Summary You will be responsible for technical and specialized work involved in a variety of animal health programs within an assigned geographical area. If selected, you would work independently, at a variety of field locations geographically removed from the Veterinary Services offices. Positions being filled in each of the following areas 1 Opening in St. Croix, Virgin Islands 1 Opening in one of the following Florida counties : Hardee, De Soto, Charlotte, Lee, Highlands, Glades, Hendry Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Assists Veterinary Medical Officers with inspection and testing of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc., to detect animal diseases and parasites. Makes arrangements with livestock owners and independently draws blood samples from animals. Supervises the livestock owner's cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and premises which may be contaminated by disease organisms. Investigates reports of communicable diseases of livestock. Provides program information regarding preventive measures to nearby livestock owners. Supervises livestock owner's disposition of diseased animals. Prepares certificates granting approval of movements of disease-free, infected, or exposed livestock. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level) that demonstrates: Assisting a veterinarian working with animals or working with animals in a shelter, farm, ranch, clinic or airport environment providing food, transporting, monitoring for normal appearance and cleaning animal areas Communicating general information to veterinarians, other government agencies, laboratory employees, pet owners, members of the public travelling overseas with animals, or livestock owners and managers. Identifying applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to animal health. OR A full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours of courses in zoology, biology, chemistry, or agricultural subjects. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: Working with animals in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting or veterinary setting Documenting data and conclusions for formal reports. Assessing health and welfare problems of animals. OR Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying grad ate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level) that demonstrates: Using personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, sanitized garments/masks, etc.). Communicating technical information to livestock owners. Assisting a veterinarian who works with livestock. OR Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. FOR THE GS-08 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level) that demonstrates: Using biosecurity techniques, including cleaning and disinfection, to avoid potential disease spread. Proposing new or revised guidelines and procedures for standard use. Collecting biological samples from livestock and poultry and conducting testing as needed. OR Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two years of progressively higher level graduate level education leading to such a degree obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. The selectee for St. Croix, Virgin Island vacancy may be eligible for an incentive. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 Months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.