Summary This position is located at the Ellsworth Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility. Incentives and Bonuses Incentives will not be paid. Responsibilities 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. Continuously informs medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures. Prepares and administers vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions. Applies knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems. Applies knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position. Animal Health Assistant (Full Performance), NF-03: - A minimum of six (6) months demonstrated experience directly related to the duties required in the position that must have been gained through practical application in a Veterinary Medical setting and which demonstrates the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential to perform successfully in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.). Demonstrated experience include: proficiency in basic medical terminology; utilizes correct sterile techniques; apply appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian; determine preventive wellness plan to include required medical treatments and vaccinations requirements based on patient medical history; utilize in-house laboratory equipment to perform diagnostics tests; conduct routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment; completes lab request form for reference laboratories; prepares samples for shipment to outside laboratories. In addition to the above qualifications, candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified": NF-02 - Candidates that possess demonstrated experience including proficiency in basic medical terminology; application of appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian. NF-03 - Possess or have 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 the www.NAVTA.net website Possess basic supply management experience which includes: ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts and documenting expiration dates of in stock medications and vaccines. The information provided on your resume should be clear and specific. You will be rated based solely off of the information provided within your resume. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience and the duties performed. Education Additional Information Area of Consideration: This job is open to candidates who are in the local commuting area is defined as Pennington County, South Dakota and surrounding area within 50-mile radius; in addition to, you are considered eligible if one of the following applies: 1) you live outside of this area and are able to commute to work on a daily/as needed basis, 2) you are able to relocate yourself on your own expenses, 3) you are an involuntarily separated military member, or 4) you are a military spouse/family member relocating to this installation. Eligibility begins 30 days before the military sponsor's reporting date at the new duty location.(Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration). Manual Application Option If you are unable to apply online, you can complete a paper application. To get started, contact servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the Agency Contact Information section (at the bottom of this announcement) to request a copy of the application form. Be sure to submit your completed application form, along with your resume and any required supporting documents, no later than 11:59 PM EST on 03/20/2026 to ensure timely processing. Important: Incomplete applications, including missing responses to questionnaire items may result in an ineligible rating. Salary Information: Salary is pro-rated based on a 40 hour work week and will be determined based on grade level qualified. Hourly salary is: NF-03 $18.33ph to $19.25ph ($38,255.00 to $40,175.00 Per Year) PCS Costs Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest. Allowances and Differentials This job is part of a pay-banded system. Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander. Non-foreign overseas allowances, cost of living (COLA), and differentials will not be paid, contingent upon eligibility. Important Information Regarding Access to Certain Federal Facilities: - Access to certain federal facilities may require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license/ID (marked with a star) or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) from WA, MI, MN, NY, or VT. See https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for details. Your Application may be Considered for Multiple Opportunities: After you apply, your application remains valid for 90 and may be referred to hiring officials as new vacancies arise. Additional referrals may occur for up to 90 days after the closing date. Discover Your Path to Success Before you apply, take a moment to explore our Applicant Information Kit, your go-to guide for understanding our hiring processes and making your application stand out. Inside you will find helpful tips, insights, and everything you need to feel confident and prepared. Click this URL to view the kit: https://publicfileshare.chra.army.mil/Applicants/NAF\Applicant\Information_Kit.pdf
