Loading...
Loading...
Performs technical animal health work including diagnostic testing, specimen collection, and animal care support.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0704
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0704:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes work such as:
Education and Training Alternatives:
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 |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal animal health technician position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0704
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.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.