Veterinary Medical Officer

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Nogales (AZ); On-site; USD 91,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA - Animal Plant Health Inspection Service seeks Veterinary Medical Officers to promote animal and public health through diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding of diseases. The role involves investigating and inspecting animal diseases, welfare, and safety of animal-origin products, with recruitment incentives approved.

Requirements include a GS-12 level background with specialized experience or related master’s education, and eligibility by closing date.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent in diagnosing and controlling diseases in animals.
• Education includes a Master’s degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, or related field.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, import/export requirements, and industry communication is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and/or perform inspection and examination of various animals for disease signs and welfare.
• Diagnose and treat diseases and parasite conditions in animals.
• Plan and adapt medical procedures for diverse animal species and situations.
• Provide guidance and training to ensure consistent interpretation of animal health regulations.

Skills

Specialized experience

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

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

Job Summary

Veterinary Medical Officers promote the health and welfare of both animals and the public through diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding of animal diseases. They work to investigate, inspect, and deal with animal diseases, animal pollution, animal welfare, contamination of food of animal origin, health and safety of imported animals and animal products, and the safety and efficacy of a wide variety of animals. Recruitment Incentives Have Been Approved For This Position.

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 infected or exposed animals, including horses and birds offered for movement in international commerce. Investigate factors of veterinary diseases such as etiology, management, diagnostics, microbiology, basic epidemiology and environmental factors. Gain compliance, exchange information, apply regulations, and resolve problematic issues with industry representatives relative to import and export requirements. 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.May serve on an emergency disease eradication task force.

Position Start Date

09/04/2026

Position Close Date

09/14/2026

Salary Offered

91205 - 118569 USD Per Year

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.