Animal Health Technician; Mounted Patrol Inspector

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector of the fever tick quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border for the purpose of locating and inspecting livestock which might be carrying cattle fever ticks or other exotic ticks, scabies mites, screwworm, or foreign animal diseases.

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Inspects premises in and bordering the quarantine zone, and investigates additions to or losses of livestock from such herds.
• Makes periodic inspections of vacated premises to detect bad fences, cattle tracks, or other evidence of illegal use of the premises.
• Rides horseback and checks all fences in and bordering the quarantine zone to ascertain that they are adequate to prevent intermingling of livestock and consequent exposure to fever tick carriers.
• Collects physical information which may involve sign-cutting and tracking techniques, and uses this information to detect and apprehend strayed or smuggled Mexican livestock.
• Assists with inspection and testing of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc., to detect animal diseases and parasites.
• Makes arrangements with owners and independently draws blood samples from animals and poultry, conducts necessary serologic tests, tags, brands, appraises reactor animals, and reports findings.
• Oversees the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and premises that are contaminated by disease organisms or as a precautionary measure.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Direct Deposit:
  Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• Position requires the acquisition of a pesticide applicators license with the Texas Department of Agriculture within the first 12 months of employment.
• May be assigned to participate in assignments in foreign countries which requires obtaining an Official Government Passport.
• Risk may warrant frequently carrying a firearm for self-protection.