Become a Veterinarian at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center

Are you a dedicated veterinarian seeking a career that combines high-level medical care with a sustainable work-life balance? The U.S. Army Medical Command is currently hiring for a Veterinarian (NF-04) at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. This is a unique opportunity to join a global veterinary practice that focuses on wellness and specialized care for the pets of our service members.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be a cornerstone of the clinic's medical operations. Your primary duties will include:

Clinical Care: Conducting wellness appointments, preventative care, and health screenings.
Surgery & Treatment: Performing surgical procedures and treating animal injuries or illnesses.
Diagnostics: Collecting samples (blood, urine, feces) and interpreting laboratory findings.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate medical records and providing health certificates.
Leadership: Mentoring and providing direction to Animal Health Assistants regarding nursing standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Degree: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) from an AVMA-accredited institution.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in any U.S. state.
Physical Stamina: The ability to lift 45 lbs, stand for long durations, and manage animal restraint techniques.
Documentation: You must submit your resume (limit 2 pages), transcripts, and license proof by the closing date.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. Army NAF Veterinary Practice

Feature	Private Practice	Army NAF Practice
Schedule	Often includes long, irregular hours	Predictable, balanced hours
On-Call	Frequently required	Not required
Benefits	Varies by employer	Standard federal-adjacent benefits
Mission	Profit-driven	Community/Service-driven

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 per year. The salary is pro-rated based on a standard 40-hour work week, ensuring transparent and consistent compensation.

Benefits

Employees of the Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) enjoy a supportive environment. Benefits include:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Retirement savings via 401(k) plans.
Paid personal time off and federal holidays.
Access to base facilities such as fitness centers.
Professional development and networking with veterinary specialists.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Federal agencies are strict about the two-page resume limit. Edit your content to prioritize relevant experience.
Use PDF: Always upload your resume and documents as a PDF to ensure they appear exactly as you intended.
Be Thorough: The rating process is based solely on your resume. Do not leave out details regarding your past surgical or clinical work.

If you are a passionate veterinarian looking to make a difference in the military community while maintaining a predictable, professional schedule, this role at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center is an exceptional choice. Ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline to start your journey with the Department of the Army.

Why This Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Matters

Join the Department of the Army as a Veterinarian at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and balance your medical career with a high-quality, sustainable lifestyle.

Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Overview

The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a dedicated Veterinarian to join the team at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Veterinary Treatment Facility. In this role, you will provide essential wellness care, conduct surgeries, and offer diagnostic services for the pets of service members and their families. This position is ideal for professionals who want to maintain high standards of veterinary medicine while enjoying a balanced work schedule without the stress of constant emergency on-call hours.

Requirements for Veterinarian Nf-04

Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited institution.
A valid, unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in any U.S. state.
Ability to perform essential physical tasks including lifting 45 lbs, standing for long periods, and restraining animals.
Must be able to provide official transcripts upon hiring.
Must be able to navigate high-noise environments.
Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Veterinarian Nf-04

Active United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) / Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) accreditation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to diverse veterinary specialists within the military network.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling.
✓Supportive mission-driven work environment.
✓Access to on-base amenities such as fitness centers and libraries.
✓Eligibility for health and life insurance for regular full-time/part-time employees.
✓Retirement and 401(k) plan participation.
✓Paid personal time off and federal holidays.

💡 How to Apply Veterinarian Nf-04 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Veterinarian Nf-04 Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less highlighting your specific veterinary experience.
Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Gather your required documents, including your DVM/VMD degree, active state license, and transcripts.
Submit your application through the official portal before the closing date of June 30, 2026.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire accurately.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up communications.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume focused; ensure it is no longer than two pages to meet federal requirements.
Upload documents in PDF format to maintain layout and formatting integrity.
Be specific about your clinical experience—the rating system relies entirely on the information provided in your resume.
Double-check your contact information and ensure your email filters allow messages from the hiring agency.
Review the NAF Applicant Information Kit provided by the Army for detailed guidance on the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum length allowed for the resume?

Federal regulations for this position strictly limit the resume to two pages or less.

Are relocation expenses covered?

No, relocation costs are not authorized for this position.

Do I need a security clearance?

This position is classified as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, so a formal security clearance is not required.

What is the closing date for this application?

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on June 30, 2026.

Is there an emergency on-call requirement?

One of the core benefits of this position is the elimination of emergency on-call stress, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Job from U.S. Army Medical Command

The Department of the Army’s Public Health Command (PHC) manages over 130 veterinary clinics worldwide. These facilities serve as essential hubs for the military community, providing affordable, high-quality care for privately-owned animals while fostering professional development for military veterinary personnel. By joining this team, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values both its practitioners and the families they serve.