Are you able to lift and carry 45 pounds or more independently?
Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03
Assists veterinarians with surgical procedures, administers vaccinations and medications, and provides wellness counseling to clients at a veterinary treatment facility.
May assist veterinarian to prepare for and during surgical procedures, to include preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material, monitoring a patient using an anesthetic machine.
May serve as scrubbed surgical assistant. Applies knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients.
Prepares and administers vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. Continuously informs medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures.
Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions. Applies knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems.
Assist the facility in obtaining local credentialing for surgical, anesthetic, dental, and diagnostic procedures as required by the patient load and manning of the clinic.
Requirements
Animal Health Assistant (Developmental), NF-02:
- Work experience demonstrating ability to perform duties (e.g., pet store, farm work, animal shelter)
- Knowledge of approved restraint techniques per AVMA or equivalent guidelines
- Knowledge of proper vaccines and syringe handling
Best Qualified (NF-02):
- Proficiency in basic medical terminology
- Application of appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures (including radiological techniques)
- Proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP format
- Ability to explain product information and treatment plans to clients as directed by the veterinarian
Animal Health Assistant (Full Performance), NF-03:
- Minimum six months demonstrated experience in a veterinary medical setting
- Proficiency in basic medical terminology
- Correct sterile techniques
- Appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures
- Proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP
- Ability to explain product information and treatment plans to clients
- Determine preventive wellness plans and vaccination requirements
- Utilize in-house laboratory equipment for diagnostic tests
- Conduct routine maintenance on laboratory equipment
- Complete lab request forms and prepare samples for shipment
Best Qualified (NF-03):
- Possess or ability to obtain registration, license, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program
- Basic supply management experience (ordering, inventory, expiration date tracking)
Benefits
- Health and life insurance for regular full-time and part-time employees
- Participation in 401k and retirement plans
- Paid personal time off and federal holidays
- Access to on-base facilities (fitness centers, libraries, etc.)
- Professional development opportunities including training and certification programs
Application Questionnaire Preview
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Physical and condition requirements
Can you perform work with long periods of standing, restraining, kneeling, reaching and sitting?
Do you have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles or sharp instruments?
Are you willing to obtain a rabies vaccine and other relevant/available vaccines as required to perform the duties of the position?
Additional Info
Area of Consideration
This job is open to candidates within a 50-mile radius of Kadena, Japan, or those able to commute daily, relocate at own expense, involuntarily separated military members, or military spouses/family members relocating to the installation.
Salary
NF-02: $15.05β$15.40 per hour; NF-03: $15.75β$16.00 per hour (pro-rated based on 40-hour work week).
Work Schedule
Flexible/Intermittent (0β40 hours per week based on mission needs). Flex employees are not entitled to leave or benefits.
PCS Costs
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized.
Allowances and Differentials
Sunday premium pay and night differential may be authorized. Foreign overseas allowances and post differentials will not be paid.
Healthcare Access
Access to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis. Employees and family members are responsible for obtaining and paying for medical/dental care.
Security Clearance
Not required.
How to Apply
Submit application electronically via USAJOBS (announcement number O2NAFAV-26-13011910) by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/30/2026, or complete a paper application by contacting the NAF Human Resources representative.
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