Animal Health Technician
Performs technical animal health work including diagnostic testing, specimen collection, and animal care support.
💰GS-0704 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0704
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0704:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes work such as:
- Livestock ranch or farm management with direct animal contact
- Feed lot operations
- Livestock Market Inspector role
- Animal Welfare Inspector position
- Veterinary assistant working with livestock
Education and Training Alternatives:
- GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 6 semester hours of courses in zoology, biology, chemistry, or agricultural subjects.
- GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of courses in fields such as those shown above for GS-3.
- GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours of courses such as those shown above for GS-3.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0704
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal animal health technician position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0704
Animal Care Specialist
Good fit for animal health technician roles. Highlight veterinary care, animal husbandry, and medical procedures.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Collect specimens for testing
- •Perform diagnostic tests
- •Assist with animal examinations
- •Administer treatments
- •Maintain animal health records
- •Support disease investigations
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in safely handling and restraining livestock and animals.
Ability to observe and identify signs of animal illness or distress.
Skill in administering vaccines and medications to animals.
Ability to collect biological samples for laboratory testing.
Skill in maintaining animal health records and documentation.
Knowledge of biosecurity measures and disease prevention protocols.
Ability to operate animal health testing and treatment equipment.
Understanding of animal health regulations and inspection procedures.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Related Series
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0704
What is an Animal Health Technician?
GS-0704 Animal Health Technicians perform technical work supporting veterinary programs. They collect specimens, perform diagnostic tests, assist with examinations, administer treatments, maintain health records, and support disease investigations. They work for USDA (disease control), DOD (military working dogs), and other agencies.
How much does a federal Animal Health Technician make?
GS-0704 positions range from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior technicians and leads reach GS-8/9. Field positions may include travel pay. Add locality pay and federal benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0704 positions?
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general experience or 2 years of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized animal health experience. Veterinary Technician certification (RVT, CVT) strengthens applications. Knowledge of animal handling, specimen collection, and biosecurity is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0704?
Yes. Military animal care experience directly qualifies—68T Animal Care Specialist, military working dog handlers, and veterinary support roles. Your experience with animal handling, health monitoring, and treatment administration translates directly. Veterans with animal care MOSs are valued at USDA and DOD.
What is the career progression for Animal Health Technicians?
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8/9. Lead technicians and program support positions offer advancement. Some pursue veterinary degrees to transition to Veterinarian (GS-0701). USDA offers strong career paths in disease control and food safety support.
How do I apply for GS-0704 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Animal Health Technician' or 'Veterinary Technician.' USDA APHIS and FSIS are major employers. DOD has positions supporting military working dog programs. Emphasize your animal handling skills, diagnostic experience, and any certifications. Veterans with animal care backgrounds have directly applicable qualifications.
Ready to Apply for GS-0704?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.