Federal
Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer / Public Health Veterinarian
Food Safety and Inspection Service · Department of Agriculture
About This Position
$20,000 Sign on Bonus, Assisted Relocation, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Student Loan Repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Accelerated Promotion and Referral Bonus Awards may be available. Location negotiable based on current vacancies. For most recent vacancy location(s) click: Here This Public Notice is to collect applications and fill vacancies as they occur. Applications will be retained for 90 days and reviewed weekly.
Qualifications
Please reference the specific Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualifications standards for the 0701 Job Series. BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education. The AVMA web site has a listing of all AVMA-accredited veterinary medical schools. OR Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet one of the following requirements and submit supporting documentation: Proof of certification of their final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) (Completion of ECFVG program) Possession of a permanent, full, and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or its predecessors, the National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT). Proof that the education obtained in a foreign veterinary medical program is equivalent to that gained in a veterinary medical program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Under this provision, equivalency is established only if an AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school or college accepts the graduate's final transcript from the foreign veterinary medical school at full value for placement into an advanced degree, postgraduate educational program, or training program (e.g. Residency or graduate program). Graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must also submit proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing one of the nationally and internationally recognized examinations that incorporate assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Examples of examinations that assess mastery of the English language are shown below: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum scores for the TOEFL are 560 for the paper-based version; 220 for the computer-based version; or overall score of 83 for the internet-based version (including 26 or higher in speaking, 26 or higher in listening, and 17 or higher in writing). For the computer-based and paper-based test versions, applicants must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of Written English (TWE). Minimum required scores are 55 for the TSE and 5.5 for the TWE; Academic tests (listening, writing, and speaking) offered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, and 6.0 in writing; OR Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 70, with at least 60 in speaking, 60 in listening, and 50 in writing. English language proficiency assessments may also be waived for qualified job applicants whose native language is English (i.e. the official or common language of an individual's country of birth is English) AND they submit a diploma or other official documentation from the school as proof of graduation from a high (secondary) school where the entire curriculum and educational programs of the school are taught in the English language for the entire three or four years of full-time attendance. BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE GS-12 GRADE LEVEL - You must meet the basic requirements for the GS-11 grade level to qualify for positions at the GS-12 grade level. Qualification requirements for the GS-12 grade level and above are: 1. EXPERIENCE: Mastery of clinical medicine (veterinary practice experience); scientific presentations before professional groups; publication of medical reports in professional journals or publications; participation in seminars, advisory/working groups, and research groups; or other related activities that contribute to the advancement of veterinary medical science are positive indicators of the quality of an applicant's experience. However, articles on the care of pets would not be considered professional publications or qualifying specialized experience. OR 2. EDUCATION: Master's degree conferred from an accredited college, in an area of specialization; or successfully completed two years of an internship, Residency program or fellowship training program in a discipline related to this position. Area of specialization, including but not limited to, animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. Applicants must: Be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the job functions, without hazard to themselves and others. Have full range of motion to perform rapid repetitive twisting and working with arms above shoulder level. Be able to stand and walk on slippery and uneven floors and catwalks, and climb stairs and ladders. Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Have manual dexterity of the upper body, including arms, hands, and fingers with a normal sense of touch in both hands. Must have good near and distance vision, be free of chronic eye disease and have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in one eye. Have the ability to distinguish shades of color. Any significant degree of color blindness (more than 25 percent error rate on approved color plate test) may be disqualifying. Individuals with some hearing loss and/or requiring hearing amplification will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Major Duties
Plan, organize, coordinate and adapt the full range of meat and poultry inspection operations in slaughter and/or processing establishments;
Ensure establishments meet requirements of the Pathogen Reduction and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations;
Oversee consumer protection, non-food safety concerns such as proper labeling and packaging;
Serve as team leader who works with and supervises other public health professionals to ensure establishments under our jurisdiction comply with sanitation standards and properly implement systems that control hazards from entering the food supply;
Enforce Federal meat and poultry inspection procedures prior to slaughter and throughout the entire process, including humane handling;
Conduct ante-mortem inspection, post-mortem inspection, processing, dispositions, transportation and distribution of meat, poultry, and egg products to markets and retail stores;
Consult with union officials and plant management, and discuss with subordinates new or revised regulations, policies and procedures;
Maintain meaningful labor-management relationships with subordinates by representing and expressing management's viewpoints in daily communications;
Follow EEO and Safety principles/programs, train subordinates, assign and review work, evaluate and rate performance, counsel employees on performance, resolve complaints and grievances, and recommend disciplinary action as necessary.
Ensure establishments meet requirements of the Pathogen Reduction and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations;
Oversee consumer protection, non-food safety concerns such as proper labeling and packaging;
Serve as team leader who works with and supervises other public health professionals to ensure establishments under our jurisdiction comply with sanitation standards and properly implement systems that control hazards from entering the food supply;
Enforce Federal meat and poultry inspection procedures prior to slaughter and throughout the entire process, including humane handling;
Conduct ante-mortem inspection, post-mortem inspection, processing, dispositions, transportation and distribution of meat, poultry, and egg products to markets and retail stores;
Consult with union officials and plant management, and discuss with subordinates new or revised regulations, policies and procedures;
Maintain meaningful labor-management relationships with subordinates by representing and expressing management's viewpoints in daily communications;
Follow EEO and Safety principles/programs, train subordinates, assign and review work, evaluate and rate performance, counsel employees on performance, resolve complaints and grievances, and recommend disciplinary action as necessary.
