JOB SUMMARY: What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? The Government-Wide direct hire authority for GS-0701 Veterinary Medical Officer is being used to fill this position. Salary: $103,409 (Step 01) to $134,435 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. MAJOR DUTIES: The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), within the Midcontinent Region of the USGS, provides technical assistance and leadership for addressing health issues involving resources under Department of the Interior stewardship, and fosters partnerships with federal, state, and other agencies to address wildlife health as a component of ecosystem health. The Center investigates infectious diseases and other diseases affecting a broad spectrum of wildlife by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists who provide an integrated program of disease diagnosis, field response, technical assistance, research, training, and support services. The Center's research focuses on understanding the ecology of wildlife disease to identify connections between affected host species, the disease agent, and environmental factors. Our programs aim to use this information to develop effective disease prevention and control strategies to assist resource managers to improve the health of wildlife populations. The NWHC provides diagnostic investigation services to determine causes of wildlife morbidity and mortality events. These services include expertise in pathology, microbiology, virology, parasitology, and toxicology; and use microbiological, molecular-biological, and descriptive techniques to identify and characterize agents of infectious disease in wildlife. The effects of emerging wildlife diseases are global and profound, and can cause economic and agricultural impacts, loss of human lives, declines in wildlife populations, and ecological disturbances. The NWHC works to safeguard our Nation's wildlife- by studying the causes and drivers of wildlife disease threats, and by developing strategies to prevent and manage them. As a Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathologist) within the National Wildlife Health Center, some of your specific duties will include: Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team to investigate, diagnose, and resolve wildlife morbidity/mortality events. Conducts postmortem examinations of wildlife submitted for cause-of--death investigation. Conducts microscopic examination of animal tissues, records and interprets histologic findings, and reviews and interprets lab test results. Determines significance of findings and prepares diagnostic reports appropriate for submitter and other relevant Center partners. Independently performs or provides support to studies including a focus on the pathology of wildlife diseases. Projects address critical science problems related to wildlife population health, disease control, and prevention. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion such as bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires above average ability, dexterity, and attention to detail. Laboratory activities involve the need to conduct postmortem examinations for several hours at a time and to process large numbers of specimens during wildlife disease events that trigger surge capacity. Work Environment: Work is performed in both an office and laboratory. Work requires compliance with safety guidelines and operational procedures established within the Center. The potential exists for exposure to disease agents transmissible to humans. Postmortem examinations expose the incumbent to unpleasant odors, blood, feathers, hair, and other animal parts. A variety of biological reagents and chemicals are used in conducting the work, as are syringes/needles, scalpels, knives, and other medical instruments required for postmortem examination and collection of samples. Compliance with biological containment guidelines is required. Work involves mandatory clothing changes and showers when using specific portions of NWHC facilities. The incumbent is required to participate in the Center's Health Monitoring Program and to receive appropriate immunizations. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
