Status: Full-time position
Location: Laredo, TX
Deadline Date: 2/13/13
Date Available:
Job Summary: The Port Veterinarian serves as Veterinary Medical Officer in a regulatory and enforcement agency with the responsibility for overall station import/export operations at one or more air, ocean, or land border ports of entry/export to preclude international movement of animals, animal products, by-products, or associated materials and vectors capable of causing introduction of animal diseases.
You will be required as an essential function, to travel and work both in and outside of the United States in the performance of assigned duties.
You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!
Qualifications: Degree in 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 Council on Education (AVMA). The AVMA web site has a listing of all AVMA-accredited veterinary medical schools. AVMA web site: http://www.avma.org OR
Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet one of the following requirements: (Refer to AVMA web site http://www.avma.org for information about schools in this category.)
Proof of certification of their final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG);
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); OR
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. An AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school or college must have accepted the 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).
Duties: Plans and coordinates medical and program procedures to deal with animals and their by-products offered for importation into the U.S. for the purpose of determining Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) and their freedom from infestation and/or infectious, contagious or communicable diseases. Evaluates and coordinates the inspection, approval and surveillance systems of establishments involved in handling restricted animals and products such as valuable breeding stock, zoo animals, exotic birds, hides, feathers, and trophies.
Examines purebred animals declared for entry into the US under provisions of the Tariff Act to assure such animals are free from disease, are properly identified, and accompanying documents are in order. Insures all cooperating agencies and officials are kept informed and familiar with appropriate regulations and procedures relative to the entry and export of animals and their by-products or other restricted materials, and carried out accordingly.
Inspects and coordinates inspection of animals being exported to determine their freedom from evidence of infectious, contagious or communicable disease or parasitism, and certifies such shipments meet the requirements as listed in Federal Regulations or as specified in import health agreements with countries of destination. Also oversees or monitors such exports in transit through the port(s).
Determines, based on medical opinions and guidelines, the disposition of smuggled or otherwise ineligible animals, products, and associated materials subject to international movement. Inspects, quarantines, and releases poultry and birds offered for entry. May operate and manage USDA-owned bird quarantine facilities including care and feeding, maintenance, sanitation, procurement of supplies, disease control and treatment, disposal and disinfection, and safety. Advises brokers, airline and shipping officials and personnel, importers and exporters, cooperating Federal, State, and local officials, and the public on applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
May supervise and train lay inspectors or Animal Health Technicians who work under their supervision.
May represent the agency before public and private livestock groups and individuals for the promotion of disease prevention, control, and eradication programs.
Maintains contacts with foreign and domestic professional and industry officials to monitor and evaluate significance of potential disease situations at points of origin.
May serve on an emergency disease eradication task force which has responsibility for instituting immediate quarantine, diagnostic controls, and eradication measures to effectively localize and eliminate the epidemic
To Apply:
A complete on-line application will require the submission of the following:
Resume
Responses to the vacancy specific questions
Supporting Documentation which may be required
For more information or to apply online, visit
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/337009900