Veterinary Medical Officer

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Douglas (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS seeks a Veterinary Medical Officer to oversee import/export operations at the assigned Port Office, ensuring the safe movement of live animals, aquaculture, germplasm, and related materials. Responsibilities include supervising veterinary activities and implementing health regulations.

The role emphasizes diagnosing diseases, planning medical procedures, and guiding staff on policy interpretation to protect animal health and public safety nationwide.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree.
• Specialized education in animal health, epidemiology, or veterinary sciences.
• Licensure/registration required or eligible for GS-12 level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee import/export operations for live animals and related materials at the Port Office.
• Inspect and diagnose diseases in animals and advise on health protocols.
• Coordinate veterinary program procedures and provide training on new regulations and policies.

Skills

Veterinary license

Epidemiology knowledge

Public health awareness

Analytical thinking

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Master's degree in veterinary-related field

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary
You will serve as a Veterinary Medical Officer in Veterinary Services (VS), responsible for overall import and/or export operations at the assigned Port Office. You will also oversee other import and/or export-related facilities within your area to ensure the safe international movement of live animals, aquaculture, germplasm, and, when necessary, organisms, vectors, select agents, animal products, by-products, or associated materials that could introduce animal diseases.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Diagnose and effectively control or treat animals infected or exposed to disease. Investigate factors of veterinary diseases such as etiology, management, diagnostics, microbiology, basic epidemiology and environmental factors. 1 year of experience employed as a professional Veterinarian. OR Successful completion of a Master's degree in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-12 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of two years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program. TRANSCRIPTS are required. This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. this education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college or university. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Some positions will be supervising subordinates less than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, monitoring work, providing advice, evaluating performance, initiating awards, and authorizing leave approval. Inspecting and examining a variety of animals, herds, flocks, and or aquatic species, for evidence of disease conditions, animal welfare purposes, or other veterinary activities. Diagnosing and treating diseases and parasite conditions affecting the various types of animals and of acceptable and non acceptable training and handling practices. Planning, coordinating, adapting, and modifying medical and program procedures to deal with a variety of animals. Providing information, guidance and training to ensure consistent delivery and interpretation of existing and new animal health-and-welfare-related regulations, guidelines and policies.

Position Start Date

10/06/2026

Position Close Date

10/13/2026

Salary Offered

89508 - 137128 USD Per Year

About Us

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response