Animal Health Assistant NF-03

U.S. Army Medical Command • Kaneohe, HI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Animal Health Assistant position is located at the Kaneohe Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility. The employee assists veterinarians with patient care, surgical procedures, medication preparation and administration, and client education. The position requires practical experience in a veterinary medical setting and the clinical skills needed to perform duties in accordance with applicable veterinary standards.

The position is classified as Flexible/Intermittent, with no guaranteed weekly hours; scheduling may range from 0 to 40 hours per week based on mission needs. The work schedule will be determined after hire. Occasional Saturday work may be required for special events. The hourly salary is $23.57 for NF-03, with salary pro-rated based on a 40-hour work week and determined by the grade level for which the candidate qualifies. Incentives will not be paid.

The employee must be able to work around animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, and sharp instruments, and must be able to receive mandated immunizations for work in a direct-patient or veterinary environment. Physical demands include lifting animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, sometimes more with assistance, and extended periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching. The role also involves exposure to intermittent excessive noise.

The position has no education qualification requirement. A one-year probationary period may be required. Candidates must satisfy qualification, eligibility, and background requirements, complete employment verification, and receive a favorable suitability determination. A successful DCSA background-investigation submission is required no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement for internal candidates.

The position is open to candidates within the local commuting area or those who can commute daily/as needed, relocate at their own expense, are involuntarily separated military members, or are military spouses/family members relocating to the installation. Military Spouse Preference and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference candidates are included in the area of consideration.

Requirements

• At least six months of demonstrated experience directly related to the duties, gained through practical application in a veterinary medical setting, demonstrating the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities needed to perform successfully under AVMA or equivalent guidelines.
• Proficiency in basic medical terminology.
• Use of correct sterile techniques.
• Ability to apply appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures, including proper radiological techniques.
• Proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint, Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
• Ability to explain product information and/or treatment plans to clients as directed by a veterinarian.
• Ability to determine preventive wellness plans, including required medical treatments and vaccinations, based on patient medical history.
• Ability to use and conduct routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment for diagnostic testing.
• Ability to complete reference laboratory request forms and prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
• Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
• Ability to work around animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, and sharp instruments.
• Ability to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds and, occasionally, more than 45 pounds with assistance; stand, walk, restrain, kneel, and reach for extended periods; use fingers; and use both hands and both legs.
• Ability to receive all mandated immunizations for work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment in accordance with AR 40-562, chapter 4-1.
• Meet qualification, eligibility, background, employment-verification, and suitability requirements; submit a successful DCSA background investigation no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement for internal candidates.
• Submit a resume of two pages or less that clearly and specifically documents relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Possess, or have the ability to reactivate or obtain, a veterinary assistant registration, license, or certification (or higher) through an accredited program, such as one identified by NAVTA.
• Demonstrated basic supply-management experience, including ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts, and documenting expiration dates for medications and vaccines in stock.

Responsibilities

• Assist the veterinarian before and during surgical procedures, including preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material, and monitoring patients using an anesthetic machine.
• Serve as a scrubbed surgical assistant when needed.
• Continuously inform medical staff of changes in a patient's general condition during surgical procedures.
• Prepare and administer vaccinations and oral and topical medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Prepare and dispense prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions.
• Apply knowledge of common topics to help clients address routine husbandry problems.
• Provide individualized wellness counseling to clients using knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care.

Benefits

• NAF flexible employees are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan.
• Some flexible employees may be eligible for health insurance.
• Professional development opportunities may include training, education, and certification programs.
• Access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers and libraries.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed