Equipment Specialist

Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3.

These are the major duties that performed at the full-performance level:

• Performs installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, calibration, repair, and modification of complex biomedical, x-ray dental instrumentation, and complex support equipment systems made up of multiple systems.
• Formulates methods and techniques to perform scheduled and unscheduled preventive maintenance on and to assure operation and safety of biomedical, x-ray and dental equipment. Insures compliance with regulating agencies for medical devices and radiation safety, and takes corrective action if radiological systems and medical devices are in non-compliance.
• Calibrates and tests performance of entire complex medical systems made up of several sub-systems. Designs and establishes test systems to measure and evaluate equipment reliability.
• Designs, installs, and maintains Picture Archiving and Communications Systems, and knowledge to maintain network connectivity between modalities, brokers, servers and health information systems. Designs, installs and troubleshoots patient monitoring systems, telemetry systems, and patient monitoring networks.

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

May be required to respond to urgent medical equipment failures outside normal duty hours and may be subject to callback, standby, or irregular work schedules when necessary to restore equipment required for patient care.

A valid Driver's license is required.

Must complete required occupational training.

The incumbent may be required to lift, carry, position, or move medical equipment and tools weighing up to 75 pounds, with assistance or mechanical devices when appropriate.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.


BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Individual Occupational Requirements:

Education:Undergraduate Education: Major study -- any field of study in an accredited college or university.

Graduate Education:Major study -- fields related to the position to be filled.

or

Experience: Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Working as a skilled mechanic or maintenance worker, sales or service engineer, or planner or estimator in a technical group dealing with manufacture, utilization, repair, or operation of equipment.
• Reviewing and applying technical specifications and requirements.
• Analyzing equipment and forecasting spare parts requirements.
• Reading and interpreting engineering change orders, equipment requisitions, shop orders, and work orders.
• Analyzing contract specifications and examining pertinent equipment to determine if specifications are met.
• Analyzing or supervising maintenance, repair, or production operations to determine methods of improvement.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-05
Three years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level that equipped me with the particular knowledge of the characteristics, uses, and properties of equipment. This experience may have been gained in trades or crafts, engineering technician, production control, inspection, or other work related to the specialization of the position to be filled. Technical school may be credited as general experience in accordance with the following criteria: Full-time resident study in a technical institute above the high school or trade school level on a month-for-month basis. Completion of a full 4-year curriculum in a technical or vocational high school for up to 6 months of general experience. Completion of a resident trade school course of at least 1 year in the manufacture, repair, or maintenance of equipment for up to 1 year of general experience.
OR
A 4-year Bachelor's Degree in any field in an accredited college or university. Note: You must provide a copies of your transcripts.
OR
A combination of the general experience and the education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-07
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Experience performing preventive maintenance, inspections, functional testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and basic repair of biomedical equipment used in a healthcare environment. Experience following manufacturer service manuals, documenting maintenance activities, using electronic test equipment, and maintaining equipment records while working under the guidance of senior biomedical staff.
OR
One full-year (18 semester hours) of graduate level education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
A Bachelor's degree in any field in an accredited college or university with Superior Academic Achievement.
OR
A combination of the specialized experience and education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-09
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Maintain biomedical equipment by completing preventive maintenance schedules; conduct tests; follow manufacturer's instructions; troubleshoot and repair malfunctions; call for special service; evaluate service contracts; maintain equipment inventories.
OR
A Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR
A combination of the specialized experience and education.



Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. There is no "pass/fail" outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position. For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13092626

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of 12/31/2026, to be considered.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:

• Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
• Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
• Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
• Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
• Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
• Superior Academic Achievement: If claiming eligibility for Superior Academic Achievement, candidates must provide copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) must be included at the time of initial application. If unable to obtain transcripts, candidates must provide sufficient evidence to validate courses completed and credit hours earned. Eligibility is based on one of the following:

1. Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision and based on completed courses.
2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a G.P.A. of: a.) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (''B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b.) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed here Association of College Honor Societies. Official transcripts may be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.

The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 7 days after the JOA open date.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2026

Next steps