Animal Health Assistant (NF-03) - Fort Carson, Colorado

Are you passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to serving the military community? The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a motivated and skilled Animal Health Assistant (NF-03) to join their team at the Fort Carson Veterinary Treatment Facility in Colorado. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of privately owned animals belonging to service members and their families, playing an integral part in the Army's public health mission. If you possess a strong foundation in animal care and a desire to make a tangible difference, this flexible position could be your next career step.

About the Agency: U.S. Army Medical Command

The U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) stands as a cornerstone of the Army's healthcare system, committed to providing comprehensive medical services to soldiers, their families, and other beneficiaries worldwide. Within MEDCOM, the Global Veterinary Medical Practice (GVMP) operates veterinary treatment facilities (VTFs) on numerous military installations. These VTFs are crucial for maintaining the health of privately owned animals, thereby supporting the morale and readiness of military personnel and their families. The GVMP emphasizes a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of professionals working collaboratively with military and civilian veterinarians to deliver high-quality animal healthcare.

Job Responsibilities

As an Animal Health Assistant (NF-03) at the Fort Carson Veterinary Treatment Facility, your duties will encompass a broad range of essential tasks focused on providing excellent animal care and supporting veterinary operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Surgical Assistance: Preparing for and assisting veterinarians during surgical procedures. This involves preparing surgical packs, instruments, and suture materials, as well as monitoring patients under anesthesia. You may also serve as a scrubbed surgical assistant, continuously updating medical staff on patient status during operations.
• Medical Treatment Administration: Preparing and administering vaccinations, oral medications, and topical treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian. You will also be responsible for dispensing prescription medications according to veterinarian instructions.
• Client Education and Support: Applying knowledge to assist clients with common husbandry issues and providing individualized wellness counseling. This includes educating clients on preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care recommendations.
• Diagnostic Procedures: Performing routine medical and diagnostic procedures, which may include applying appropriate restraint techniques and utilizing proper radiological techniques. You will also operate in-house laboratory equipment to conduct diagnostic tests and perform routine maintenance.
• Laboratory Management: Completing lab request forms for external reference laboratories and preparing samples for shipment. This includes conducting routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment.
• Record Keeping: Proficiently recording medical history and treatment plans using the ccSOAP (Chief Complaint, Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) system.
• Supply Management (Preferred): Assisting with ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels, conducting monthly inventory counts, and monitoring expiration dates for medications and vaccines.

Requirements

To be considered for this Animal Health Assistant position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Experience: A minimum of six (6) months of demonstrated experience directly related to the duties of an Animal Health Assistant. This experience must have been gained through practical application in a veterinary medical setting and clearly show the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential for successful performance according to recognized veterinary medical association guidelines (e.g., AVMA, VMSB).
• Core Competencies:
  • Proficiency in basic medical terminology.
  • Skilled in utilizing correct sterile techniques.
  • Ability to apply appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures, including proper radiological techniques.
  • Proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP.
  • Capability to explain product information and treatment plans to clients as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Ability to determine preventive wellness plans, including required medical treatments and vaccinations, based on patient medical history.
  • Experience using in-house laboratory equipment for diagnostic tests and performing routine maintenance.
  • Skill in completing lab request forms for reference laboratories and preparing samples for shipment to outside laboratories.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered highly preferred or best qualified:

• Possession of, or the ability to reactivate/obtain, a registration, license, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program (e.g., as identified on www.NAVTA.net).
• Experience in basic supply management, including ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts, and documenting expiration dates of medications and vaccines.

Salary Overview

This Animal Health Assistant position is classified at the NF-03 grade level. The annual salary is set at $42,970, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.59 for a standard 40-hour work week. The salary is pro-rated based on the actual hours worked.

Benefits

Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) offers a unique set of advantages. Beyond the fulfilling nature of supporting military communities and their families, employees can access:

• Health and Insurance: Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: Participation in 401(k) and retirement plans is available for regular full-time and part-time employees. Flexible employees working in the U.S. or as a U.S. citizen/spouse/child working for a NAFI abroad may also participate in the NAF 401(k) plan.
• Paid Time Off: Regular full-time and part-time employees receive paid personal time off and observe federal holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, education, and certification programs to foster career advancement.
• On-Base Amenities: Access to on-base facilities like fitness centers and libraries.
• Work Schedule Flexibility: While this is a flexible/intermittent position, it allows for potential to work up to 40 hours per week based on mission needs.
• Premium Pay: Sunday premium pay and night differential pay may be authorized for regularly scheduled employees.

Application Steps

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Create/Login: Ensure you have a USAJOBS account. If not, create one. Log in to your account.
2. Find the Job: Search for Announcement number O2NAFAV-26-13103465.
3. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply' button. Select your resume and any other required or supporting documents.
4. Complete Application: Fill out the online application form completely, including the assessment questionnaire.
5. Review: Carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness.
6. Submit: Submit your application by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 3, 2026.

Alternatively, if unable to apply online, contact the servicing NAF Human Resources representative to request a paper application form and submit it with all required documents by the closing date. For more details on the online application process, visit the USA Staffing support site.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, keep the following tips in mind:

• Resume is Key: Your resume is the primary tool for evaluation. Ensure it is two pages or less, clearly details your experience and aligns directly with the requirements and duties listed in this announcement. Be specific – avoid generalizations.
• Questionnaire Accuracy: Answer the assessment questionnaire honestly and ensure your responses accurately reflect the experience detailed in your resume and supporting documents. Overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
• Documentation: Provide all requested supporting documents by the closing date. Claims for preference or special eligibility require proper documentation (e.g., DD-214 for veterans).
• Contact Information: Keep your contact information updated in your USAJOBS profile. If your email address changes after the closing date, notify the HR office promptly.
• Email Management: Ensure your email inbox can receive messages from USA Staffing and check your spam/junk folders regularly for important updates.
• Stay Informed: Consider signing up for text alerts through your USAJOBS profile to receive notifications about your application status and any required actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
What is the work schedule for this position?	This is a Flexible/Intermittent position. You are not guaranteed any hours per week, but may be scheduled to work between 0-40 hours per week based on mission needs. Flexible employees are not typically entitled to leave or benefits, but there is no upper limit to the number of hours you can work, subject to overtime and scheduling requirements. The specific work schedule will be determined after hire.
What documentation is required for the application?	A resume is required. Other accepted documents to support qualifications or claimed preferences may include a Cover Letter, DD-214/Statement of Service, License, Veterinary Technician License, Transcripts, and proof of marriage status (for certain preferences). Please refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a complete list.
What is the salary for this position?	The salary is $20.59 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of $42,970. Salary is pro-rated based on a 40-hour work week.
Can I apply if I don't live in the Fort Carson, Colorado area?	Yes, the 'Area of Consideration' includes candidates within the local commuting area (El Paso COUNTY, CO/Fort Carson and surrounding area within a 50-mile radius). It also includes those who live outside this area but are able to commute, are willing to relocate at their own expense, or are an involuntarily separated military member or military spouse/family member relocating to the installation.
Are there any incentives or bonuses offered?	Incentives and bonuses will not be paid for this position.

The Animal Health Assistant position at Fort Carson offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for animal care with a commitment to serving the military community. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to a vital public health mission, we encourage you to apply. This flexible role provides a chance to develop your skills while supporting the well-being of service members and their beloved pets. Take the next step in your career and join the dedicated team at the U.S. Army Medical Command.