Veterinary Medical Officer - Baltimore, United States - VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Description

SummaryThis position serves as a Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO in the Vivarium and will report to the Associate Chief of Staff for Research.

The VMO serves as the Attending Veterinarian and is responsible for providing veterinary medical support and serving as an expert consultant for the VA medical facility's animal research program.

The VMO oversees the operations of the VMU and provides supervision of the VMU Facility. This position is supervisory.
This job is open toThe publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agencyALL US CITEZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY:
This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR for this occupation.
VideosDutiesThis is a non bargaining unit position.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package:

VA Total RewardsWork Schedule:
Part-Time 25 Hours Per WeekTelework: AdHoc

Duty Location Status:
VA Maryland Health Care System, Research and Development Service (BT/151), 10 N Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201Position Description Title/PD#: Veterinary Medical Officer (Laboratory Animal Medicine)/ PD612310

Physical Demands:
The work requires moderate physical exertion, routine restraint and handling of large non tranquilized, sedated and anesthetized research animals, and prolonged periods of standing during surgical procedures

Supervisory Probationary Statement:
Applicants selected for this position may be required to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Failure to successfully complete the supervisory probationary period will result in the employee being reassigned to a position in the agency of no lower grade and pay than the one the employee left to accept the supervisory or managerial position.

Major Duties:

Provides essential, professional, and technical support to the development and conduct of multi-disciplinary investigations requiring the use of animal subjects.

Ensures that the research needs of investigators, for various laboratory animal models and test systems, are met and that professional and technical support and services regarding the selection, preparation, medical and surgical care and use of these animal subjects are available to all research personnel at the facility.

Interprets clinical results, evaluates history, performs and interprets postmortem examinations and other examinations of specimens in a comprehensive manner. Disease or problems of an unusual nature are vigorously pursued.
Supervises the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) Facility Supervisor and several animal caretakers.
Oversees the operations of the VMU and provides supervision of the VMU Facility.

Contributes significantly to the formulation of policies at the institution with respect to: 1) the selection, preparation, needs and use of animal subject in research; 2) the effective use of personnel, space and equipment in the VMU; 3) the functional criteria of designing, redesigning, constructing and equipping the VMU; and 4) the development of protocols in research involving the use of animal subjects.
Serves as the Attending Veterinarian and is responsible for providing veterinary medical support.

Serves as an expert and must provide current and accurate information obtained through local, national, and international contacts with key research scientists, VMOs, investigators, and high-ranking administrative professionals.

Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation.
Selectees may be required to serve a probationary period.

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.A complete application package, i.e., Resume, Transcripts, etc., as required by job announcement.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Participation in the Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program for VHA Health Care Personnel (HCP) is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs HCP.All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Pre-employment physical examination/evaluation may be required.
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP)

• See "Additional Information" below for details.

QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/17/2024.You may qualify based on the Education and Experience requirements described below.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing your qualifications on education.


Individual Occupational Requirements:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment, all applicants must meet the basic education and licensure requirements.a. Education(1)

Possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e.

, Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the AVMA Council on Education; or(2) Graduate from a foreign veterinary medical school not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education possessing one of the following:

(a) Proof of certification of final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG); or(b) Current, permanent, full and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or its predecessors, the National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT); or(c) Proof that the education obtained in a foreign veterinary medical program is equivalent to that gained in a veterinary medical program that is accredited by the AVMA Council on Education. Under this provision, equivalency is established only if an AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school or college accepts the graduate's final transcript from the foreign veterinary medical school at full value for placement into an advanced degree, postgraduate educational program or training program (e.g., residency or graduate program); and(d) Graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must also provide proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing one of the nationally and internationally recognized examinations that incorporate assessments of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Examples of examinations that assess mastery of the English language include:1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum scores for the TOEFL are 560 for the paper based version; 220 for the computer based version; or overall score of 83 for the internet based version (including 26 or higher in speaking, 26 or higher in listening, and 17 or higher in writing).

For the computer-based and paper-based test versions, applicants must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of Written English (TWE). Minimum required scores are 55 for the TSE and 5.5 for the TWE; or2. Academic tests (listening, writing and speaking) offered by the International English Language II-F32-3Testing System (IELTS).

Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, and 6.0 in writing; or3.

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).

Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 70, with at least 60 in speaking, 60 in listening, and 50 in writing.b.

Licensure(1) Possess a current, permanent, full and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the NAVLE or its predecessors, the NBE and the CCT.(2) An employee who enters this occupation with the basic requirement for licensure, but fails to maintain licensure must be immediately removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee who fails to maintain licensure may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists.

Specialized Experience:

Specialized experience must demonstrate the ability of the applicant to independently perform the veterinary medical duties required for the position.

Only experience gained after completing the basic education requirements described in paragraph 3 and in a biomedical research setting in which Public Health Service Policy and United States Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act Regulations were applied under the jurisdiction of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is creditable.

Experience gained at a pet veterinary clinic with species commonly used in research does not count towards meeting the specialized experience requirements.

When calculating the length of specialized experience, applicants are considered to have gained 1 year of experience through the completion of either 12 months or 52 weeks of specialized experience, whichever comes first.

Qualifying part-time specialized experience is credited according to its relation to the full-time workweek (i.e., 40 hours).You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience is defined as:

mastery of veterinary medical concepts, principles, and practices, requiring application of higher level scientific principles to areas such as animal and public health, control systems, and the humane and appropriate care and use of animal subjects in scientific research, provide clinical and administrative support to animal care and use programs, serve as a lead expert in coordinating the efforts of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate operational programs, technology and research impacting veterinary science.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


Note:
A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit OPM's web site at the GS-13 grade level: ACLAM Diplomate status and 1 year of specialized veterinary experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or ACLAM Diplomate status and 3 years of progressively responsible training in an ACLAM-approved internship, residency program or fellowship training program

PLEASE

NOTE:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website:
All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional informationReceiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation)

Leave:

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job.

Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE,
PLEASEBE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.

Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.

You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Documents Accepted:
License, Other (1), Professional Certification, Resume, Separation Notice (RIF), SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action, and Transcript

Documents Required:
LicenseResumeTranscriptPlease review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.

Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information.

Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.


Veterans' Preference:
Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/17/2024 to receive consideration.

To preview the questionnaire click To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.

Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.


NOTE:
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, , select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position.

The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact informationVHA National Recruitment CenterPhone govAddressBaltimore ORD VISN 531 Hopkins PlazaBaltimore, ID 21201USNext stepsAfter the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number requestRequired Documents


Documents Accepted:
License, Other (1), Professional Certification, Resume, Separation Notice (RIF), SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action, and Transcript

Documents Required:
LicenseResumeTranscriptPlease review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.

Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information.

Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.


Veterans' Preference:
Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/17/2024 to receive consideration.

To preview the questionnaire click To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.

Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.


NOTE:
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, , select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position.

The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact informationVHA National Recruitment CenterPhone govAddressBaltimore ORD VISN 531 Hopkins PlazaBaltimore, ID 21201USNext stepsAfter the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request