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Animal Health Assistant NF-03

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Medical Command
Public Health Command (PHC) - Guantanamo Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility

Summary

**This announcement has been updated from original posting date to align with requirements per the Merit Hiring Plan**

This position is located at the Guantanamo Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Incentives and Bonuses

  • Incentives will not be paid.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
09/30/2025 to 12/17/2025
Salary
$35,062 to - $35,062 per year

Salary is pro-rated based on a 40-hour work week. Hourly rate is: $16.80ph

Pay scale & grade
NF 3
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Intermittent
Work schedule
Intermittent
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
O2NAFAV-25-12808499
Control number
846987300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. or U.S. Territory for three (3) or more continuous years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation.

Duties

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  • 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. Applies knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients.
  • Prepares and administers vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. Continuously informs medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures.
  • Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions. Applies knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems.
  • Assist the facility in obtaining local credentialing for surgical, anesthetic, dental, and diagnostic procedures as required by the patient load and manning of the clinic.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
  • Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
  • Satisfactorily complete a physical examination (to include all mandated immunizations to work in a veterinary environment) prior to entrance on duty.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Must have use of fingers; Both hands and both legs are required; Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.

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 (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.

Best Qualified:

  • 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Area of Consideration:

  • The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and surrounding area within 50-mile radius; in addition to, you are considered eligible if one of the following applies: 1) you live outside of this area and are able to commute to work on a daily/as needed basis, 2) you are able to relocate yourself on your own expenses, 3) you are an involuntarily separated military member, or 4) you are a military spouse/family member relocating to this installation. Spouses/family members do not receive preference until arrival at the overseas location. (Military Spouse Preference (MSP), Family Member Preference (FMP), and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration).
  • Please note: To be considered eligible Cuba SOFA requirements must be met. In addition, to be considered for employment at this location, the incumbent must be a U.S. Citizen or legal U.S. Resident residing in/around the area as noted in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Logistical support will not be provided (i.e. selectee must already have and maintain command sponsorship through eligible dependency or other employment).
Manual Application Option
  • If you are unable to apply online, you can complete a paper application. To get started, contact servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the Agency Contact Information section (at the bottom of this announcement) to request a copy of the application form.
  • Be sure to submit your completed application form, along with your resume and any required supporting documents, no later than 11:59 PM EST on 12/17/2025 to ensure timely processing.
  • Important: Incomplete applications, including missing responses to questionnaire items may result in an ineligible rating.
Salary Information:
Salary is pro-rated based on a 40 hour work week. Hourly salary is:
NF-03 $16.80ph ($35,062pa)

PCS Costs
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
Allowances and Differentials
  • This job is part of a pay-banded system. Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander.
  • Foreign overseas allowances, post allowance, and differentials will not be paid, contingent upon eligibility.
  • Employment overseas provides a lot of additional benefits and entitlements. For information please contact APG NAF HRO GVMP/FSH at usarmy.apg.chra-ne.mbx.naf-vet-services@army.mil.
  • Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program. For more information, go to https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/.

Scheduling Information:
  • Flexible/Intermittent (00 guaranteed hours per week however may be scheduled to work between 0-40 hours per week based on mission needs). Flex employees are not entitled to leave or benefits however, there is no upper limit to the number of hours a flexible employee may work (subject to overtime obligation and work scheduling requirements).
  • Work schedule to be determined after hire.
Your Application may be Considered for Multiple Opportunities:
  • After you apply, your application remains valid for 90 days and may be referred to hiring officials as new vacancies arise. Additional referrals may occur for up to 90 days after the closing date.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your Application Matters: How We Will Review It

We want to help you put your best foot forward! Please take time to carefully follow all application instructions - missing information or skipped steps could impact your eligibility.

  • Your application will be thoughtfully reviewed to see how well your experience and qualifications align with the requirements listed in this announcement. This includes your resume, supporting documents, and responses to the assessment questionnaire.
  • We will consider your responses to our application questionnaire.
  • If you're tentatively qualified, we'll take a closer look to ensure your questionnaire responses match the experience reflected in your resume and documentation.
Note: If it's later found that qualifications or experience were overstated, it may affect your consideration for the position - so honesty and clarity are key.

Understanding Eligibilities: What You Can Claim When Applying

When you apply for a federal position through USAJOBS or USA Staffing, you may be eligible for selection preference or priority consideration based on your background or status. These eligibilities can improve your chances of being considered or referred for a position.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim one or more of the following eligibilities:
  • NAF Preference 1 Spouse Employment Preference (SEP)
  • NAF Preference 2 Involuntarily Separated From the Military (ISMP)
  • NAF Preference 3 Family Member Preference (FMP) (Foreign OCONUS ONLY)
  • NAF Priority Consideration 1 Business Based Action (BBA)
  • NAF Priority Consideration 2 Former NAF Employee (FNE)/Current NAF (CNE)/Current APF Employee (CAE)
  • NAF Priority Consideration 3 Outside Applicant Veteran (OAV) (Includes spouses and parents)


Tip: Be sure to review each eligibility question carefully and provide the required documentation. Claiming an eligibility without proper support may affect your application status. Looking for more details? Refer to the Who Gets Initial Consideration (Selection Preferences) and the What Other Considerations are Available sections of our Applicant Information Kit.

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