Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Supervisor Job in Salem, VA

Vacancy No. CBTA-12758028-25-AL Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $86,962.00 to $113,047.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/3/2025 Close Date 7/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Salem, VA


Summary

The Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) works in Salem, Virginia VA Healthcare in support of the Biomedical Engineering Department by providing leadership, guidance and supervision among assigned employees. Additionally, the Supervisory BESS provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment.

Duties

  • Provides Lifecycle management of all medical systems.
  • Coordinates & works effectively with other facility support departments.
  • Utilizes common test equipment.
  • Performs advanced testing & troubleshooting of medical devices & systems involving their interfaces & connections to information systems.
  • Follows Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement & during system implementation.
  • Loads operating system (OS) & clinical application software as needed.
  • Executes VA guidelines when responding to network incident response.
  • Manages the medical equipment management program.
  • Exercises budgetary authority over the program & is responsible for managing all operating, personnel & discretionary spending.
  • Develops policy for the Biomedical Engineering department & local facility as needed.
  • Translates management goals & objectives into well-coordinated & controlled biomedical work operations.
  • Maintains knowledge of relevant safety codes & standards of regulatory bodies.
  • Documents all work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
  • Implements the Biomedical Section training program, in-house cross training, & vendor training.
  • Functions as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) & keeps appropriate certification levels.
  • Collaborates with Logistics & Contracting to procure parts & services; functions as a purchase card holder.
  • Investigates, remediates & documents recalls & safety alerts.
  • Participates in local safety improvement processes.
  • Identifies hazards during routine job performance & takes action to ensure they are addressed & corrected.
  • Maintains knowledge of state of the art medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, & vendor changes.
  • Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management.
  • Plans for & evaluates acquisition & replacement of complex & critical medical equipment.
  • Develops & annually updates plans for equipment replacement & acquisition.
  • Provides training & education as appropriate to medical technology end users & clinical staff.
  • Provides mentoring & technical training to peers & development graded BESS.
  • Advises the Chief, Engineering Service on construction impacts expected from acquisition of new equipment.
  • Represents Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees & in meetings as delegated by supervisor.
Supervisory Functions:
  • Develops goals, objectives, & policy for the medical equipment management program & monitors progress.
  • Provides analysis, identifies, & plans workload among subordinates in accordance with established workflow &/or job specializations.
  • Sets & adjusts short-term & long-term priorities, & sets deadlines for completion of work as necessary.
  • Revises work schedules to meet anticipated & unanticipated workload.
  • Assigns daily work to staff, establishing priorities based on workload related to BESS & ensures that each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product.
  • Reviews progress of work assignments, modifies as needed & checks completed work for accuracy.
  • Ensures SOPs & standards are followed.
  • Advises supervisor & other management officials as necessary on status of critical medical equipment that may adversely impact veteran care &/or access.
  • Provides input to the annual budget for the unit, & monitors spending throughout the fiscal year to ensure that adequate resources are available to support mission.
  • Evaluates need for service contracts & on-demand vendor service.
  • Leads the team in assessing its strengths & weaknesses & helps explore alternatives to determine what improvements can be made.
  • Develops performance standards for subordinates; evaluates work performance of subordinates using work order & other relevant data.
  • Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on technical & administrative matters.
  • Hears & resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances & more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level supervisor or manager.
  • Effects disciplinary measures, recommending other action in more serious cases.
  • Identifies & provides developmental training needs for employees.
  • Plans for long-range staffing needs, considering changes to medical equipment inventory, medical center strategic plan, & budget.
  • Interviews candidates for positions; recommends selection, appointment, promotion, or reassignments.
  • Recommends awards or bonuses for subordinates.
  • Approves & monitors the use of overtime &/or alternate tours of duty.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday / 7:45am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a trial period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications


Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education
  • Associates degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related technical field such as Electronic Technology or Information Technology and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist; Or,
  • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology; Or,
  • Completion of a military training program in biomedical equipment and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-13Experience: At least one year of experience at the GS-12 grade level that demonstrates the technical competencies described at that level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs at the GS-12 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):(a) Ability to work independently to set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within the service.(b) Ability to develop policy; manage medical equipment life-cycle processes; and provide workload analysis in Healthcare Technology Management operations.(c) Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled biomedical work operations.*(d) Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; assessments of competency; evaluation of performance; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G49, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard GS-1601

Physical Requirements: Performance of the employee's duties can be physically demanding. Work assignments involve: desk and bench work; on-site system restorations that require extended periods of walking, sitting, and standing; lifting objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting heavier objects is necessary. Objects may be awkward in balance or shape. The employee will be required to climb on ladders and scaffolds. Bending and the ability to work in awkward positions and cramped quarters will occasionally be required of the employee. The work performed is of a precise nature requiring prolonged concentration. Priorities often change and deadlines are often tight and hard to meet. Failure to meet deadlines has direct impact to patient scheduling and may result in canceled or outsourced procedures/exams. Employee, at times, works under conditions of extreme stress and must be able to interact effectively with medical staff and perform work in a calm analytical manner.

Work Environment: Work places are generally well lighted and ventilated. He/she will be required to work in areas where contagious disease and patient bodily fluids exist. There is exposure to noxious chemicals, contagious diseases, and the risk of infection resulting from scrapes and scratches. The employee must always be aware of safety hazards and take appropriate actions to minimize or avoid safety risks. He/she must observe all local and national safety codes; comply with all safety factors of the trade to prevent fires and injury to patients, visitors, and staff. Personal protective equipment must be used when appropriate. He/she must immediately report accidents or injuries to appropriate supervision. He/she must know procedures for working in these areas and use all appropriate safety tools, clothing, etc., to protect self, other staff, visitors, and patients. The employee may be expected to participate in overtime work at night and on weekends. Also, the employee may be expected to work irregular tours of duty. Travel between the remote clinics and facilities within VISN will be occasionally required.

Assignments: Supervisory Biomedical Engineering Support Specialists are generally found in Complexity Level 1 (High Complexity) facilities. The supervisory BESS is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of lower level BESSs. The incumbent supports the Chief Biomedical Engineer with assisting in the administrative and professional responsibilities of planning and directing the Biomedical Engineering/Healthcare Technology Management staff activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic. Incumbent may have full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit if there is not a Biomedical Engineer at the facility. Typical duties may include: preparing work assignments, monitoring medical equipment life-cycle management performances of Biomedical Engineering/Healthcare Technology Management staff, conducting performance appraisals, and other technical and administrative responsibilities to ensure that the mission of the service and the medical center has been satisfied. The supervisor assures compliance with accrediting agency and regulatory requirements; establishes and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall Biomedical Engineering service quality management program, and assures corrective action is initiated as needed. The supervisor assures orientation and competency assessment of assigned staff. The supervisor develops policies and procedures, manages document control, develops performance standards, position descriptions and functional statements. They may be responsible for professional and administrative management of an assigned area to include budget execution. The supervisor will maintain interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/11/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12758028.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Andrew Larrison
Address
Salem VA Medical Center
1970 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.