Veterinary Medical Officer

Full Job Description

The Veterinary Medical Officer is responsible for monitoring various disease agents and providing information for national surveillance purposes.

The Veterinary Medical Officer may also serve as a Zoological Field Specialist with nationwide responsibilities related to the humane care and treatment of zoological species used in either exhibition, research, or animal trade.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience with statistical data in scientific fields (e.g., virology, ethology, ecology, epidemiology, animal nutrition) that impact animal welfare, and experience writing scientific and technical documents, briefing papers, publications, and presentations.

Analyzing and preparing for animal disease outbreaks through supporting diagnostic laboratory testing workflows and reporting.

Collaborating with internal customers and with various jurisdictions and organizations nationwide and internationally that impact animal welfare or animal disease outbreaks.

OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of a PhD degree in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position.

OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL.

Successful completion of three years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position.

Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program.

OR BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL-Specialty boards that are recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) certify eligible candidates as specialists in specific veterinary medical fields.

Veterinarians who successfully complete all requirements for Diplomate status in an ABVS-recognized veterinary specialty organization may qualify for the GS-13 grade level.

Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting their diplomate status. TRANSCRIPTS are required.

This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.

this education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college or university.

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).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Pathogen isolation, identification, and characterization by collecting and interpreting relevant observational data.
• Collaborates and consults with various staff and personnel to analyze problems, recommend technology based solutions, and develop strategies for diagnostic assays.
• Identifies problems, makes recommendations, and creates solutions by developing new tests as required for the successful execution of disease control programs.
• Works closely with Legislative and Public Affairs staff to ensure the accuracy of information being disseminated, and to provide timely responses to the interested parties.
• Provides veterinary medical expertise in the application of zoo animal humane care laws, rules, and policies.
• Evaluates the program to determine its effectiveness and is responsible for determining the accuracy, enforceability, and completeness of the regulations.