Animal Caretaker NA-05

Summary This position is located at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Incentives and Bonuses Incentives will not be paid. Duties Provides food and water for all animals. Responsible for the correct identity and quantities of various foods for each animal following specified or special schedule. Recommends changes in feeding and other care to owners. Exercises animals by turning out or walking on a leash as required, or following a specific schedule. Reports major repairs, and assures adequate corrective action. Provides adequate security at all times for animals and premises. Observes animals to be continually aware of appearance, behavioral or health changes, takes corrective action and informs management, veterinarian personnel or owner as necessary. Administers medication to animals as prescribed by the Veterinarian. Cleans and sanitizes stalls, kennels, petting zoo, common areas and loft on a regular basis to assure clean and sanitary conditions at all times. Provides adequate and correct storage of food, bedding and supplies. Receives and signs for shipments delivered to stables and kennel. Maintains an adequate supply of food, bedding and supplies on hand. Performs various maintenance and repair tasks when necessary. Performs other duties assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required. Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position. A one-year probationary period may be required. Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check. Satisfactory completion of pre-employment background checks in accordance with AR 215-3, para.2 to include medical exam. Incumbent may also be required to complete a Tier 1 background investigation for a Common Access Card for physical access to federally-controlled facilities. Works inside in often poorly lighted or insulated areas, and outside exposed to extreme weather conditions. Inside work often exposes animal caretakers to unpleasant odors and noises. Climbs to loft and occasionally uses ladder to accomplish repairs. Exposed to dirt, dust, and height. Subject to cuts, bruises, kicks, electric shock, bites, scratches and ticks from animals. Heavy lifting up to 70lbs required. This position has critical safety or security responsibilities and as such has been designated as a testing designated position (TDP). As a condition of employment, incumbent of a TDP is subject to a random drug test that occurs without suspicion that a particular individual is using illegal drugs. 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: Knowledge of animals' characteristics, needs and behavior, and skill in observing, handling and caring for animals. Able to follow complex instructions, ability to maintain records. Skills and Knowledge: Must be thoroughly familiar with the care, grooming, feeding, and maintenance of animals, must be able to quickly detect signs of ill health of animals by observing changes in behavior or appearance and to take emergency action until veterinary help is available. Familiar with special feed requirements, different types of feed and feed supplements, and apply this knowledge to increase and decrease the amounts of feed for over or underweight animals or to change diets for young, pregnant, or nursing animals. Must be able to perform routine maintenance required on the stalls, kennels or premises. Experience MUST be clearly reflected on your Resume at the time of application to be considered Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information Initial Cut-Off Date: Monday, December 08, 2025 applications must be received by 11:59 PM (EST). Applications received by the Initial Cut-Off Date will be reviewed and possibly referred to the Selecting Official. Subsequent referrals to the Hiring Manager will occur as additional vacancies become available or at the request of the Hiring Manager. Area of Consideration The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is local (within a 50-mile radius of Fort Detrick, MD). (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 3:00 pm EST on 12/29/2025 to ensure timely processing. Important: Incomplete applications, including missing responses to questionnaire items may result in an ineligible rating. 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 falls under the Federal Wage Schedule (FWS) pay system. FWS employees earn overtime pay for working more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week -- whichever gives the employee more benefit. Regular full-time, regular part-time, and regularly scheduled flexible employees may receive Sunday premium pay for working on Sundays. Employees may also be eligible to receive extra pay if the majority of their scheduled hours falls after 3:00 PM. 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 days 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. 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. Benefits 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