Animal Health Assistant NF-03

Summary

**Announcement was updated from original closing date to 20 OCT 2026**-

This position is located at the Vandenberg AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Incentives and Bonuses

• Incentives will not be paid.

Learn more about this agency

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

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
• Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Must have use of fingers; Both hand and both legs are required; Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
• 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.
• Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations to work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment IAW AR 40-562 chap 4-1.

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.

In addition to the above qualifications, candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified":

NF-02 - Candidates that possess demonstrated experience including proficiency in basic medical terminology; application of 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.

NF-03 - 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 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:

• This job is open to candidates who are within the commuting area? NOTE: Local commuting area is defined as Santa Barbara County, CA/Vandenberg AFB 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. Eligibility begins 30 days before the military sponsor's reporting date at the new duty location.
  (Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration).

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 10/20/2026 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 and will be determined based on grade level qualified. Hourly salary is:

NF-03 $21.96ph to $23.00ph ($45.830pa to $48,001pa)

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.
• Non-foreign overseas allowances, cost of living (COLA), and differentials will not be paid, contingent upon eligibility.

Discover Your Path to Success

• Before you apply, take a moment to explore our Applicant Information Kit, your go-to guide for understanding our hiring processes and making your application stand out.
• Inside you will find helpful tips, insights, and everything you need to feel confident and prepared.
• Click this URL to view the kit:

Scheduling Information:

• Below defines theemployment category for this position:
• 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.

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.

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Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) can offer numerous advantages. Army NAF employment can provide a sense of pride and fulfillment, as you'll be supporting communities comprised of military and civilian personnel, and their families, which contributes to the Department of Defense's overall mission. We offer a wide range of career opportunities, including jobs in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and more. Many employees have opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs to help towards career advancement. As an Army NAF employee, you'll have access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers, libraries, and many other amenities.

Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance, participation in 401k and retirement plans, and paid personal time off and federal holidays. NAF flexible employees, working in the United States or a U.S. citizen or spouse or child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan. Some flexible employees may also be eligible to receive health insurance.

For a slideshow presentation regarding these benefits, please click the Review Our Benefits link below.

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