Become an Animal Caretaker with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for animal welfare with the pride of supporting America's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker for a term appointment at the Omaha, Nebraska campus. This role is integral to the research efforts within the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU).

Job Responsibilities

As an Animal Caretaker, you will be the backbone of the Veterinary Medical Unit. Your daily duties will include:

Husbandry: Feeding, watering, and providing general care for various laboratory animal species.
Sanitation: Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing animal enclosures and equipment.
Health Monitoring: Observing animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior and reporting findings to the supervisor.
Research Support: Maintaining accurate inventory sheets, identifying animals via tags or tattoos, and assisting in the movement of supplies.
Safety: Ensuring environmental conditions like temperature and humidity meet strict standards.

Position Comparison: Caretaker vs. Technician Support

Feature	Animal Caretaker	Animal Health Technician
Primary Focus	Husbandry & Sanitation	Clinical Care & Diagnostics
Environment	Research/Vivarium	Clinical/Surgical
Supervision	Routine Supervision	Independent/Specialized

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several baseline requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Registration: Males born after 1959 must comply with Selective Service requirements.
Physical Fitness: The role involves heavy lifting and moving equipment.
Background: All candidates are subject to a security and background check.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is mandatory.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $23.02 to $26.86, depending on qualifications and performance.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and life insurance coverage.
Federal retirement planning through the FERS and Thrift Savings Plan.
Generous annual leave and sick time accrual.

Application Tips

Keep it Concise: Follow the two-page resume limit strictly.
Be Specific: Detail your animal handling and sanitation experience clearly; the VA will not make assumptions.
Check Formatting: Save your document as a PDF to ensure your formatting stays intact.

This role is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a federal research setting. If you are diligent, hardworking, and ready to support our Veterans, submit your application package before the closing date. Your work will directly contribute to medical advancements that improve lives.

Why This Animal Caretaker Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on veteran healthcare while working in a specialized research environment. Join the Veterinary Medical Unit in Omaha and ensure the highest standards of care for laboratory animals supporting critical VA research.

Animal Caretaker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an Animal Caretaker for a term appointment at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System. You will work within the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU), providing essential husbandry, health monitoring, and facility sanitation for laboratory animals. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who are comfortable working in a dynamic research environment and dedicated to supporting the agency's mission of serving those who have served our country.

Requirements for Animal Caretaker

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Willingness to complete an online onboarding process.
Must be able to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Commitment to participating in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Possess physical strength and dexterity to handle bulky equipment and various animal species.

Preferred Qualifications for Animal Caretaker

Demonstrated experience performing health examinations on diverse animal species.
Proficiency in monitoring animals for health changes or behavioral abnormalities.
Experience in collecting biological specimens, including blood, urine, and fecal samples.
Proven ability to handle and restrain animals safely.
Demonstrated experience in cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilizing animal enclosures and feeding equipment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement investment opportunities.
✓Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior experience.
✓Consistent, mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Animal Caretaker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Animal Caretaker Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages and saved as a PDF.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, transcripts, SF-50s).
Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists month and year for all start and end dates of employment.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page length requirement.
Align your resume keywords with the specific job elements mentioned in the announcement.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Double-check that your phone number and email address are current.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a term appointment?

A term appointment is a non-permanent position of limited duration, lasting more than one year but no more than four years. While not permanent, these roles generally offer similar benefits to permanent staff.

Is a vaccination required for this position?

Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Federal agencies are currently capping resumes at two pages; submissions exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides comprehensive healthcare to those who have served in the United States military. Our mission is to honor our nation's heroes by providing the best care possible. Working at the VA offers more than just a paycheck; it provides a sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve a deserving community in a supportive, mission-driven environment.