Duties

• Observes animals to be continually aware of appearance, behavioral or health changes, takes corrective action and informs management, veterinarian personnel or owner as necessary.
• Observes animals to be continually aware of appearance, behavioral or health changes, takes corrective action and informs management, veterinarian personnel or owner as necessary.
• Administers medication to animals as prescribed by the Veterinarian. Cleans and sanitizes stalls, kennels, petting zoo, common areas and loft on a regular basis to assure clean and sanitary conditions at all times.
• Performs various maintenance and repair tasks when necessary. Reports major repairs, and assures adequate corrective action. Provides adequate security at all times for animals and premises.
• Responsible for the health and security of animals at all times. Responsible for adequate supplies and maintenance of correct schedule for care of animals. Responsible for adequate maintenance and clean, sanitary condition of animals and premises.
• Exercises animals by turning out or walking on a leash as required, or following a specific schedule.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
• Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position. Satisfactory completion of pre-employment background checks in accordance with AR 215-3, para.2 to include a Tier 1 background investigation.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• Completed and signed DA Form 3433 is required prior to entrance on duty.
• Pursuant to EO 14043, all Federal employees, regardless of duty location or work arrangement, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by November 22, 2021, or before entrance on duty if after November 22, subject to exceptions as required by law.
• If selected, the agency will provide information regarding what documentation is needed and how to request any legally required exceptions from this requirement.
• Proof of vaccination will be required. To ensure compliance with this mandate, review the vaccination requirements, to include timelines for receiving required doses, at the following: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/
• Appointment is subject to successful completion and favorable results of fingerprints, health assessment (physical), and Installation Record Checks to determine suitability for this position.
• DRUG TEST REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, incumbent of a testing designated position is subject to a random drug test that occurs without suspicion that a particular individual is using illegal drugs
• Physical Effort: Frequently lift and carry items and animals weighing over seventy (70) pounds. Moderate effort is required to operate power washing and mowing equipment.
• WORKING CONDITIONS: Works inside in often poorly lighted or insulated areas, and outside exposed to extreme weather conditions. Inside work often exposes animal caretakers to unpleasant odors and noises.
• WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposed to unpleasant odors and noises, animal bites, scratches and contagious diseases. May be required to wear protective equipment.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Duties involve considerable physical effort including lifting various items such as animals, feed, or supplies, occasionally weighing up to seventy (70) pounds, bending, climbing, and working in tiring and awkward positions.
• WORK SCHEDULE: Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Qualifications

Eligible applications received on or before the cut-off date of 18 November 2021 will be referred to the selecting official(s) for consideration.

Select here to view the full Position Description of an Animal Caretaker NA-5048-05

Qualification Requirements:

Knowledge of animals' characteristics, needs and behavior, and skill in observing, handling and caring for animals.

Able to follow complex instructions.

Ability to maintain records.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE: Incumbent must be thoroughly familiar with the care, grooming, feeding, and maintenance of animals, must be able to quickly detect signs of ill health of animals by observing changes in behavior or appearance and to take emergency action until veterinary help is available. They are familiar with special feed requirements, different types of feed and feed supplements, and apply this knowledge to increase and decrease the amounts of feed for over or underweight animals or to change diets for young, pregnant, or nursing animals. Must be able to perform routine maintenance required on the stalls, kennels or premises.

Reminder to Applicants: Your experience has to be clearly identified in your resume in order to receive consideration. If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position.

The pay for this position will be set at step 01 of the grade ($14.16 per hour). Applicants with previous NAF service may be eligible for a higher hourly rate upon verification of prior service and previous rate.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Area of Consideration:

• The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is Fort Detrick local and surrounding areas (50 miles). (Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration.)

Manual Applications:

• If you are unable to apply online, you may submit your application package using a manual application method. Please contact the NAF Human Resources Office or representative listed on this job announcement to request a copy of the manual application form. All completed manual application forms (along with resume and other supporting documentation) must be received no later than 3:00PM by 01/19/2022 in order to process your application in a timely manner. Please note that neglecting to respond to the job related questions may result in an ineligible rating.

Allowances, Incentives, and PCS Costs:

• Allowances, differentials, or incentives will not be paid.
• Payment Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.

Please check out our Applicant Information Kit:

• It contains additional information applicants may find useful when applying for our jobs. (To view the kit, click or copy and paste this URL: https://publicfileshare.chra.army.mil/Applicants/NAF%20Applicant%20Information%20Kit.pdf ).

Other:

• Additional referrals may be made from this vacancy announcement for up to 90 days after the closing date.
• Applications are valid for 90 days after submission date. Applicants will be referred to selecting officials as additional vacancies occur.