Animal Health Technician

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service•Douglas, AZ

About The Position

The Animal Health Technician supports programs that facilitate trade and prevent the spread of animal diseases through the importation and exportation of live animals, animal byproducts, biological materials, and organisms. Working with Veterinary Services (VS), Field Operations, the technician applies technical solutions to control, prevent, and eradicate animal diseases while facilitating international trade. The role includes maintaining animal import records and workflows, collecting and entering import data, responding to calls and advising importers on documentation and procedures, and supporting the export program by keeping files and reference materials complete and current. The technician also inspects livestock in international commerce for visible signs of disease, external parasites, and regulatory compliance, and oversees or performs disinfection of premises and vehicles used to transport imported and diseased livestock and poultry. Duties may be more limited in scope and performed with less independence at developmental grade levels.

Requirements

For the GS-06 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level, including experience working with animals in a feedlot, farm, ranch, or veterinary setting; documenting data and conclusions for formal reports; and assessing animal health and welfare problems.
Alternatively, successful completion of 18 semester hours of related graduate education from an accredited college or university; qualifying fields are listed in the posting.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify at the GS-06 level.
Transcripts are required when qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience.
Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Individuals born male after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check and successfully complete a probationary period unless previously served.
Must complete the E-Verify employment verification check and enroll in Continuous Vetting.
A valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
The work requires standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, climbing, and lifting heavy items.

Responsibilities

Create, organize, and ensure the completeness of animal import records.
Monitor and manage import requests, animal release workflows, and associated documentation in a web-based Veterinary Services import management system.
Collect and enter animal import data into required information technology systems.
Receive calls from veterinarians, importers, exporters, brokers, drivers, and job applicants; provide information about port operations and Agency regulations as needed.
Advise and assist importers with forms, health certificates, routings, and other forms and procedures.
Support administration of the export program by ensuring files, reference materials, databases, records, directives, and requirements are complete, correct, and current.
Inspect livestock moving in international commerce for visible evidence of disease, external parasites, and compliance with Federal and State regulations.
Oversee and perform disinfection of premises and vehicles used to transport imported and diseased livestock and poultry.