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine professional degree is required. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine transcript must show your name, college name, and date degree was awarded. Applicants expected to graduate may be considered based on transcripts showing likely completion of qualifying education within 9 months from the date of the application.
How You Will Be Evaluated
The Office of Personnel Management has granted Direct Hire Authority government-wide for Veterinary Medical Officer Positions. There is a critical veterinarian hiring need in severe shortage locations and these positions play an important role in protecting the nation's food supply. This authority permits hiring without regard to certain competitive requirements. For more information: Incentives Prior to issuing a list of best qualified applicants, we will review your resume and transcript(s) to ensure that you meet the qualification requirements for the grade(s) selected. Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Veterans' Preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position. Applicants are still encouraged to provide documentation related to Veterans' Preference. Applicants must demonstrate possession of the following skills and competencies within the body of their resume: Communication Skills Leadership Facilitation Skills/Negotiation Problem Solving/Judgment Planning/Time Management The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right. To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12857501 Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployed Priority List (RPL): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, RPL/CTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applications must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Additional Information
Salary is based on the lowest and Highest pay available not specific locations. For more information on locality pay and the GS classification and pay, select the below links: Pay tables: 2026 General Schedule (GS) Locality GS Pay: Classification and Pay THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL: Position Requirements. Assignment Restrictions: FSIS Directive 4735.9, Office of Field Operations Assignment Restrictions and Rules on Gifts from Regulated Industry FSIS Directive 4735.9 Revision 2 (usda.gov), sets out the Agency's specific procedures regarding ethical employee conduct, specifically related to employee assignment restrictions and gifts from regulated establishments. Please click on this link and read directive prior to applying. If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. Recruitment incentives are offered based on agency staffing needs and budgetary availability; service agreements apply. For detailed incentive information see: Career Profiles | FSIS. FSIS is pleased to offer a $20,000 sign on bonus paid out in four $5,000 lump sum payments. The bonus requires a four-year service agreement and is paid out at the annually at the completion of each year of service. Selectees may be eligible for Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA) Student Loan Repayment Program. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information please visit: PSLF Program The positions advertised offer a referral bonus award of $1,000. More than one award may be given subject to criteria being met. Current FSIS employees may be eligible for this award if they refer an applicant who later enters on duty and works at least 90 days with successful performance and conduct. The referred employee will have an opportunity to list the referring employee during the application process. There are some required restrictions on this award. Ineligible employees include: 1. Employees whose regular, recurring jobs include the recruitment of new employees. 2. Employees who are otherwise excluded from receiving Achievement Awards; 3. Selecting officials or other persons associated with the selection process of the referred employee; and 4. Any of the following relatives of the referred employee: Spouse, or parents thereof; Children, including stepchildren and adopted children, and spouses thereof; Parents, including stepparents; Siblings, including stepsiblings, and spouses thereof; Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. This position may be eligible for the SPHV Accelerated Promotion Program. This program makes exceptions to the time-in-grade and qualification requirements to allow a single accelerated career ladder promotion to a GS-12 in less than one year. A mandatory training plan must be successfully completed before an individual is eligible to be promoted under this program.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents including your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree final transcript electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement in order to receive consideration. Resumes must not exceed two pages. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If this is not an option, refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions. Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to HR: 1-833-840-9219. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Officers on active duty in the Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps and applicants to the PHS Commissioned Corps do not apply on-line. All Commissioned Corps active duty officers and applicants, please send all materials requested in this vacancy announcement (or their equivalent), cover letter, curriculum vitae, and last 3 COERS (active duty officers) or a copy of your Commissioned Corps application (Corps applicants) to CDR Catherine Rockwell USDA-FSIS Commissioned Corps Liaison: Email: [email protected]; Phone (301) 504-0850.You may also contact CDR Rockwell for general information on employment as a PHS Commissioned Corps Officer at FSIS.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages. Your application may be disqualified if you include any of the information listed here: What should I leave out of my resume? College transcripts: If education is required or you are using education to meet a qualification requirement, you must submit a legible copy of all relevant college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, it must include student name, school name, and enough information to validate qualifications such as course names, prefixes, grades, semester or quarter credit hours, date degree was awarded, etc. Further, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college, or university, visit Dept. of Education Accredited Schools. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer / Public Health Veterinarian position at Food Safety and Inspection Service?
The salary range for this position is $74,678 - $145,468/yr. This is a GS-11/12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer / Public Health Veterinarian job located?
This position is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Please reference the specific Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualifications standards for the 0701 Job Series. BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the A...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 31, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-11/12 mean?
GS-11/12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.