Veterinary Medical Officer

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Carr, CO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

You will serve as a Veterinary Medical Officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center. This role is responsible for the coordination, review, development, and implementation of medical and scientific strategies addressing health and related issues associated with the captive breeding program and associated activities to ensure the propagation of the Black-footed Ferret (BFF). Provides veterinary oversight for all animals at the Center, including the breeding population of endangered black-footed ferrets. This includes diagnostics and treatment, vaccinations, surgery, emergency response, and reproductive care. Supports breeding efforts at the Center, including reproductive assessments, cytology, gamete collection, and pre- and post-natal care for females and their offspring. Collects and synthesizes data to direct and contribute to research on black-footed ferret health, disease, reproduction, and captive breeding. Assists field personnel at black-footed ferret reintroduction sites with monitoring the health of free-ranging ferrets through collection of biomedical information and vaccination. Serves as primary veterinary advisor to senior Service staff, partner organizations, and Black-footed ferret SAFE facilities.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must obtain a Colorado Veterinary license upon employment and maintain this license in good standing.
• Must obtain and maintain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration within six months of employment.
• All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/16/2026.
• To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
• License Requirement: Applicants hired under the Veterinary Science Medical Series (0701) must have and maintain a current, valid veterinary license from one of the 50 United States upon application.
• Basic Requirement: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA).
• Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet specific requirements including proof of certification by the ECFVG or possession of a permanent, full, and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the NAVLE or its predecessors.
• Graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must also provide proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing a recognized examination (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL) with specified minimum scores.
• Experience: At least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples include performing veterinary procedures and providing medical care to small mammals, and handling and working with wildlife in a veterinary, research, or captive propagation setting.
• Education Substitution: In addition to completing a DVM or an equivalent degree, completion of a Master's degree, or higher, in a relevant specialization.
• Residency/Post-Graduate Training Program Substitution: Successful completion of two years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position.

Nice To Haves

• First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Responsibilities

• Coordination, review, development, and implementation of medical and scientific strategies addressing health and related issues associated with the captive breeding program and associated activities to ensure the propagation of the Black-footed Ferret (BFF).
• Provides veterinary oversight for all animals at the Center including the breeding population of endangered black-footed ferrets.
• Performs diagnostics and treatment, vaccinations, surgery, emergency response, and reproductive care.
• Supports breeding efforts at the Center including reproductive assessments, cytology, gamete collection, and pre- and post-natal care for females and their offspring.
• Collects and synthesizes data to direct and contribute to research on black-footed ferret health, disease, reproduction, and captive breeding.
• Assists field personnel at black-footed ferret reintroduction sites with monitoring the health of free-ranging ferrets through collection of biomedical information and vaccination.
• Serves as primary veterinary advisor to senior Service staff, partner organizations, and Black-footed ferret SAFE facilities.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree