Veterinary Medical Officer (Import/Export)

About the role

Veterinary Medical Officers promote the health and welfare of both animals and the public through diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding of animal diseases. They work to investigate, inspect, and deal with animal diseases, animal pollution, animal welfare, contamination of food of animal origin, health and safety of imported animals and animal products, and the safety and efficacy of a wide variety of animals.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below.

FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants who meet the basic requirements as outlined in the "Education" section qualify for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required. This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college or university.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Responsibilities

• Review, certify, and endorse eligible international health certificates and related documents for animals, animal products, animal byproducts, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents and other material.
• Develop and recommend new procedures and practices for properly releasing, retaining and/or quarantining problem animals or products.
• Diagnose a variety of domestic and foreign animal diseases, especially those of significant economic impact which have been targeted by the Agency for prevention, control and eradication.
• Review and analyze eligibility for export or import of animals, animal germplasm, poultry, pet birds, aquatic animals, and other products.
• Provide assistance to importers to facilitate permit process and review filed inspection procedures and reports to ensure compliance with import regulations.
• Provide information and guidance to port veterinary medical officers in the Area to ensure consistent delivery and interpretation of existing and new regulations, guidelines, and policies.
• Review and analyze inspections and compliance agreements of establishments approved to handle restricted imports to ensure products are processed and released only after proper treatments.

Pay

Salary Offered: $74,678 - $107,620 USD Per Year

Schedule

Position Start Date: 07/21/2026

Position Close Date: 07/27/2026

About the organization

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!

APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.