Vacancy expired!
Animal Health TechnicianDepartment of Veterans AffairsVeterans Affairs, Veterans Health AdministrationOverview
##### Open & closing dates
10/18/2019 to 10/24/2019
##### Service
Competitive
##### Pay scale & grade
GS 7
##### Salary
$43,791 to $56,929 per year
##### Appointment type
Term - 366 days
##### Work schedule
Full-TimeLocation1 vacancy in the following location:-Cleveland, OHRelocation expenses reimbursedNoTelework eligibleNo- DutiesSummaryEmployee will serve as an Animal Health Technician - Veterinary
Technician aligned in the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU), Animal
Research Facility, Office of Research and Development (ORD) located
at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.Learn more about this agencyResponsibilitiesDuties will include, but may not be limited to the following:
Coordinates pre- and post-surgery operations and bio-medical
science projects;
Implements comprehensive monitoring programs of several species
of animal subjects to prevent, detect, and document violations
of all laws and regulations for the control and eradiation of
infectious, contagious, communicable diseases, parasites, and
disease vectors;
Executes the administration of multiple biomedical research
projects and a program of compliance with federal regulations;
Ensures the preparation of biological samples for pathogen
testing;
Manages the disease and health surveillance program and
developing data related to animal health surveillance;
Observes animals and noting observations of any sickness or
illness;
Draws blood and collects biological samples for use in approved
research projects or disease surveillance.
Assists with the compilation and refinement of data collected;
prepares summaries of relevant health and compliance
observations;
Coordinates daily health checks, medication administration,
treatments, post-surgical care, and oversees experiments by
staff;
Ensures timely notification of observations or deviations to
research staff;
Schedules and coordinates survival surgeries in the aseptic
operating room facilities;
Manages and implements post-surgical care, and records and
manages all pain management activity;
Performs biological monitoring of research equipment and reports
data to the supervisor;
Assists the supervisor in maintaining the highest level of
state-of-the-art surgical anesthetic and analgesic practices in
veterinary medicine;
Performing related duties as necessary.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, may require
occasional weekend workNOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 366 days).
Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of
limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4). Term
employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same
benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance,
within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and
Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended
without further competition (up to the 4 year maximum). The
appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for
promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be
non-competitively converted to permanent employment.Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not RequiredTravel RequiredNot requiredSupervisory statusNoPromotion Potential7
#### Job family (Series)
0704 Animal Health TechnicianSimilar jobs
Assistants, Veterinary
Technicians, Veterinary
Technicians, Veterinary Laboratory
Veterinary Assistants
Veterinary Laboratory Technicians
Veterinary Technicians
- RequirementsConditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/security investigation
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after
12/31/1959
May be required to serve a probationary period
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online
onboarding process
QualificationsSELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - A Selective Placement
Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective
Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and
represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do
not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.The SPF for this position is: Experience caring for animals in a
research laboratory. (Resume(s) must clearly demonstrate experience
in a research laboratory caring for animals).AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one year of specialized
experience equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-6) in
the Federal service that equipped the applicant with the particular
knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the
duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the
work of the position to be filled. Qualifying specialized experience
include work: As a laborer, manager, or owner of a livestock ranch
or farm involving direct work with livestock; With livestock in a
feed lot; As a Livestock Market Inspector; As an Animal Welfare
Inspector; As an assistant to a veterinarian who works with
livestock. Preferred experience as a Registered Veterinary
Technician. (Resume(s) must clearly support required experience to
be creditable)
-OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED):
Successful completion of one year of Graduate education or an
internship meets the specialized experience requirement. Education
in creditable only in those instances where it is related to work of
the position, which includes: zoology, biology, chemistry, or
agricultural subjects.
-OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED):
Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level
education and specialized experience are also qualifying. Only
graduate education in excess of 6 months (excess of 9 semester
hours) may be used in combination with the experience required.You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the
assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Animal Husbandry
- Communications
- Compliance
- Quality Management
- Technical CompetenceIMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours
of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include
the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be
credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate
activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience
must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and
responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week
spent in such employment.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, knowledge, and
skills and can provide valuable training and experience that
translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for
all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.For more information on these qualification standards, please visit
the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application
if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities,
schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal
employment. You can verify your education here:
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education
to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of
Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit
for that education. For further information, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional informationPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: works requires some physical exertion.
Most activity will be walking, but other activities will involve
standing for extended periods of time, considerable bending,
climbing of steps stools/ladders, and carrying items less than 50
pounds. Involvement in pre-surgical situations may involve lifting
of larger animals such as dogs or pigs. Other situations may involve
moving modestly heavy equipment such as portable x-ray machines or
cage racks, while using appropriate mechanical assistance (cart,
dolly, etc.)Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave:
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per
pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served
as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal
employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or
active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be
used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such
credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date
and is not guaranteed.Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with
disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5
CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with
disabilities (i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical
disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities), and/or disabled veterans
with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. For
more information on how to apply using this appointment authority
via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact
the facility Human Resources Department at (216) 791-230.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have
faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA
for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking
employment at VA, career development services for our existing
Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military
service members.The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible
displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection
priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To
be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found
well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any
Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about
ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources
website at
http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional
vacancies.If you are unable to apply online view the following link for
information regarding an Alternate Application.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the
qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE
WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume
does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow
credit for your response(s).Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed
along with the information provided in your resume and supporting
documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a
determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and
or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose
consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions
carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be
rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified
candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories
are defined as follows:
Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that
substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position
including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient
in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in
the position;
Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds
the minimum qualifications of the position including all
selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the
requirements of the job;
Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the
minimum qualifications of the position including all selective
factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the
requirements of the job; and
Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education
that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including
all selective factors.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and
selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above
non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible
applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements
and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least
10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when
the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09
grade level or higher).Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearanceOtherDrug test requiredNo- Required DocumentsIMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact
information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application
Package which includes:
Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if
applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this
position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all
documents required for your application, such as a copy of your
transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former
Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or
ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- OF-306
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- TranscriptVeterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible
Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or
for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must
provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and
character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are
currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or
discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to
your active duty service which reflects the dates of service,
character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of
impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others
eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of
eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10
Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more
information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be
credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the
attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting
institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this
vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may
affect the overall rating.- BenefitsA 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. Learn more about federal
benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold
and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific
benefits offered.- How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this
position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the
documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The
complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on
10/24/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire
click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10630831.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or
log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select
your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and
complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application
package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses
and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing
date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs
account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the
Application Status link and then select the more information link
for this position. The Application page will display the status of
your application, the documentation received and processed, and any
correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your
uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan
process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA
JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy
announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents
from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a
condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of
Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals
who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where
patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as
part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to,
VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers
(CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary
units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA
licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and
unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee
basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers,
and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to
receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a
face mask throughout the influenza season.Agency contact informationVHA National Recruitment CenterPhone(844)456-5208EmailVHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.govAddressVA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
10701 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a
confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement
closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures
to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After
the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and
applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred
applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by
the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive
a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging
into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information
regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help
Center.- Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyThe United States Government does not discriminate in employment on
the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and
gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age,
membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental
status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job
applicants
Reasonable Accommodation PolicyFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants
with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable
accommodation for any part of the application process should follow
the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part
of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the
hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable
accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work
environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an
individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties
or receive equal access to job benefits.Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide
reasonable accommodations when:
An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an
equal opportunity to apply for a job.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform
the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive
equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and
office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the
application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are
considered on a case-by-case basis.Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations
or how to contact an agency.Legal and regulatory guidance
Financial suitability
Social security number request
Privacy Act
Signature and false statements
Selective Service
New employee probationary period
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to
apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/549045900. Only resumes
submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed
at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.