Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology

Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentives may be authorized

Job summary

The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is seeking a Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology). This position provides pathology expertise to enhance disease prevention measures and to conduct essential research. You will be responsible for a comprehensive pathology program for various animal species, particularly focusing on exotic and endangered animals.

The ideal candidate will possess a DVM or equivalent, with experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal Service, and must have completed a residency in anatomic pathology.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• One year specialized experience at GS-13 level.
• Successful completion of residency in anatomic pathology.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pathology services for a variety of animal species.
• Evaluate health trends indicating disease presence.
• Oversee clinicopathology and anatomical pathology.
• Develop diagnostic protocols for veterinary care.

Skills

Pathology expertise

Disease prevention

Research skills

Animal species knowledge

Clinicopathology oversight

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

English proficiency certification (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)

Job description

Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology)

Position summary: The Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) will provide pathology expertise and contribute to disease prevention measures, conducting research, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a comprehensive pathology program that encompasses a wide variety of animal species, including exotic and endangered animals.
• Identify and evaluate significant disease or health trends that indicate the presence of disease.
• Oversee and supervise clinicopathology and anatomical pathology services in support of the clinical program.
• Develop and implement diagnostic pathology protocols, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent veterinary care and proper maintenance of animal facilities.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass pre‑employment background investigation.
• May need to complete a probationary period.
• Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Physical and mental ability to safely and efficiently perform the full range of duties without creating hazards to self or others.

Veterinary Medical Officers who inspect or supervise inspection activities in privately owned slaughter houses and processing plants must meet specific medical standards and physical requirements established by the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

1. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA). The AVMA web site, http://www.avma.org has a listing of all AVMA‑accredited veterinary medical schools.

2. Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet one of the following requirements:

   • Proof of certification of their final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG).
   • Possession of a permanent, full, and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a U.S. state, district of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory that includes successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or its predecessor examinations and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT).
   • Proof that the education obtained in a foreign veterinary medical program is equivalent to that gained in an AVMA‑accredited program, established only if an AVMA‑accredited school accepts the graduate's final transcript at full value for placement into an advanced degree or training program.
   • Graduates must also provide proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing an internationally recognized examination such as TOEFL (minimum required scores: 560 paper‑based, 220 computer‑based, or overall 83 internet‑based with subscore requirements), IELTS (overall minimum band 7.0 with subscores of 7.0 speaking, 6.5 listening, 6.0 writing), or CAEL (overall minimum band 70 with subskills).

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑13 level in the Federal Service, defined as providing pathology expertise, contributing to disease prevention measures, and conducting research.

Additional Requirements: Successful completion of residency in anatomic pathology resulting in board eligibility or previous specialty certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or a foreign equivalent must be included in the application package.

Resume guidance: Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement. Provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience and note paid or volunteer hours.

Additional Information

This position is not included in the bargaining unit.

Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized, subject to availability and approval. If authorized, certain incentives may require signing a service agreement for a specified period in federal government service. Note: this statement does not guarantee an incentive will be offered or paid.