Animal Health Technician

Summary

The incumbent serves as 3D (Depopulation, Disposal, and Decontamination) Animal Health Technician (AHT) Subject Matter expert representing USDA, APHIS in catastrophic animal mortality events within an assigned geographical area of Veterinary Services Field Operations.

Duties

• •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:
• •Serves as 3D (Depopulation, Disposal, and Decontamination) Subject Matter expert representing USDA, APHIS in catastrophic animal mortality events.
• •Responds as composting subject matter expert capable of directing and managing indoor and outdoor activities of composting for large and small animals.
• •Provides technical supervision to other responders and lower graded technicians and as required provide skills evaluation(s).
• •Serves as part of rapid response force as 3D SME and member of NVS Equipment Service Group.
• •Maintains cooperative relationships with State and industry officials, veterinary practitioners, universities and other individuals or groups concerned with the administration of animal health.
• •Works with stakeholders to ensure internal/external program 3D guidance documents/procedures/tools are kept current.
• •Assists Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO) with inspection and testing of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-08 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Collection of biological samples from livestock and poultry and conducting testing as needed. Using biosecurity techniques, including cleaning and disinfection, to avoid potential disease progression. Participating in efforts to develop and implement new procedures or revised guidelines for standard use. Distribution and presentation of technical information concerning animal depopulation, disposal, or decontamination topics. OR Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full 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 AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.