Vet Technician

Location: Balad, Iraq

**** This position is located in IRAQ - Travel & Housing will be provided ****

Position Overview:

The K9 Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing daily medical care, preventative treatment, and emergency first‑aid support to all Explosive Detection Canines (EDC/K9s) assigned to the program. This role ensures the health, readiness, welfare, and medical documentation of all working dogs in accordance with contract requirements, animal care standards, veterinary protocols, and base regulations.

The K9 Vet Tech works under the direction of the Kennel Master and DPM‑EDC and coordinates with veterinary providers, handlers, and program management to ensure each canine’s medical needs are addressed promptly. This position plays a critical role in sustaining EDC performance and ensuring the safe execution of K9 detection operations.

Responsibilities:

• Provide routine and emergency medical care for all GWFS‑assigned working dogs on and off compound in accordance with veterinary protocols and program standards.
• Respond immediately to emergency canine care 24/7, providing stabilization and coordination for veterinary referral as required.
• Conduct daily medical assessments, preventative treatments, and routine health checks for assigned EDCs; administer medications, vaccines, supplements, and approved therapeutic treatments.
• Maintain complete and accurate canine veterinary records for all assigned working dogs, including ideal weight range, current weight, medical conditions, treatments, and medications.
• Maintain all required training and certifications and provide documented proof upon request.
• Conduct an annual Veterinary First Aid Course for all Canine Handlers; support refresher training as directed.
• Monitor the day‑to‑day health and welfare of assigned working dogs, including feeding, exercising, grooming, hydration management, and ensuring a clean, safe kennel environment.
• Continuously monitor canine behavior and physical condition; report any changes or concerns immediately to the Deputy Project Manager – Explosive Detection Canine (DPM‑EDC) and Kennel Master.
• Maintain accountability, proper storage, and serviceability of all assigned veterinary equipment and medications; handle biohazard waste and sharps per safety protocols.
• Provide daily boarding support as needed, including feeding, watering, grooming assistance, and administering oral medications.
• Safely and humanely restrain and handle EDCs, including those that may be anxious, fearful, or difficult to manage; apply fear‑free and safe‑handling techniques.
• Assist with transport or escort of canines to veterinary facilities; support rehabilitation, conditioning programs, and injury‑recovery protocols under veterinary guidance.
• Ensure kennels, crates, and medical holding areas are sanitized, temperature‑controlled, and compliant with animal welfare requirements; conduct environmental health checks of kennel areas.
• Support training events, detection drills, and operations by ensuring medical readiness and by responding to incidents during training or missions.
• Coordinate closely with the Kennel Master, handlers, and veterinary providers to ensure timely care, documentation, and follow‑up actions.
• Maintain compliance with UoF policies (as applicable to canine deployment), host‑nation regulations, BOS/base directives, veterinary safety procedures, and contract standards.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and readiness assessments of K9 medical documentation and kennel health conditions.
• Maintain confidentiality of canine medical files, handler information, and all sensitive program documentation.
• Perform additional duties as directed by management.

Qualifications & Requirements:

All candidates must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English at a professional level.
• Must demonstrate Level 3 English language proficiency.
• Be able to pass all medical, physical, and psychological requirements outlined in the contract.
• Meet all contract‑mandated standards, including background checks and required certifications.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Must possess an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or hold a current Veterinary Technician Certificate from an accredited institution.
• Must possess a minimum of two (2) years of Veterinary Technician experience under a licensed Veterinarian.
• Experience working with military working dogs (MWDs), police K9s, or explosive detection canines strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of canine first aid, preventative care, hydration management, environmental injury prevention, and emergency stabilization.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting, restraining, handling, and caring for working canines in high‑tempo or austere environments.
• Familiarity with UoF policies (as applicable to canine deployment), host‑nation regulations, BOS/base directives, and K9 safety standards.
• Ability to maintain accurate medical documentation, logs, and veterinary records for all assigned working dogs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work professionally with handlers, veterinary staff, and leadership.

Work Environment and Location: The employee will work in a temperature-controlled office environment but will have frequent exposure to kennel areas. During visits to areas of operations, employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Demands: The physical demands listed below, though not fully inclusive, must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to move about inside the office and kennel to access files and equipment. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Teleworking: No

Travel: Yes

Benefits: Yes (Healthcare)

GardaWorld and its family of companies is an EOE // Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification program.