Home / Federal careers / GS-0701
Veterinary Medical Science
Performs professional veterinary medical work including animal health, disease prevention, and veterinary research.
What GS-0701 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0701, as written.
Veterinary Medical Science Individual Occupational Requirements
Education (Basic - GS-11 entry): Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited school. Foreign graduates must provide ECFVG certification, unrestricted state veterinary license (demonstrating NAVLE completion), or proof of educational equivalency. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL.
GS-12+:
- 1 year professional veterinary experience equivalent to GS-11 for GS-12 (or equivalent for higher grades)
- Quality indicators: scientific presentations, peer-reviewed publications, specialized clinical expertise
Alternative Advanced Education:
- GS-12: Master's in animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, or related fields
- GS-13: Ph.D. in relevant specialties
Post-Graduate Training:
- GS-12: 2 years internship/residency completion
- GS-13: 3 years training OR board certification from ABVS-recognized specialty
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-0701
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Veterinary Officer
Direct translation to veterinary science. Highlight veterinary medicine, food inspection, and animal health.
Skills that carry over: Veterinary Medicine, Food Inspection, Animal Health, Public Health, Leadership.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Provide veterinary medical care
- Diagnose animal diseases
- Perform surgical procedures
- Develop disease prevention programs
- Conduct veterinary research
- Advise on animal health matters
Key competencies
Veterinary Medicine
Expert knowledge of animal health, disease diagnosis, and treatment.
Clinical Practice
Skill in providing comprehensive veterinary care to animals.
Disease Investigation
Ability to investigate and control animal diseases.
Public Health
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and food safety principles.
Laboratory Diagnosis
Skill in using laboratory methods for disease diagnosis.
Regulatory Medicine
Understanding of veterinary regulations and inspection procedures.
Research Methods
Ability to conduct veterinary research and clinical studies.
Communication
Skill in communicating veterinary findings to stakeholders.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0701
What is a federal Veterinarian?
GS-0701 Veterinarians provide professional veterinary medical care, diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, develop disease prevention programs, and conduct research. They work for USDA (food safety inspection), DOD (military working dogs), VA (research), USFWS (wildlife), and other agencies protecting animal and public health.
How much does a federal Veterinarian make?
GS-0701 positions range from GS-11 ($63,163) to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672). USDA food safety veterinarians typically start at GS-11/12. Senior veterinarians and specialists reach GS-13/14. Research scientists at NIH may reach GS-15. Recruitment bonuses and loan repayment programs add significant value.
What are the requirements for GS-0701 positions?
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited program is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. Current, active veterinary license in a U.S. state or territory required. USDA accreditation needed for certain positions. Board certification for specialty roles.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0701?
The DVM and license are mandatory—no substitution. However, military veterinarian experience is highly valued. Army Veterinary Corps officers transition directly to federal positions. Your experience with military working dogs, food safety, and public health veterinary medicine translates directly to USDA, DOD, and VA roles.
What is the career progression for federal Veterinarians?
Entry at GS-11/12, experienced veterinarians at GS-12/13, supervisory and specialist positions at GS-13/14. District managers and research leads reach GS-14/15. USDA offers the most positions, with career paths in food safety, import/export, and animal health. Specialization enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0701 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Veterinarian' or 'Veterinary Medical Officer.' USDA FSIS has the most positions nationwide. Also check DOD (military working dogs), USFWS (wildlife), and VA (research). USDA offers loan repayment. Veterans with Veterinary Corps backgrounds have directly applicable experience.
Ready to apply for GS-0701?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.