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.

• Performs general maintenance tasks such as replacing ceiling tiles, hanging pictures, moving furniture and equipment, emptying trash, washing windows, cleaning supply and return grilles, unplugging drains with plunger. Uses high pressure washer to clean areas and equipment. Utilizes lift, pallet jack, and other related equipment to complete assignments.
• Performs grounds maintenance duties such as mowing with large or complex riding mowers, tilling, edging, cutting trees and shrubs with chain saw, picking up trash, raking graveled patio areas, and manually watering lawns with hoses and sprinklers. Digs and fills holes or trenches. Breaks up concrete or asphalt using jackhammer. Rakes and levels areas for landscaping.
• Hauls materials and supplies to mechanical rooms, shops, and roof.
• Cleans various areas in and around the clinic such as Maintenance shop, Maintenance Plant, grounds, roof, and penthouses.
• Picks up and delivers supplies, parts, and equipment from suppliers to the Service Unit and from the store rooms to maintenance locations.
• Performs cleaning tasks as assigned and reports any problems or situations.
• Vacuums, sweeps and mops floors and maintains floors such as concrete, sheet vinyl, and carpet. Uses residential, commercial, and industrial cleaning equipment such as buffers, vacuums, and shampooers. Performs routine maintenance on equipment operated.

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.

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: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

• Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

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): Have the ability to perform the work of a Laborer (Maintenance), without more than normal supervision. Following oral or written instructions and/or work orders; performing basic building maintenance duties such as replacing ceiling tile, painting, change light bulbs, caulking, and door hardware; performing janitorial/custodial duties such as, emptying outdoor trash bins, picking up trash, and cleaning windows; and grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, trimming, blowing clippings, washing off entrances, landscaping, performing ice and snow removal from sidewalks and entrance ways; performing cleanup of spills, debris, and litter from outside areas and in maintenance areas.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates for this position will be evaluated under the Federal Wage System (FWS) Job Grading Standards. Applicants will be rated in the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Each of the job elements must be addressed on the on-line assessment questionnaire in order for the applicant to be rated for the position. Your resume must reflect the answers to your on-line assessment questionnaire.

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.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Dexterity and Safety

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
• Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
• Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12930763.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 05/12/2026, to be considered.

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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: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-04.30.25_508.pdf. 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.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 05/12/2026

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