Veterinary Services (VS),

a program within the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service (APHIS), is proud to sponsor

the Veterinary Medical Officer

Career Program (VMOCP)

for entry-level

veterinarians.

APHIS works to safeguard and ensure the continued health of

our Nation’s livestock and poultry. Within APHIS, the VS staff

serves as the veterinary authority for the United States. It is our

job to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability

of U.S. animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics.

Increases in global trade, the emergence of zoonotic diseases,

and the threat of agroterrorism demand a comprehensive

approach to protecting animal and public health. VS brings

a wealth of skills and expertise to this effort—from global

disease surveillance and animal health certification to disease

eradication and emergency preparedness. In all of this work,

we follow One Health principles—the concept that the health

of animals, the health of people, and the viability of ecosystems are intricately linked. This promotes a collaborative,

all-inclusive approach and ensures our decisions are grounded

in the best science and information available.

The Veterinary

Medical Officer

Career Program

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Issued October 2016

VS Mission

As the Nation’s recognized animal health leader, we safeguard

the health of animals, people, and the environment.

VS Vision

To improve the health, productivity, and quality of life for animals

and people and maintain and promote the safety and availability

of U.S. animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics.

APHIS—Many Goals,

One Mission

APHIS is a multifaceted agency with a broad mission area that

includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health,

regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the

Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. APHIS builds and maintains a world-class system

that safeguards the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems in

the United States and fosters safe agricultural trade worldwide,

resulting in abundant and affordable agricultural products for

U.S. and international consumers. These efforts support USDA’s

overall mission to protect and promote food, agriculture, and

natural resources.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Program Aid No. 2201

for Entry-Level/Graduating

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine
Training

As part of their initial year of employment, successful applicants will

complete the following training:

n Year-long, in-depth orientation to VS and APHIS;

n Three weeks of classroom sessions and 15 hours of distance

learning modules; and

n Two 2-week-long detail assignments, one in each major VS

business unit (Surveillance, Preparedness, and Response Services;

Science, Technology, and Analysis Services; and National Import

Export Services).

Career Benefits

Successful applicants to the VMOCP receive full-time, permanent

positions in Veterinary Services. These positions carry the full

Federal employment benefits package.

We offer a broad array of benefits programs and family-friendly

flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.

Our health insurance program is a nationally recognized model

offering you choice and flexibility along with a substantial employer

contribution to premiums. And you can pay your share of premiums, as well as your out-of-pocket costs, with pre-tax dollars.

Our leave policy provides ample time off to take care of your

personal, recreational, and health care needs. In addition to 10 paid

holidays every year, you will accumulate 13 days of sick leave each

year, along with 13 to 26 vacation days, depending on your years

of employment.

To help you manage responsibilities outside of your job and

enhance your peace of mind while you are at work, Federal agencies offer a range of work/home balance options including flexible

work schedules, telework, child care programs (including subsidies

and dependent care flexible spending accounts), and employee

assistance programs.

APHIS is committed to achieving the Healthy Workplace goals of

the Office of Personnel Management. Work Life Wellness (WLW)

programs in APHIS include: health and wellness opportunities;

family-friendly options; counseling services; and education and

services that encourage healthy lifestyles and behaviors.

New hires will report to their permanent duty stations before

attending orientation and training.

Application and Eligibility

Interested veterinarians must apply online via www.usajobs.gov.

Please note that you must have a USAJOBS account to apply.

Locate announcements by entering the key words “VMOCP” in the

search engine. The announcements will open annually, between

February and March, for approximately a 2-week period.

To qualify, an applicant must meet all qualification requirements by

the closing date of the announcement UNLESS you are a current

veterinary student who will graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine (DVM) degree within 90 days from the close of the

announcement. Students MUST submit supporting documents

verifying they are currently enrolled in a DVM program prior to the

closing date of the announcement.

Required Documents

The online application system will prompt you to answer se

assessment questions and to submit the following items:

1) Resume;

2) Transcripts for all completed college work to date;

3) Proof of current enrollment on a full-time basis and/or, if

applicable, a letter of acceptance to veterinary school; an

4) Copy of your DD-214, if you are claiming Veterans’ Prefe

If you meet the eligibility and initial application requirements

additional supplemental information and documentation will 

requested at a later date.

For More Information

This internship may be available annually. To check availa

or learn more, call the VS Management Support Division a

(301) 851-3573 or visit our Web site:

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-health/recruitment

What Is the Veterinary

Medical Officer Career

Program (VMOCP)?

The VMOCP is designed to develop forwardthinking and well-trained veterinary medical

officers capable of meeting the challenges of

serving in leadership positions and promoting

the health of America’s animals, animal

products, veterinary biologics, and trade.

The VMOCP is just the first step. APHIS has a

strong commitment to developing its workforce

and planning for the future. Opportunities for

advancing your career to new levels, both in

non-management and management roles, are

available for interested veterinarians.