Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) – NF-02/NF-03
U.S. Army Medical Command · Department of the Army
This job in plain English
This is an Animal Health Assistant job at the Kirtland Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility in New Mexico. It is run by the U.S. Army Medical Command as part of its Global Veterinary Medical Practice, which cares for pets of military families. The work is intermittent, with flexible hours, and the announcement lists only a few vacancies.
Can you apply?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.
- Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
Open to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals who have lived in the U.S. or a U.S. territory for at least three continuous years before federal service began. Candidates must live in the local commuting area (Kirtland AFB and a 50-mile radius) or meet another listed condition, such as being a military spouse or involuntarily separated military member.
What you would do
- Assist veterinarians during surgery, including preparing surgery packs and monitoring anesthesia.
- Scrub in as a surgical assistant and update staff on patient condition.
- Prepare and give vaccines and medications as the veterinarian prescribes.
- Prepare and dispense prescription medication following veterinarian instructions.
- Advise clients on animal care, prevention, and wellness.
Do you qualify for NF-2 to NF-3?
With experience: For NF-02 (entry level), you need work experience that shows you can do the duties, such as at a pet store, farm, or animal shelter, plus knowledge of approved animal restraint and proper vaccine and syringe handling. For NF-03 (full performance), you need at least 6 months of experience in a veterinary medical setting that shows clinical skills.
With education: This job does not have an education requirement.
How to apply well
What to send:
- Resume, two pages or less, showing relevant experience
- Cover letter (accepted)
- Veterinary Technician License, if you have one (accepted)
- Transcripts, if used to support a qualification
- DA Form 3434 (accepted to support a qualification or preference)
- DD 214 or DD 1300 to claim veterans' priority through a spouse or parent
- Proof of marriage status and PCS orders to support spouse preference
How you will be rated: Your resume and your answers to the online questionnaire are reviewed against the listed requirements. You are rated only on what your resume shows, and incomplete applications, including skipped questionnaire items, may be rated ineligible.
Tips for this job:
- Describe each past job's animal care duties clearly, because ratings use only what your resume states.
- Answer every questionnaire question, since skipped items can make you ineligible.
- Submit your resume through USAJOBS by 11:59 PM Eastern on 11/05/2026, and upload any preference documents you claim.
Good to know before you apply
Schedule: Intermittent work with guaranteed 0 to 40 hours per week, set by mission needs. The exact schedule is set after hire. Occasional Saturdays for special events.
Incentives and relocation: None. Incentives will not be paid, and moving (PCS) costs are not paid.
Conditions of employment:
- Direct deposit and Social Security card required
- Meet qualification and background requirements
- E-Verify employment check
- One-year probationary period may be required
- Occasional Saturdays for special events
- No aversion to animals, blood, body fluids, or needles
- Lift up to 45 pounds, sometimes more with help
- Must have use of both hands, both legs, and fingers
- Exposure to intermittent excessive noise
- Background investigation submitted to DCSA within 30 days of starting
- Favorable suitability determination required
- Must be able to receive required immunizations
- Selective Service registration required if applicable
We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.
Job details
- Salary
- $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
- Pay scale and grade
- NF-2 to NF-3 · Nonappropriated fund
- Location
- Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
- Appointment
- Intermittent
- Work schedule
- Intermittent
- Service
- Competitive
- Openings
- Few
- Security clearance
- Not Required
- Travel
- Not required
- Drug test
- Not required
- Supervisory
- No
- Occupation
- Animal Health Technician (0704)
- Announcement
- O2NAFAV-26-13104302
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