Animal Health Technician

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency seeks an Animal Health Technician to work in various field locations, responsible for inspecting livestock and poultry for diseases. US citizenship is required along with a valid driver's license. The role includes supervisory duties and handling potentially strenuous conditions while ensuring animal health standards.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Valid state driver's license required.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification check.

Responsibilities

• Assists with inspection and testing of livestock and poultry.
• Draws blood samples from animals at various locations.
• Supervises cleaning and disinfection by livestock owners.

Skills

Inspection and testing

Blood sample collection

Supervision

Animal health knowledge

Job description

Overview

As an Animal Health Technician, 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. The selectee is required to reside in one of the counties mentioned in this announcement.

Responsibilities

• 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

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Your work may involve strenuous physical demands, including, but not limited to, restraining large animals and operating heavy equipment.
• Your work may require handling livestock during inclement weather and/or working in or around unpleasant conditions (e.g., blood, animal confinement units, high noise levels, dust, slippery surfaces).
• You may be exposed to disease conditions and agents that would require protective clothing, safeguards and enrollment in a health monitoring program.
• You may be required to drive long hours in a vehicle.