Animal Health Technician

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service•Bibb County, AL

12h

About The Position

The Animal Health Technician supports Veterinary Services, Field Operations, by carrying out day-to-day activities that facilitate trade and help prevent the spread of animal diseases through the export or import of live animals, animal byproducts, biological materials, and organisms. The role applies technical solutions to control, prevent, and eradicate animal diseases while facilitating international trade. Duties at the full-performance level include assisting Veterinary Medical Officers with livestock and poultry inspections and testing, collecting blood samples, overseeing cleaning and disinfection, investigating disease reports, providing information on preventive measures, overseeing the disposition of diseased animals, and preparing animal-movement certificates. At developmental grade levels, assignments are narrower in scope, less independent, and less complex. The position involves mobile work, including routine travel to customer or other worksites. Recruitment incentives may be authorized for USVI and may be offered in some locations.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
If born male after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
Successfully pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Have a valid state driver's license at the time of application.
Enroll in Continuous Vetting.
Meet the GS-05 qualification requirement through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, a qualifying four-year bachelor's degree course of study with a major or at least 24 semester hours in zoology, biology, chemistry, or agricultural subjects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For qualifying education or a combination of education and experience, provide transcripts documenting successful completion at an accredited school, college, or university.
Meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Assist Veterinary Medical Officers with inspecting and testing livestock, poultry, and other avian species at ranches, farms, auctions, and markets to detect animal diseases and parasites.
Make arrangements with livestock owners and independently draw blood samples from animals.
Supervise livestock owners’ cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and premises that may be contaminated by disease organisms.
Investigate reports of communicable livestock diseases.
Provide nearby livestock owners with program information about preventive measures.
Supervise livestock owners’ disposition of diseased animals.
Prepare certificates approving movement of disease-free, infected, or exposed livestock.