Launch Your Veterinary Career with the U.S. Army Medical Command

Are you a dedicated veterinarian seeking a meaningful career that balances professional impact with personal well-being? The U.S. Army Medical Command is currently seeking a motivated individual to join the Veterinary Treatment Facility at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This role provides a unique opportunity to provide high-quality wellness care to the pets of service members while working within a supportive military community.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff veterinarian, your primary role is to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population in the Fort Polk area. Your duties include:

Patient Care: Conducting wellness exams, providing immunization counseling, and performing surgeries.
Diagnostics: Collecting and interpreting laboratory samples such as blood, urine, and tissues.
Clinic Management: Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring high standards of animal welfare.
Leadership: Overseeing and mentoring Animal Health Assistants to improve nursing skills and clinical standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited institution.
Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in any U.S. state.
Physicality: The ability to lift 45 lbs, restrain animals, and stand for extended periods.
Documentation: A concise, two-page (maximum) resume that clearly outlines your experience.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. Army NAF Veterinary Practice

Feature	Private Practice	Army NAF Veterinary Practice
Work Schedule	Often 50+ hours/week	20+ hours (Predictable)
On-Call Duty	Frequently required	Not required
Mission Focus	Profit-driven	Beneficiary and mission support
Development	Varies by clinic	Access to military specialists

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $101,100 to $114,600, commensurate with experience and the pay-banded system. Beyond the paycheck, the Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) system provides:

Enrollment in health and life insurance programs.
Retirement savings through 401(k) plans.
Paid personal time off and federal holidays.
Full access to base amenities, including fitness facilities.

Application Tips

To ensure your application receives full consideration, follow these expert tips:

Focus on the Resume: Federal hiring managers look for specific evidence of experience. Keep your resume under two pages and explicitly tie your duties to the requirements listed in the announcement.
Check Your Paperwork: Ensure all licenses and transcripts are up to date and readily available.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the October 27, 2026 deadline. Submitting early allows time for technical verification.

Joining the U.S. Army Medical Command is more than just a job; it is a commitment to serving those who serve our nation. If you are an experienced or newly graduated veterinarian looking for a stable, rewarding environment with a focus on life-work balance, this role in Fort Polk is an exceptional choice.

Why This Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Matters

Elevate your veterinary career while supporting the families of those who serve our country at the Fort Polk Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Veterinarian Nf-04 Job Overview

The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a dedicated Veterinarian (NF-04) to join the Fort Polk Veterinary Treatment Facility. This role is ideal for professionals who value a healthy work-life balance and a predictable schedule without the pressures of constant on-call shifts. You will provide essential medical care to pets of service members, manage clinic operations, and guide a team of skilled Animal Health Assistants in a supportive, military-affiliated environment.

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 veterinary medical license from any U.S. state.
Ability to perform essential physical duties including lifting 45 lbs, standing for long periods, kneeling, reaching, and restraining animals.
Must be able to provide official academic transcripts upon selection.
Submission of a concise resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
Must be able to work effectively in environments with intermittent excessive noise.

Preferred Qualifications for Veterinarian Nf-04

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

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in 401(k) retirement plans.
✓Generous paid personal time off and federal holidays.
✓Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers and libraries.
✓Professional development opportunities and continuing education support.
✓A predictable work-life balance with no emergency on-call requirements.

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

Application Steps for Veterinarian Nf-04 Job

Review the job announcement details and ensure you meet all listed qualifications.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages or less.
Log into your USAJOBS account and search for announcement 02NAFAV-26-13077207.
Complete the online application questionnaire thoroughly.
Upload required documentation, including your DVM/VMD degree proof, veterinary license, and transcripts.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST closing date on October 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is formatted clearly and focuses specifically on your relevant clinical experience.
Use a PDF format for your resume and uploaded documents to maintain consistent formatting during the upload process.
Double-check that your contact information is current and your email is capable of receiving correspondence from government domains.
Review your questionnaire responses carefully against your resume, as discrepancies can impact your rating.
Submit your application early to account for potential technical issues or extended virus scans for uploaded files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work-life balance like in this role?

This position offers a predictable 20-hour (minimum) work week with a focus on wellness care, eliminating the stress of traditional on-call emergency shifts.

Can I apply if I have a license from a different state?

Yes, a valid and unrestricted veterinary license from any U.S. state is sufficient for this position.

What happens after I submit my application?

The system will initially screen for basic qualifications. Qualified applications are then reviewed by HR, and you will receive email notifications throughout the process.

Is a relocation bonus available?

No, relocation costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Is there a possibility for career advancement?

Yes, the agency emphasizes professional development through training and certification programs.

Job from U.S. Army Medical Command

The Department of the Army’s Veterinary Services offer an unparalleled practice environment. Operating over 130 clinics worldwide, the mission is to provide affordable, professional-level care to beneficiaries. This agency is committed to professional growth, offering access to veterinary specialists and a collaborative environment where you can refine your medical skills without the burnout often associated with private practice.