• May assist veterinarian to prepare for and during surgical procedures, to include preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material, monitoring a patient using an anesthetic machine.
• May serve as scrubbed surgical assistant. Continuously informs medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures.
• Prepares and administers vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions.
• Applies knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems.
• Applies knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients.

Conditions of employment

• Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
• Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
• Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments.
• Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Ability to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, and on occasion greater than 45 pounds with the help of others. Long periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching, etc.
• Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Must have use of fingers; Both hand and both legs are required; Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
• A successful background investigation submission to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) must be met no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement in the position for internal candidates.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability determination.
• Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations to work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment IAW AR 40-562 chap 4-1.

Qualifications

Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.

A qualified candidate must possess the following:

Animal Health Assistant (Developmental), NF-02:
- Work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the above duties which could have been gained at a pet store, farm work, animal shelter etc. Basic requirements include knowledge of approved restraint techniques of animals in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.); and knowledge of proper vaccines and syringe handling.

Animal Health Assistant (Full Performance), NF-03:
- A minimum of six (6) months demonstrated experience directly related to the duties required in the position that must have been gained through practical application in a Veterinary Medical setting and which demonstrates the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential to perform successfully in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.). Demonstrated experience include: proficiency in basic medical terminology; utilizes correct sterile techniques; apply appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian; determine preventive wellness plan to include required medical treatments and vaccinations requirements based on patient medical history; utilize in-house laboratory equipment to perform diagnostics tests; conduct routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment; completes lab request form for reference laboratories; prepares samples for shipment to outside laboratories.

In addition to the above qualifications, candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified":
NF-02 - Candidates that possess demonstrated experience including proficiency in basic medical terminology; application of appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian.

NF-03 - Possess or have the ability to reactivate/obtain a registration, license, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program (e.g. as identified on the www.NAVTA.net website Possess basic supply management experience which includes: ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts and documenting expiration dates of in stock medications and vaccines.

The information provided on your resume should be clear and specific. You will be rated based solely off of the information provided within your resume. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience and the duties performed.