Explore how your federal experience as a Veterinary Medical Science (GS-0701) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Technician, Junior Veterinary Technician | Assist veterinarians in the treatment and care of animals, perform basic clinical and administrative tasks, provide support in animal handling and facility cleaning. | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| 5-7 | Veterinary Technician, Animal Health Technician, Veterinary Technologist | Conduct diagnostic tests, assist in surgery, administer medication, educate clients on animal care and health, and maintain medical records. | $35,000 - $60,000 |
| 8-9 | Veterinary Practice Manager, Senior Veterinary Technician, Clinical Veterinary Specialist | Oversee veterinary services, manage a team of technicians, ensure compliance with regulations, develop practice policies, and handle budgeting and financials for the practice. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Veterinary Medical Officer, Senior Clinical Veterinarian, Veterinary Research Scientist | Lead clinical trials, develop treatment protocols, conduct advanced diagnostic assessments, and work on regulatory submissions for veterinary drugs and vaccines. | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Veterinary Services, Chief Veterinarian, Veterinary Policy Advisor | Establish veterinary policies and procedures, manage large veterinary practices, oversee compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with external stakeholders on veterinary health initiatives. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| 14-15 | Veterinary Operations Executive, Chief Animal Health Officer, Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs | Strategically lead the direction for veterinary operations across multiple locations, ensure financial sustainability, influence industry standards, and represent the entity in national veterinary organizations. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Chief Veterinary Officer, Executive Veterinary Director, Veterinary Executive Leader | Provide visionary leadership for an organization’s veterinary health strategy, drive innovation in veterinary practice, engage at the highest levels with stakeholders to advance community and public health initiatives related to animal care. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)
Obtaining this certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of veterinary medicine, such as anesthesia, dentistry, or emergency and critical care. This specialization is highly valued in civilian veterinary practices, enhancing career prospects and indicating a commitment to professional development.
Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)
This certification indicates proficiency in animal welfare management, which is increasingly important in both veterinary practices and animal shelters. By understanding welfare standards and ethical considerations, individuals can better align with the growing public focus on humane treatment and operational best practices.
Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
Being board certified signifies that a veterinarian has completed rigorous training and testing in veterinary surgery, offering a competitive edge in the civilian workforce. Many private practices and specialty clinics prioritize board certification for their surgical staff to ensure high-quality care for patients.
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
This certification focuses on the business aspects of running a veterinary practice, including management skills and financial acumen, which are crucial for the efficient operation of any practice. Expertise in business management enhances an individual’s ability to contribute to the success of civilian veterinary operations.
Fear Free Certified Professional
This certification focuses on minimizing fear and stress in pets during veterinary visits, an increasingly preferred approach among pet owners. Having this expertise can improve client satisfaction and retention in civilian practices, making a candidate more attractive to employers.
Rabies Vaccination Administrator Certification
This certification enables individuals to administer vaccinations under proper protocols, a critical skill in promoting public health and animal welfare. In the civilian sector, possessing this certification could enhance employability in both veterinary clinics and public health agencies.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0701 Veterinary Medical Science role to a private sector position can be a fulfilling yet challenging journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to support you through this process, covering mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and how to effectively translate your federal experience into private sector language.
Embrace the Change: Recognize that transitioning into the private sector is a shift in not only your job but also your work environment, culture, and procedures. Be open to adjusting your expectations about work roles and responsibilities.
Value of Your Experience: Understand that your federal experience is invaluable. You have developed a wealth of skills that are transferable to the private sector. Embrace the confidence that comes from your specialized knowledge and unique perspective.
Flexibility in Work Style: Private sector jobs often require more adaptability than federal roles due to the dynamic nature of business needs. Be ready to adopt a more agile work style, which may include embracing new technologies, changing project priorities, and varied team dynamics.
Focus on Impact: In the federal system, the impact of your work may not always be immediately visible. In the private sector, results and performance are critically evaluated. Shift your approach towards demonstrating clear outcomes and how your work improves processes or delivers health-related benefits.
Use Clear, Engaging Language: Translate federal jargon into clear, concise terms that hiring managers can easily understand. Avoid acronyms and use straightforward language to describe your roles and achievements.
Highlight Achievements: Use quantifiable results to illustrate your impact. Craft bullet points using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to convey your contributions effectively.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each position by ensuring the skills and experiences you highlight align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Focus on Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills that are valued in both sectors. Highlight project management, regulatory enforcement, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
Research the Company: Understand the company’s vision, mission, and values. Explain how your background aligns with their goals and the importance of your veterinary expertise in achieving those objectives.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use your experiences to provide examples that showcase your skills and competencies. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them—this shows resilience and problem-solving skills.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to veterinary science, team structure, or how they measure success in that position.
Practice Your Pitch: Be prepared to discuss your transition from the federal sector to the private sector. Have a succinct explanation ready for why you’re making the move and how your experience will benefit the new employer.
Leverage LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience and expertise. Connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters. Engage in relevant groups related to veterinary science and private sector roles.
Attend Industry Events: Seek out conferences, workshops, or seminars in veterinary science and related fields. These events provide an opportunity to meet professionals in the private sector and learn about emerging trends and job openings.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in roles or companies you're interested in and request informational interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions about their career paths and the skills they value the most. This can provide insight and help build connections in your field.
Join Professional Organizations: Consider joining organizations that support veterinary professionals in the private sector. These can serve as valuable networking platforms, providing access to resources, job boards, and mentorship opportunities.
Start with a Skills Inventory: List out your skills and responsibilities while reflecting on their relevance in the private sector. Consider what skills are prized by employers and focus your narrative around those.
Seek Guidance: Enlist the help of mentors or career coaches who are experienced in the private sector. They can help you reframe your experience in ways that resonate with potential employers.
Use Real-life Scenarios: When discussing your experience, frame your accomplishments in terms of business outcomes. Use scenarios that showcase financial prudence, innovation, and efficiency improvements, which are common goals for private sector companies.
Foster a Results-Oriented Mindset: When communicating your federal experience, focus on metrics and results. Communicate how your actions saved time, reduced costs, or improved health metrics—demonstrating directly how you can contribute to the organization’s success.
Transitioning from the federal sector to a private sector veterinary role is an exciting opportunity for growth and professional development. By adjusting your mindset, enhancing your resume and interview strategies, effectively networking, and communicating your experiences in relatable terms, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in the private job market. Remember, your background offers unique perspectives that can significantly benefit potential employers and help drive their business goals. Stay positive, be persistent, and embrace this new chapter in your career!