About this role
Job SummaryThe position serves as an Animal Facility Specialist in support of one or more research animal care facilities located in Bethesda or the NIH Animal Center (NIHAC) in Poolesville. These facilities house rodents, rabbits, non-human primates, carnivores, and ungulates as well as other species. Facility services include providing animal husbandry, veterinary care and quarantine services.
QualificationsYou qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: providing administrative assistance in managing an animal facility, including procuring equipment, arranging repair and maintenance to facility equipment, and ensuring supplies necessary to provide daily care for laboratory animals in research are maintained and readily available, managing a database system to track, monitor and/or support animal facility, animal care and technical issues; identifying issues and problems in a laboratory animal care and husbandry facility. OR EDUCATION: completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M., if related. OR Combination of Education and Experience: a combination of education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: providing technical assistance in the use of laboratory animals in research; allocating animal facility resources, space, equipment, and manpower to meet expected research demands; resolving issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature relevant to laboratory animal care and husbandry; monitoring laboratory animal colony husbandry practices to ensure that animals are maintained properly. You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: evaluating husbandry practices, and modify or establishing new procedures as required to maintain high standards of animal care; evaluating animal welfare laws and/or policies to ensure program compliance; developing guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures covering the administrative aspects of animal husbandry operations for an organization. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13015485
Major DutiesIf selected for this position, you will perform the following duties: Analyze and evaluate research project requirements for the housing of laboratory animals by species and strain, and allocates facility resources, space, equipment, and manpower to meet expected research demands. Exercises oversight over the maintenance of Government equipment and facility infrastructure. Mediates issues and conflicts by working closely with investigators, veterinarians, technicians, contract supervisors, and the animal care staff to achieve the goals of the facility. Serves as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on a variety of DVR Animal Care Research Support contracts. Identifies program objectives and develops husbandry procedures for each species of animal maintained in the facility. Evaluates animal colony husbandry practices and recommends new procedures to ensure animals are maintained under proper environmental conditions, are provided a nutritionally adequate diet, and are handled in a humane manner.