These positions are located within the USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will collaborate with a motivated, innovative, and dedicated team of animal caretakers to provide safe and humane husbandry, technical and research support toward the NBAF mission for a variety of animals to include traditional and non-traditional laboratory animals with a focus on livestock models.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Minimum Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following to be qualified at the GS-08 grade level: Experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-08 level are: Participating in a research project related to animal science in support of medical care; AND Maintaining equipment and instruments (such as radiology and anesthesia equipment etc.); AND Determining immunizations and providing appropriate vaccinations under the direction of a veterinarian. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Biology, Biosafety, Animal Behavior, Laboratory Animal Medicine, or Veterinary Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. Minimum Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following to be qualified at the GS-09 grade level: Experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-09 level are: Participating in a research project related to animal science in support of medical care; AND Maintaining equipment and instruments (such as radiology and anesthesia equipment etc.); AND Determining immunizations and providing appropriate vaccinations under the direction of a veterinarian; AND Maintaining all records of the administration of drugs/medications; AND Independently train personnel on various animal techniques and procedures; AND Ensuring activities related to handling of animals are in compliance with policies, laws, or regulations. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Biology, Biosafety, Animal Behavior, Laboratory Animal Medicine, or Veterinary Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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.
Duties listed represent the full performance level of the position
Works with an off-site contractor in obtaining, conditioning, examining, and ensuring the health and welfare for animals being prepared to be transported into an ABSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag, or ABSL-4/4Ag facility.
Works with a wide range of animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, and laboratory animals.
Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions or in accordance with the animal care and use protocol.
Inspects and gathers samples and data on the health of the animals; identifies and appraises any animal illnesses or diseases and then determines if animal(s) should be eliminated.
Participates in facility stand-up in preparation for animal research.
Follows strict containment, sanitary or sterile procedures when working with the animals.
Identifies any quarantine restrictions and takes appropriate action. Keeps records of any animals with signs of diseases, injury, and abnormal behavior.
As required, transports the animals to NBAF operating a truck pulling a livestock trailer.
Collects blood and other body fluids, feces, urine, tissues or secretions, and culture samples using techniques as prescribed by animal care and use protocols.
Complies with state and county regulations in dealing with animals and animal transportation.
Maintains records and develops summaries and reports of findings regarding animals to be used in biologic and diagnostic testing.
Maintains equipment and instruments (such as thermometers, stethoscopes, etc.) used in activities.
Works directly with a Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO) in the containment units who outline scientific investigations and experiments.
Performs injections in blood vessels and/or organs or other as described in animal care and use protocols to include blood.
Uses software applications including Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, SharePoint, and other relevant programs and web-based systems.
Develops, edits, reviews, provides feedback and follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) and research protocols.