Duties
Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or result in you losing consideration for the job. This position is located at Inscription House Health Center, Laboratory Department, Inscription House, AZ. The incumbent:
- Performs urine chemistry screening procedures using dipstick methods and a Total Solids Meter. Prepares specimens by centrifugation for microscopic examination.
- Operates the automated chemistry/hematology analyzers. Work includes procedures necessary to conduct analyses of patient specimens and also quality control, daily maintenance, and calibration procedures.
- Performs initial culture procedures from biological specimens. Reads and records results of all routine cultures. Prepares and examines gram stains either directly from specimens submitted or from growth in culture plates.
- Maintains records of laboratory requisitions and results for the laboratory and referral laboratories. Collects and summarizes workload data. Enters Quality Control data into respective logs or computer. Investigates, corrects, and documents actions taken when quality control results are unacceptable.
- Obtains venous and capillary blood samples and processes them for testing in the laboratory or shipment to a referral laboratory. Prepares specimens that require special handling, e.g. frozen serum, amniocentesis fluid or cells for genetic studies.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial 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.
Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required.
IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
On-call hours or standby duty may be required.
Incumbent may be subject to work schedules on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Incumbent may be subject to call back.
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.
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.
Specialized Experience
For positions at GS-4 and above: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.
OR
Education and Training
For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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:
GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Examples include: Perform a variety of standardized tests and examinations under complete technical supervision; following written procedures which provide detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations including the techniques, procedures, stains, reagents, chemicals, temperatures, measurements, controls to use and observe, machine settings, etc.; performing phlebotomy services; determining correct blood specimen for tests ordered; and adhering to quality control procedures.
OR
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled. Examples of related subjects include chemistry, hematology, blood banking, microbiology, or biological sciences.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience that when combined fully meet the qualifications for the GS-05 grade level. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements.
GS-06: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Examples include: Performing a variety of standardized tests and examinations under normal technical supervision; following written procedures which provide detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations including the techniques, procedures, stains, reagents, chemical, temperatures, measurements, controls to use and observe, machine settings, etc.; performing phlebotomy services; determining correct blood specimen for tests ordered; and adhering to quality control procedures.
GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Examples include: Performing a variety of standardized tests and examinations under minimal or no technical supervision; following written procedures which provide detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations including the techniques, procedures, stains, reagents, chemical, temperatures, measurements, controls to use and observe, machine settings, etc.; performing phlebotomy services; determining correct blood specimen for tests ordered; and adhering to quality control procedures.
OR
One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in a field that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
A combination of graduate education in a field that is directly related to the work of the position and specialized experience that when combined fully meet the qualifications for the GS-07 grade level.
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.
Education
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
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.
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.
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 and your responses to the assessment questions.
You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following.
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Skills
- Technology Application
You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaires. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.
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. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. 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.
Click here to view vacancy questions:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12506669. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 08/13/2025, to be considered.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
- Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
- Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
- Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
- Complete the assessment questions.
- Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Claircita Richards, Claircita.Richards@ihs.gov, and/or 928-697-4346.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here:
http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~