Summary

This position is located at the Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Incentives and Bonuses

Incentives will not be paid.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. or U.S. Territory for three (3) or more continuous years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation.

Duties

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

Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
A one year probationary period may be required.
Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments.
Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Ability to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, and on occasion greater than 45 pounds with the help of others. Long periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching, etc.
Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Must have use of fingers; Both hand and both legs are required; Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
A successful background investigation submission to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) must be met no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement in the position for internal candidates.
Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability determination.
Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations to work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment IAW AR 40-562 chap 4-1.

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.

A qualified candidate must possess the following:

Animal Health Assistant (Developmental), NF-02:
- Work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the above duties which could have been gained at a pet store, farm work, animal shelter etc. Basic requirements include knowledge of approved restraint techniques of animals in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.); and knowledge of proper vaccines and syringe handling.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Area of Consideration:

This job is open to candidates who Local commuting area is defined as Camp Pendleton/San Diego, CA 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 11:59PM EST on 01/21/2026 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-02 $20.23ph
NF-03 $21.92ph ($45,747pa)

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.

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

Other:
Refusal of a military spouse to participate in established recruitment procedures for an RFT or RPT position (for example, interview, and so forth) is considered a declination of employment and is a basis for termination of SEP entitlement for the current PCS of the sponsor.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) can offer numerous advantages. Army NAF employment can provide a sense of pride and fulfillment, as you'll be supporting communities comprised of military and civilian personnel, and their families, which contributes to the Department of Defense's overall mission. We offer a wide range of career opportunities, including jobs in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and more. Many employees have opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs to help towards career advancement. As an Army NAF employee, you'll have access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers, libraries, and many other amenities.

Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance, participation in 401k and retirement plans, and paid personal time off and federal holidays. NAF flexible employees, working in the United States or a U.S. citizen or spouse or child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan. Some flexible employees may also be eligible to receive health insurance.

For a slideshow presentation regarding these benefits, please click the Review Our Benefits link below.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your Application Matters: How We Will Review It

We want to help you put your best foot forward! Please take time to carefully follow all application instructions - missing information or skipped steps could impact your eligibility.

Your application will be thoughtfully reviewed to see how well your experience and qualifications align with the requirements listed in this announcement. This includes your resume, supporting documents, and responses to the assessment questionnaire.
We will consider your responses to our application questionnaire.
If you're tentatively qualified, we'll take a closer look to ensure your questionnaire responses match the experience reflected in your resume and documentation.

Note: If it's later found that qualifications or experience were overstated, it may affect your consideration for the position - so honesty and clarity are key.

Understanding Eligibilities: What You Can Claim When Applying

When you apply for a federal position through USAJOBS or USA Staffing, you may be eligible for selection preference or priority consideration based on your background or status. These eligibilities can improve your chances of being considered or referred for a position.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim one or more of the following eligibilities:

NAF Preference 1 Spouse Employment Preference (SEP)
NAF Preference 2 Involuntarily Separated From the Military (ISMP)
NAF Priority Consideration 1 Business Based Action (BBA)
NAF Priority Consideration 2 Former NAF Employee (FNE)/Current NAF (CNE)/Current APF Employee (CAE)
NAF Priority Consideration 3 Outside Applicant Veteran (OAV) (Includes spouses and parents)

Tip: Be sure to review each eligibility question carefully and provide the required documentation. Claiming an eligibility without proper support may affect your application status. Looking for more details? Refer to the Who Gets Initial Consideration (Selection Preferences) and the What Other Considerations are Available sections of our Applicant Information Kit.

NOTE: Candidates meeting the full performance level (NF-03) will be referred to the selecting official first. If the selecting official does not make a selection at the full performance level qualified candidates meeting the NF-02.

Required Documents

About Your Resume

Federal agencies are required to limit resumes to two (2) pages or less and it must support the general or specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes must adhere to the two-page limit and must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and other position requirements listed in this job opportunity announcement. For additional information on the two-page resume limit, refer to:
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/.
Your resume must be 5 megabytes (MB) or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count. Click this link for more tips: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.
Please do not include photographs, personal images or other inappropriate content in your application materials.

Required Documents

Required documents may vary based on the requirements for the position. The below document(s) are required and MUST be submitted with your application by the closing date of this job announcement:

Resume

Other Accepted Documents

Other accepted documents to support a qualification and/or claimed preference/priority eligibility may include:

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Diploma/ GED
License
Veterinary Technician License
DA Form 3434
DD 214 or DD 1300 to support Spouse/Parent use of Outside Applicant Veteran Priority
Transition Assistance Stamp Card for Involuntarily Separated Military Preference / DD Form 1173 to support Family Member’s use of Preference
Other (5)
PCS Orders
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

How to Apply

You may submit your application package using one of the two methods identified below:

1. Electronically (preferred) at https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search for Announcement number O2NAFAV-26-12863672. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 01/21/2026 to receive consideration.

Click Apply to access the online application.
- You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to include in your application.
  - Reminder: Federal agencies are required to limit resumes to two (2) pages or less. Please review the Required Documents section of this announcement for more details.
- You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the IncludePersonal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account and designate the document type when submitting your application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that the application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Click this link to preview the application:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12863672.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found at https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us.

2. Manually: Please refer to the "Additional Information" section of this announcement for instructions on how to request a paper application.
Department of the Army Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers.

Department of the Army provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, notify the servicing NAF HRD. Requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

An individual who was required to register with Selective Service and who has not registered or knowingly and willfully did not register before the requirement terminated or became inapplicable to the individual, will not be appointed.

Agency contact information

APG NAF HRO GVMP/FSH

Fax: 4102781179
Email: usarmy.apg.chra-ne.mbx.naf-vet-services@army.mil

Address: AV-NAF-W03HAA US ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER
Do Not Mail
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005
US

Next steps

Our Next Steps to Review Your Application and Keep You Informed

1. Application Review

Once you submit your application, the system will automatically review your answers to the application questionnaire to determine if you meet the basic qualifications for the job.
If you meet the qualifications, your application will move to the next step, where our HR representatives will carefully review your experience, skills, education (if applicable), and how well you match the job requirements.

2. Keeping You Informed

If you provided an email address, you'll receive a confirmation email letting you know we've received your application.
As your application moves through the hiring process, we'll send you updates and notifications via email.
Processing times may vary, but we'll do our best to keep you informed every step of the way.

Your Next Steps to Stay on Top of Your Application

1. Check Your Contact Information

If your contact information changes after the job announcement closes, let us know as soon as possible.

2. Ensure You Receive Updates

Double-check that your email address is accurate and that your inbox can receive messages from us,
Make sure your mailbox isn't full and check your spam or junk folder to avoid missing important updates about your application.

3. Sign Up for Text Alerts

Want to stay ahead in the hiring process? In your USAJOBS profile, you can sign up to receive text alerts about jobs you applied to or tasks you need to complete.

We're excited about your interest in this position and look forward to reviewing your application!

Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03 Job in Camp Pendleton, CA