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.
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 includes 1) 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 Husbandry Medical Supply Inventory Management Patient Record Administration Support Technical Credibility
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.