movement in international commerce. Investigate factors of veterinary diseases such as etiology, management, diagnostics, microbiology, basic epidemiology and environmental factors. Gain compliance, exchange information, apply regulations, and resolve problematic issues with industry representatives relative to import and export requirements. OR Successful completion of a Master's degree in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-12 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of two years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program. TRANSCRIPTS are required. This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. this education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college or university. 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, addressing performance problems, and fostering an inclusive workplace.
Planning and coordinating procedures to inspect animals birds and poultry, aquaculture, germplasm and their by-products.
Evaluating and coordinating the inspection and approval of establishments involved in handling restricted regulated livestock, germplasm, aquaculture and avian species.
Determining the disposition of smuggled or otherwise ineligible animals, birds, products and associated materials subject to international movement.
May complete inspections of quarantined animals and USDA operated or privately owned facilities and determine their eligibility for temporary or permanent approval.
Ensuring that cooperating government agencies are kept informed and familiar with appropriate rules, regulations and procedures.
Developing and directing safe, humane care and treatment of animals to ensure safe transport and adequate, sanitary operations at inspection facilities.
Analyzing patterns, recognizing emerging trends, and alerting Port Veterinarian in Charge to possible controversies or program deficiencies.