Become a Veterinarian with the U.S. Army Medical Command
Are you a dedicated veterinarian looking for a change of pace? The U.S. Army Medical Command is offering a unique opportunity at the Fort Irwin Veterinary Treatment Facility. This role provides the perfect balance of professional clinical practice and a predictable, supportive environment.
Job Responsibilities
As the clinic Veterinarian, you will serve as the primary medical authority, performing wellness appointments and preventive disease counseling. Your daily tasks will include:
- Examining, diagnosing, and treating various health issues in privately-owned animals.
- Performing routine and non-routine surgical procedures.
- Collecting and analyzing diagnostic specimens including blood, urine, and tissue.
- Overseeing the professional development and nursing standards of Animal Health Assistants.
- Managing legal medical documentation and issuing health certificates.
Comparison Table: Private Practice vs. Army Veterinary Practice
| Feature | Private Practice | Army Veterinary Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Often unpredictable/On-call | Consistent/Predictable |
| Patient Base | General Public | Military Families/Service Members |
| Work Environment | High Stress/High Volume | Structured/Wellness Focused |
| Benefits | Varies by clinic | Federal/NAF Comprehensive Benefits |
Requirements
- Education: DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited school.
- License: An active, unrestricted state license to practice veterinary medicine.
- Physical Standards: Must be able to lift 45 lbs and handle physically demanding movements including standing for long periods, kneeling, and restraining animals.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $120,000 per year, pro-rated based on a 40-hour work week. Beyond base pay, NAF employees receive:
- Health and Life Insurance.
- 401(k) retirement planning.
- Generous paid time off.
- Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers.
Application Tips
Your application is the key to an interview. Keep your resume concise (maximum 2 pages) and clearly detail your clinical experience. Always upload your transcripts and licenses as PDF documents to ensure they are processed correctly. Check the USAJOBS portal regularly for status updates.
This role is an excellent choice for a veterinarian who is passionate about quality care but wants to step away from the grueling pace of private practice. Apply today to help us serve those who serve our country.
Note: Applications are accepted until July 14, 2026.
Why This Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members and their families by providing expert veterinary care at the Fort Irwin Veterinary Treatment Facility.
Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Overview
The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a dedicated Veterinarian to join our professional team in Fort Irwin, California. In this role, you will provide essential wellness care, perform surgeries, and manage clinical operations for privately-owned animals within the military community. This position offers a professional environment that emphasizes work-life balance and high-quality medical standards, perfect for practitioners looking to move away from the high-pressure, on-call nature of private emergency clinics.
Requirements for Veterinarian Nf-04
- Must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited institution.
- Must possess a current, unrestricted veterinary license from any U.S. state.
- Physical ability to lift 45 lbs, stand for long durations, and perform clinical tasks such as restraining animals, kneeling, and reaching.
- Submission of a professional resume limited to two pages.
- Ability to pass standard background and fitness requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Veterinarian Nf-04
- Active United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/APHIS) accreditation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Enrollment in comprehensive health and life insurance plans.
- ✓Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- ✓Paid personal time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Access to on-base amenities, including fitness centers and libraries.
- ✓Opportunities for continuous professional development and certification programs.
💡 How to Apply Veterinarian Nf-04 Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Veterinarian Nf-04 Job
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less and saved as a PDF.
- Gather your veterinary license, degree transcripts, and any supporting preference documentation (e.g., DD-214).
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Search for the vacancy using the announcement number O2NAFAV-26-12966389.
- Complete the online questionnaire and upload all required documents before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights how your experience aligns with the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Use PDF format for all documents to ensure proper virus scanning and formatting preservation.
- Double-check your email inbox and spam folder for status updates from the HR team.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
- Verify that your contact information is up to date in the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a part-time position with a minimum of 20 guaranteed hours per week, with the potential to be scheduled between 20-39 hours depending on the facility needs.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Does this role require being on-call?
The Department of Defense Veterinary Practice aims to provide a predictable, work-life balanced schedule, generally avoiding the traditional after-hours on-call requirements of private practice.
Job from U.S. Army Medical Command
The Department of the Army’s veterinary services strive to provide professional-grade wellness care for the pets of service members and their families. With over 130 clinics globally, we prioritize animal health and the development of military veterinary skills. We focus on enhancing the bond between military families and their pets while providing high-quality, affordable care.